Worried your cat is at risk for bird flu? Here's how to spot it

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Recently, the emergence of avian influenza or bird flu in feline populations has raised concerns among veterinarians and cat owners. While bird flu primarily affects avian species, certain strains have crossed species barriers, leading to infections in mammals, including domestic cats.

Avian influenza is caused by influenza A viruses. Among the various subtypes, H5N1 has been notably pathogenic in birds and has sporadically infected mammals. Cats can contract avian influenza through direct contact with infected birds, consumption of contaminated raw poultry or bird carcasses or exposure to environments contaminated with the virus.

In the US, instances have been reported of domestic cats becoming ill after consuming raw pet food containing contaminated poultry, leading to recalls of such products. Clinical signs in cats infected with bird flu can vary but often include respiratory distress such as coughing, sneezing and laboured breathing. Systemic symptoms like fever, lethargy and loss of appetite are also common.

In severe cases, neurological manifestations such as seizures or disorientation may occur. These symptoms typically develop within a few days after exposure. It’s important to note that other feline illnesses can present with similar respiratory and systemic signs.

For instance, feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus are common causes of upper respiratory infections in cats, often referred to as “cat flu." Bacterial infections, allergies, or exposure to irritants can also result in such symptoms. Accurate diagnosis by a veterinarian is crucial to determine the underlying cause and recommend proper treatment. In India, while only three cases of avian influenza affecting