Bird flu transmission to house cats has reached concerning levels, with veterinarians confirming fatal cases linked to unpasteurized milk and raw pet food. While public H5N1 infection remains rare, virologists warn close contact with infected cats creates new pathways for zoonotic spread.
Recent outbreaks confirm at least 10 U.S. cat fatalities from avian influenza this year. 'Every time a cat gets infected, the virus gets another ticket to mutate,' explains Dr. Angela Rasmussen.
'Reducing your cat’s exposure cuts your pandemic risk'
Veterinary organizations now advocate three essential precautions:
- Eliminate raw diets and unpasteurized dairy
- Restrict outdoor hunting activities
- Ensure rabies and flu vaccinations current
Despite industry disputes over frozen pet food recalls, the FDA now mandates stricter safety protocols following a lethal indoor cat infection in Oregon. Los Angeles County confirms H5N1 clusters in cats consuming contaminated raw milk from Central Valley dairies.
Bruce Kornreich of Cornell’s Feline Health Center stresses vigilance: 'This virus moves through species we never predicted. Outdoor cats face exponentially higher risks.' While current human cases remain isolated to farmworkers, the 2016 H7N2 cat-to-vet transmission proves cross-species jumps occur.