People Can Spread Bird Flu to Their Cats

A US Study Suggests a Risk for Domestic Felines

A recent study published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that people can transmit bird flu to their domestic cats, with fatal consequences.

Two Household Case Studies

Two household case studies from Michigan in May 2024 were published in the agency’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, as fears grow that the virus could mutate and cause a human pandemic.

Fatal Consequences

Both case studies involved pet owners who worked at or near dairy cattle farms affected by bird flu, and both resulted in the deaths of infected felines.

First Case Study

In the first case, a five-year-old indoor female cat rapidly developed a loss of appetite, poor grooming habits, disorientation, lethargy, and neurological deterioration.

Her condition worsened quickly, requiring emergency care at the Michigan State University (MSU) Veterinary Medical Center.

Despite intervention, her symptoms progressed, and she was euthanized within four days. Post-mortem testing confirmed she had contracted bird flu.

Second Case Study

Two other cats lived in the same household. One exhibited mild symptoms, which the owners attributed to allergies, and they ceased communication with public health officials.

Among the household members, the farm worker declined testing, while an adult and two adolescents tested negative for bird flu.

Unpasteurised Milk Connection

Days later, a second case involving a six-month-old male Maine Coon was brought to the university. The cat exhibited symptoms including anorexia, lethargy, facial swelling, and limited movement, and died within 24 hours.

This cat lived with another feline that remained unaffected.

The Maine Coon’s owner regularly transported unpasteurised milk from various Michigan farms, including those confirmed to have infected dairy cattle.

The owner reported handling raw milk without protective gear, frequently getting splashed in the face, eyes, and clothing, and failing to change work clothes before entering the home.

Notably, the sick cat frequently rolled in the owner’s contaminated work clothes, whereas the unaffected cat did not.

Expert Advice

“Farmworkers are encouraged to consider removing clothing and footwear and to rinse off any animal by-product residue (including milk and faeces) before entering households,” the CDC researchers advised.

Global Concerns

Since the US outbreak began in 2024, 69 human cases of bird flu have been officially reported in the US, though the true number may be significantly higher due to limited testing among farm workers. One person has died.

Experts warn that as the virus continues to circulate widely among mammals and birds, it could eventually mix with seasonal influenza, potentially mutating into a strain capable of efficient human-to-human transmission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can people spread bird flu to their cats?
A: Yes, according to a recent US study, people can transmit bird flu to their domestic cats, with fatal consequences.

Q: How does the virus spread?
A: The virus can spread through contaminated unpasteurised milk, direct contact with infected animals, and potentially through contaminated clothing and personal items.

Q: What is the risk to human health?
A: The risk to human health is significant, as the virus could potentially mutate and cause a human pandemic.

Q: What is being done to contain the outbreak?
A: The CDC is working to contain the outbreak by advising farmworkers to take precautions, such as removing clothing and footwear, and rinsing off any animal by-product residue before entering households.