Bird Flu in Colorado Now Affecting Domestic Cats: A Growing Concern

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Colorado's ongoing battle with the H5N1 bird flu has taken a new turn as the virus is now being detected in domestic cats. This alarming situation marks the expansion of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain into yet another animal species, raising concerns among veterinarians and public health officials alike.

 

According to the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), six cases of Influenza A, commonly referred to as HPAI H5N1, have been confirmed in domestic cats within the state this year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported that at least five of these cases were found in Northern Colorado, specifically in Larimer, Adams, and Morgan counties. This outbreak is part of a broader pattern, with the virus having already been detected in a wide array of Colorado mammals, including deer mice, prairie voles, raccoons, skunks, foxes, mountain lions, bobcats, and even black bears since 2022.

 

The rapid spread of the virus across different species is deeply concerning to experts. "It's just remarkable how fast and furious it's moving. So I hope we can get a handle on it soon," said Kay Russo, a Colorado veterinarian with RSM Consulting who has extensive experience working with both dairy cows and poultry. This year, these two groups have been particularly hard hit by the virus, highlighting the potential for widespread impact across different animal populations.

 

As of now, there are no reported cases of humans contracting H5N1 from infected cats, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. However, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that the risk to the general public remains low. A spokesperson for the state health department emphasized that "people with direct contact to infected cats should be considered at the same risk as those in direct contact with other infected animals, such as cows or poultry." The full extent of the risk of human infection from contact with cats is not yet well understood, adding another layer of uncertainty to the situation.

 

The five feline cases listed on the USDA's website have all been identified as the H5N1 strain, a detail that has heightened concern among health experts. May Chu, an epidemiologist and clinical professor at the Colorado School of Public Health, noted that more testing is urgently needed. She called for the sequencing of the full genome of these viral strains to better understand the chain of transmission and the potential for further spread.

 

The situation is particularly perplexing because two of the six infected cats were classified as "indoor-only" and had no direct exposure to the virus, as stated on the CVMA website. In contrast, three of the cases involved cats that were known to be both indoor and outdoor, hunting mice and small birds, which could have been the source of the infection. Russo speculated that the link between indoor cats and the virus might be connected to infected mice entering homes. "I think the link is potentially here with the house cats that don't go outside is we're seeing a lot of mice that are testing positive for H5N1. So I wonder perhaps if these wild mice populations are picking up the virus and then bringing that into the houses," Russo explained.

 

Another possibility raised by Russo is that some cat owners might be unknowingly contributing to the spread of the virus by feeding their pets a raw diet or by underestimating the amount of time their supposedly indoor cats spend outdoors. However, the fact that strictly indoor cats have been affected remains a significant cause for concern.

 

Given the rising risks, cat owners, particularly those living near agricultural areas, are advised to be more vigilant. Russo suggests that owners "probably try to keep your cats indoors a little more than what you have done in the past, given the increased risk and respond fairly quickly if you start to see signs" of illness. The CVMA echoes this advice, urging people to limit contact between their pets and wild birds, as well as ill livestock or potentially contaminated areas.

 

Precautions should also extend to personal hygiene and behavior. The CVMA recommends changing clothing and shoes after interacting with animals or birds of unknown health status before interacting with personal pets. Washing hands thoroughly after handling animals outside the home is crucial, as is avoiding contact with sick or dead wildlife.

 

If a pet shows signs of illness, it is vital to contact a veterinarian immediately. According to the CVMA, symptoms to watch for include decreased energy and appetite, which can quickly progress to more severe neurological symptoms such as lack of coordination, inability to stand, tremors, and seizures. Respiratory symptoms like nasal mucus, coughing, or sneezing may also be present. Russo stressed the importance of recognizing these signs, particularly the neurological ones, and seeking veterinary care without delay. "As soon as you start to see that progression, which is fairly rapid from what I've understood, get that animal into the veterinarian and alert your veterinarian that you are seeing symptoms that could be indicative of influenza infection," she advised.

 

The situation is further complicated by the zoonotic nature of the virus, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Russo emphasized the need for proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling sick animals to prevent potential transmission. "It's really important that the owners and the veterinarians observe utilization of proper PPE because this is in fact a zoonotic infection," she warned.

 

The ongoing spread of the virus into more mammalian species in Colorado adds to concerns that H5N1 could eventually mutate into a strain that poses a greater threat to humans, either by increasing in virulence or becoming more easily transmissible. While public health officials maintain that the current risk to the broader public is low and that there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, the situation remains fluid. The mystery surrounding the exact mechanisms of how the virus is spreading between different species, particularly mammals, is a significant challenge for researchers and health officials.

 

The CVMA's website provides additional recommendations for veterinarians who are evaluating potential cases of H5 bird flu in domestic cats. The association advises that any questions from veterinarians be directed to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s zoonoses team or the Animal Health Division of the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

 

For those in Colorado seeking more information, the USDA's HPAI Detections in Mammals webpage offers details on when and where the feline cases were detected. Additionally, the state health department encourages veterinarians assessing HPAI in domestic felines to consult the guidance available from the CVMA.

 

As Colorado continues to grapple with the spread of H5N1 among its wildlife and domestic animals, the detection of the virus in domestic cats serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and swift action in the face of a rapidly evolving public health threat.

 

Credit: CPR  2024-08-14

 

 

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[Tug]

I must restrain myself on this one……it’s hard……anyway hope the kitteys survive and don’t pass it on.

[RichardColeman]

Ah, Democrat party leader to hide in the bunker for an election again then

[candide]

It's just a flu! 😃