USDA and APHIS Warns of More Domestic Cats Getting Infected with H5N1 in the United States

Medical News: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have raised an alarm over the increasing cases of H5N1, or avian influenza, being detected in domestic cats across the United States. This emerging issue highlights a growing concern for pet owners, veterinarians, and public health officials. As cases continue to surface, the need for vigilance and preventative measures is more pressing than ever.


USDA and APHIS Warns of More Domestic Cats Getting Infected with H5N1 in the United States

Bird Flu Confirmed in Domestic Cat in New Orleans
Recently, Louisiana reported a confirmed case of a domestic cat infected with H5N1 in New Orleans. According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the cat was diagnosed on January 14, 2025, after being collected for testing a week earlier. This incident adds to a series of infections involving both animals and, in rare cases, humans in the state.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals
 
The Louisiana Department of Health announced earlier this month that a human fatality linked to H5N1 occurred in the state. The individual, aged over 65 with underlying medical conditions, was believed to have contracted the virus through exposure to backyard poultry and wild birds.
https://ldh.la.gov/news/H5N1-death#
 
Despite this tragic case, state health officials maintain that the risk to the general public remains low, though individuals who work closely with birds or other animals may face heightened risks.
 
This Medical News report explores the implications of this trend, focusing on how domestic cats are becoming unwitting victims of the virus and what steps pet owners can take to safeguard their feline companions.
 
Rising Cases in Cats Across Multiple States
In recent updates, APHIS reported six new confirmed cases of H5N1 in domestic cats from various states, including California, Kansas, Louisiana, Iowa, and South Dakota.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals
 
These detections, primarily from samples collected in January, point to a worrying trend. In some instances, cats were exposed to the virus through infected wild birds or contaminated raw food.
 
Cats on dairy farms have been particularly vulnerable, often contracting the virus after drinking milk from infected cows. Meanwhile, outdoor cats face risks from hunting and consuming infected songbirds or small mammals. Even indoor cats are not entirely safe, as they can be exposed through raw pet food containing co ntaminated poultry or other animal products.
 
How Cats Contract Bird Flu
Domestic cats can contract H5N1 in several ways:
 
-Hunting and Preying on Infected Birds: Outdoor cats that hunt wild birds are at significant risk.
 
-Exposure to Contaminated Raw Food: The virus has been linked to raw pet food and unpasteurized milk.
 
-Contact with Infected Livestock: Cats living on or near farms with infected animals are particularly vulnerable.
 
A notable case involved two cats in Los Angeles County that tested positive for H5N1 after consuming raw milk from a dairy farm. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responded by requiring pet food manufacturers to enhance their safety protocols to mitigate the risk of contamination.
 
Symptoms to Watch For
Pet owners should remain alert for symptoms of H5N1 in cats, which include:
-Lethargy
-Runny nose
-Eye discharge
-Respiratory distress
- issues such as dizziness or seizures
 
It is essential to consult a veterinarian promptly if any of these symptoms are observed, particularly in cats with outdoor access or those fed raw diets.
 
Can Cats Transmit Bird Flu to Humans?
While rare, there is a minimal risk of cat-to-human transmission. Experts suggest that cats act as "dead-end hosts," meaning they cannot easily pass the virus to other animals or humans. However, close contact with infected cats could, in theory, provide an opportunity for the virus to mutate and adapt to human hosts.
 
One study has already showed that the H5N1 had mutated in cats and had become more neurotrophic.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2024.2440498
 
There have been no confirmed cases of H5N1 transmission from cats to humans during this outbreak. However, a previous instance involving a different avian influenza strain (H7N1) did result in a veterinarian contracting the virus from infected cats in 2016. Fortunately, the individual experienced mild symptoms and recovered fully.
 
Why This Matters
The potential for H5N1 to evolve into a form that spreads more easily among humans is a significant concern for public health. As domestic cats interact with both wild animals and people, they could inadvertently act as intermediaries for the virus to adapt to human hosts. Ian Gill Bemis, a researcher studying avian influenza in cats, warns that feeding raw food to pets could increase the risk of such a crossover event.
 
Preventative Measures for Pet Owners
To minimize the risk of H5N1 infection, pet owners should:

-Avoid Feeding Raw Food: Choose commercially prepared pet food that has been cooked or pasteurized.
 
-Keep Cats Indoors: Limiting outdoor access reduces exposure to infected birds or animals.
 
-Maintain Vaccinations: Ensure cats are up-to-date on all vaccinations, including those for rabies and respiratory illnesses.
 
-Monitor Symptoms: Seek veterinary care if signs of illness appear.
Practice Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling pets or cleaning litter boxes.
 
The Bigger Picture
H5N1 has already demonstrated its ability to infect a wide range of species, including over 90 bird species and 20 mammalian species. With a mortality rate of 67% in felines, the stakes are high for pet owners and public health officials alike. Dr. Suresh Kuchipudi, a veterinary microbiologist, emphasizes the importance of expanding surveillance to include domestic cats and other companion animals, alongside livestock and wild birds.
 
Conclusion
The increasing prevalence of H5N1 in domestic cats underscores the need for heightened awareness and precautionary measures. While the current risk to humans remains low, the potential for the virus to adapt and become more transmissible is a genuine concern. Pet owners must take proactive steps to protect their furry companions and reduce the likelihood of transmission.
 
As experts continue to monitor and study the virus, collaboration between public health agencies, veterinarians, and pet owners will be crucial in mitigating its impact. For now, the key to keeping both pets and humans safe lies in vigilance, prevention, and staying informed.
 
For the latest H5N1 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
Read Also:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.30.24306585v1
 
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/italian-and-american-scientists-explore-microwave-technology-to-fight-against-airborne-h5n1-avian-flu-virus
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/h5n1-avian-flu