Two home, indoor cats in King and Snohomish counties in Washington state have examined constructive for H5N1 avian flu after consuming probably contaminated uncooked pet meals, and extra cats are being examined for the virus, the Washington State Division of Agriculture (WSDA) introduced yesterday.
The house owners advised authorities that they fed their cats Wild Coast Uncooked pet meals, the identical model implicated in current feline sicknesses in Oregon. One of many Washington cats needed to be euthanized, and the opposite, from a separate family, is receiving therapy. The cats’ family members are being monitored for 10 days.
The circumstances come on the heels of H5N1 extremely pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detections earlier this month in 10 pet cats in 5 states: California, Colorado, Oregon, Kansas, and New Mexico.
Folks can turn out to be contaminated if the virus enters their eyes, nostril, or mouth—corresponding to by dealing with contaminated pet meals or touching contaminated surfaces, particularly with out totally washing their palms afterward.
“Thus far, there have been no documented human circumstances of HPAI following publicity to an contaminated cat or contaminated uncooked pet meals merchandise,” the WSDA mentioned. “The at present circulating pressure of HPAI is taken into account low danger to the general public, however there may be better danger for many who deal with contaminated uncooked pet meals merchandise or who look after contaminated animals.”
“Folks can turn out to be contaminated if the virus enters their eyes, nostril, or mouth—corresponding to by dealing with contaminated pet meals or touching contaminated surfaces, particularly with out totally washing their palms afterward,” the company added.
Widespread indicators of H5N1 an infection in cats are lethargy, lack of urge for food, fever, and hypothermia. The an infection can progress to pneumonia, neurologic abnormalities, and higher respiratory an infection.
“This can be a tough state of affairs, we love our pets, and it is devastating after they fall in poor health,” WSDA subject veterinarian Zac Turner, DVM, mentioned within the information launch. “In case your cat is exhibiting signs, seek the advice of a veterinarian as quickly as doable.”
The WSDA advises in opposition to feeding uncooked pet meals or uncooked milk to animals.
Dairy cattle detections in Nevada, California
Additionally yesterday, the US Division of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Well being Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed 3 extra H5N1 detections in dairy cattle, with 2 in Nevada and 1 in California, bringing the nationwide whole to 976.
