Cat Brood Virus Insights from Veterinarian and Preventive Strategies

The United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reported a concerning rise in cases of bird flu infecting domestic cats. As of now, there have been 62 confirmed cases since December 2022, with a significant spike of 49 cases occurring since February 2024.

To diagnose bird flu in a cat, veterinarians perform throat swabs and collect samples of urine, serum, or blood. The fatality rate for cats diagnosed with bird flu is reportedly around 67 percent, making it a serious health concern for feline pets.

Symptoms of bird flu in cats can include sneezing, coughing, labored breathing, loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, discharge from the eyes and/or nose, depression, seizures, clumsy gait (ataxia), and blindness. If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, prompt veterinary care is crucial.

One of the more concerning ways that cats are contracting bird flu is through the consumption of raw cat food. To help prevent bird flu in cats, avoid feeding raw pet food containing raw poultry or bird parts. Additionally, do not allow your cat to consume any raw milk products or unpasteurized milk, as these can also pose a risk.

In a case reported in California, a cat tested positive for bird flu after eating Monarch Raw Pet Food. However, it's important to note that there are no specific public reports or confirmed cases naming current raw cat food manufacturers whose products are contaminated with bird flu. No listed companies in Germany or elsewhere have been identified as producing contaminated raw cat food as of now.

To further reduce the risk of exposure, keep your cat indoors. Cats can get bird flu if they are exposed to or consume wild birds or farm birds. Regular veterinary check-ups are also essential during this outbreak to catch any potential cases early.

A nationwide recall was issued by Northwest Naturals due to a cat's death from bird flu traced to contaminated raw turkey cat food. Cases of bird flu have also been detected in cats who have consumed raw milk infected with bird flu. Pasteurization inactivates the bird flu virus, so always ensure that any dairy products your cat consumes are pasteurized.

Mild cases of respiratory illness in cats may never be tested for bird flu, so it's essential to be vigilant and report any unusual symptoms to your veterinarian. By taking these precautions, you can help protect your cat from the ongoing bird flu outbreak.