The New York City Health Department has issued guidelines for pet owners after two cats from separate households were infected with bird flu. The infected cat, an 8-month-old kitten on the Upper West Side, consumed raw chicken and was euthanized due to severe illness. The department advises against feeding pets raw food or milk, as well as keeping them indoors to prevent contact with wild birds or other animals.
If a pet shows signs of illness such as cloudy eyes, coughing, or difficulty breathing, owners should immediately contact a veterinarian. Health experts emphasize that the risk of bird flu transmission between people remains low, but precautions are necessary.
Savage Cat, a raw pet food company, had previously warned its clients about potential correlations with the bird flu after a cat in Colorado was infected. The company is awaiting further testing results on their products and working with the FDA to gather information.
Pet owners can take steps to mitigate the spread of bird flu by keeping their cats indoors and avoiding contact with wild birds or other animals. The department is providing more information on mitigating the risk, including signs to watch out for in cats and how to prevent exposure.
Source: https://abc7ny.com/post/bird-flu-nyc-2-cats-infected-h5-avian-influenza/16027633