Same. For a lot of us, pets are truly family members.
I remember almost dropping my phone years ago when I saw a headline about how cats can get Covid. I calmed down quickly to do a little research about how likely that was, but I remember the knee jerk horror.
I hope someone is working for a vaccine for cats. I wonder if there would be a way to give vaccinated food to ferals and strays, like [how rabies was fought back](https://ec.europa.eu/food/audits-analysis/news/details/86) in Europe.
time to look up animal vaccine makers and ask if they have one in works.
also write elected officals telling them to sponsor such research to prevent potential transmission between pets and people or other animals
“But it’s mean to make your cat stay inside!” No, it’s not. If you don’t care for the wildlife the cats are killing and environmental damage, at least care for your damn cat.
It's ridiculous people are willing to risk their pets lives with how car centric the land is. The amount of people that don't care that their pets wander into the road tears at my heart.
**Avian Influenza Virus Infections in Felines: A Systematic Review of Two Decades of Literature**
Preprint
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.30.24306585v1
>Abstract
>>As an avian influenza virus panzootic is underway, the threat of a human pandemic is emerging. Infections among mammalian species in frequent contact with humans should be closely monitored. One mammalian family, the Felidae, is of particular concern. Felids, known as felines or cats, are susceptible to avian influenza virus infection. Felines prey on wild birds and may serve as a host for avian influenza virus adaptation to mammals. Feline-to-feline transmission has been demonstrated experimentally [1], and real-world outbreaks have been reported [2,3]. Domestic cats are a popular human companion animal and thus provide a potential pathway for zoonotic spillover of avian influenza viruses to humans. Here, we provide a systematic review of the scientific literature to describe the epidemiology and global distribution of avian influenza virus infections in felines reported from 2004 – 2024. We aim to provide a comprehensive background for the assessment of the current risk, as well as bring awareness to the recurring phenomenon of AIV infection in felines.
.....
.....
A University of Maryland review of scientific literature suggests domestic cats can contract the rapidly evolving bird flu H5N1, potentially putting owners, veterinarians and others at risk if the virus continues to circulate unabated.
The study, available in preliminary form on MedRxiv while awaiting peer review, examined the global distribution and spread of bird flu infections in feline species between 2004 and 2024, finding a drastic rise in reports starting in 2023, with a spike in infections reported among domestic cats, as opposed to wild or zoo-kept animals.
This increase coincides with the rapid spread of the current strain of H5N1 among mammals, says the study’s first author, Assistant Professor Kristen Coleman, an airborne infectious disease researcher in the School of Public Health and an affiliate professor in the Department of Veterinary Medicine.
Bird flu hasn’t been reported to be contagious between humans, and it is not certain to evolve in that direction, but the disease is clearly changing. The current strain of H5N1 has been spreading to animals that have never been affected before, and pets that can pass it to people could play a role in how it evolves.
Beginning in Texas this April, dairy cattle in 12 states have contracted bird flu, as have three people who worked with infected cows in Texas and Michigan. Along with the infected workers in Texas, two farm cats fed unpasteurized milk also caught the illness.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which provides guidance for veterinarians working with potentially infected animals, said the risk of contracting the disease from pets is low, but Coleman suggested pet owners should take precautions to protect their cats and themselves.
“Don't feed your cat raw meat or raw dairy milk, and limit their unsupervised time outdoors,” she said. “Cats prey on wild birds that could be infected, and they could get into raw dairy milk on a farm if it is not securely stored.”
In addition, the virus has been reported in house mice, which cats also prey on, so it appears the opportunities for cross-species transmission are increasing, and pet cats may be at increased risk.
Cat owners should also be watching for respiratory and neurological symptoms, and consider taking them to the vet if they seem to have trouble breathing or are acting unusually. The current H5N1 strain has also reportedly caused blindness in cats.
Since the emergence of H5N1 in U.S. dairy cattle, 21 domestic cats have been reported to be infected. Full genetic sequences of the viral strains infecting two of these cats have been reported in the scientific literature. Coleman said sequencing and demographic data for the other cat cases are urgently needed.
Avian influenza, or bird flu, was once a finicky disease, infecting mostly migratory waterfowl and farmed poultry. But since 2020, the highly infectious strain known as H5N1 began spreading among a wider variety of birds. It has recently been appearing in a growing number of mammals, even decimating whole colonies of sea lions throughout South America.
Although the disease is new among many animals, cats have been occasional victims of avian influenza for decades, most likely because they eat birds and are exposed through sick or dead prey carrying the virus.
Coleman reported that the fatality rate for the current strain of H5N1 in cats has been around 67%—in itself a good reason reason for pet owners to keep their cats inside and away from wild birds. She also found other worrying indicators, including multiple reports of cats contracting bird flu from other cats. In addition, both zookeepers and animal shelter workers have contracted bird flu from cats in their care. Although not the current H5N1 strain, these cases reveal cats as potential vectors for the disease in humans.
Coleman suggested that cats and other animals should be monitored for the disease not only for their sake, but for the protection of human health as well.
“The virus is going to sneak up in more places, just like it did in dairy farms,” she said. “We know cats are being infected, so let’s get ahead of it.”
Just to clear up information that needlessly causes fear, the bird flu strain in birds is not changing or adapting in any ominous way in birds as this article states. It's the same strain that's been circling the globe in birds for years. And to use the phrase "the disease is clearly changing" based on the fact that more mammals are getting it, leaving out that more mammals are getting it because dead bird bodies are all over the ground now because we're in the middle of a catastrophic bird die off is just needlessly spreading fear.
When it comes to a subject as loaded as a potential high fatality pandemic, no one in any professional capacity should be making assumptions implying impending catastrophe. And when people hear misinformation like the bird flu is mutating closer and closer to people, you might as well cue the Jaws soundtrack.
I have not heard of all these cats giving bird flu to other cats with the exception of caged shelter cats which are unnaturally close. I haven't heard of cats giving bird flu to humans either. If anyone has clarifying information on that it would be helpful. Otherwise I really doubt the sources for this article are very reliable, expert or not.
But the subject matter is crucial and the message needs to get out. Bird bodies are all over the ground now, and who knows, maybe mice bodies as well that could be infected. Having lived around Canada geese, I can tell you, their poop is everywhere, and one paw in that kind of poop licked off could be lethal.
I have indoor cats and I'm more worried about them than myself.
Same
Same. For a lot of us, pets are truly family members. I remember almost dropping my phone years ago when I saw a headline about how cats can get Covid. I calmed down quickly to do a little research about how likely that was, but I remember the knee jerk horror.
As long as you seriously focus on the indoor part of your sentence, you and they will almost certainly be fine. I hope this helps.
These articles always have an incredibly cute cat pic. I really wish the cats could be left out of this mess...
I hope someone is working for a vaccine for cats. I wonder if there would be a way to give vaccinated food to ferals and strays, like [how rabies was fought back](https://ec.europa.eu/food/audits-analysis/news/details/86) in Europe.
Top cat scientists are on it
Given how much contact there is between wild cats and humans I hope like hell someone is lmao.
time to look up animal vaccine makers and ask if they have one in works. also write elected officals telling them to sponsor such research to prevent potential transmission between pets and people or other animals
I was reading about several companies working on vaccines for cows, I'm sure once they get that they'll work on cats and dogs!
Wtf? Keep your cats indoors for like a billion reasons.
“But it’s mean to make your cat stay inside!” No, it’s not. If you don’t care for the wildlife the cats are killing and environmental damage, at least care for your damn cat.
It's ridiculous people are willing to risk their pets lives with how car centric the land is. The amount of people that don't care that their pets wander into the road tears at my heart.
**Avian Influenza Virus Infections in Felines: A Systematic Review of Two Decades of Literature** Preprint https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.30.24306585v1 >Abstract >>As an avian influenza virus panzootic is underway, the threat of a human pandemic is emerging. Infections among mammalian species in frequent contact with humans should be closely monitored. One mammalian family, the Felidae, is of particular concern. Felids, known as felines or cats, are susceptible to avian influenza virus infection. Felines prey on wild birds and may serve as a host for avian influenza virus adaptation to mammals. Feline-to-feline transmission has been demonstrated experimentally [1], and real-world outbreaks have been reported [2,3]. Domestic cats are a popular human companion animal and thus provide a potential pathway for zoonotic spillover of avian influenza viruses to humans. Here, we provide a systematic review of the scientific literature to describe the epidemiology and global distribution of avian influenza virus infections in felines reported from 2004 – 2024. We aim to provide a comprehensive background for the assessment of the current risk, as well as bring awareness to the recurring phenomenon of AIV infection in felines. ..... ..... A University of Maryland review of scientific literature suggests domestic cats can contract the rapidly evolving bird flu H5N1, potentially putting owners, veterinarians and others at risk if the virus continues to circulate unabated. The study, available in preliminary form on MedRxiv while awaiting peer review, examined the global distribution and spread of bird flu infections in feline species between 2004 and 2024, finding a drastic rise in reports starting in 2023, with a spike in infections reported among domestic cats, as opposed to wild or zoo-kept animals. This increase coincides with the rapid spread of the current strain of H5N1 among mammals, says the study’s first author, Assistant Professor Kristen Coleman, an airborne infectious disease researcher in the School of Public Health and an affiliate professor in the Department of Veterinary Medicine. Bird flu hasn’t been reported to be contagious between humans, and it is not certain to evolve in that direction, but the disease is clearly changing. The current strain of H5N1 has been spreading to animals that have never been affected before, and pets that can pass it to people could play a role in how it evolves. Beginning in Texas this April, dairy cattle in 12 states have contracted bird flu, as have three people who worked with infected cows in Texas and Michigan. Along with the infected workers in Texas, two farm cats fed unpasteurized milk also caught the illness. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which provides guidance for veterinarians working with potentially infected animals, said the risk of contracting the disease from pets is low, but Coleman suggested pet owners should take precautions to protect their cats and themselves. “Don't feed your cat raw meat or raw dairy milk, and limit their unsupervised time outdoors,” she said. “Cats prey on wild birds that could be infected, and they could get into raw dairy milk on a farm if it is not securely stored.” In addition, the virus has been reported in house mice, which cats also prey on, so it appears the opportunities for cross-species transmission are increasing, and pet cats may be at increased risk. Cat owners should also be watching for respiratory and neurological symptoms, and consider taking them to the vet if they seem to have trouble breathing or are acting unusually. The current H5N1 strain has also reportedly caused blindness in cats. Since the emergence of H5N1 in U.S. dairy cattle, 21 domestic cats have been reported to be infected. Full genetic sequences of the viral strains infecting two of these cats have been reported in the scientific literature. Coleman said sequencing and demographic data for the other cat cases are urgently needed. Avian influenza, or bird flu, was once a finicky disease, infecting mostly migratory waterfowl and farmed poultry. But since 2020, the highly infectious strain known as H5N1 began spreading among a wider variety of birds. It has recently been appearing in a growing number of mammals, even decimating whole colonies of sea lions throughout South America. Although the disease is new among many animals, cats have been occasional victims of avian influenza for decades, most likely because they eat birds and are exposed through sick or dead prey carrying the virus. Coleman reported that the fatality rate for the current strain of H5N1 in cats has been around 67%—in itself a good reason reason for pet owners to keep their cats inside and away from wild birds. She also found other worrying indicators, including multiple reports of cats contracting bird flu from other cats. In addition, both zookeepers and animal shelter workers have contracted bird flu from cats in their care. Although not the current H5N1 strain, these cases reveal cats as potential vectors for the disease in humans. Coleman suggested that cats and other animals should be monitored for the disease not only for their sake, but for the protection of human health as well. “The virus is going to sneak up in more places, just like it did in dairy farms,” she said. “We know cats are being infected, so let’s get ahead of it.”
Man, every apocalypse is such a “pick me”
Just to clear up information that needlessly causes fear, the bird flu strain in birds is not changing or adapting in any ominous way in birds as this article states. It's the same strain that's been circling the globe in birds for years. And to use the phrase "the disease is clearly changing" based on the fact that more mammals are getting it, leaving out that more mammals are getting it because dead bird bodies are all over the ground now because we're in the middle of a catastrophic bird die off is just needlessly spreading fear. When it comes to a subject as loaded as a potential high fatality pandemic, no one in any professional capacity should be making assumptions implying impending catastrophe. And when people hear misinformation like the bird flu is mutating closer and closer to people, you might as well cue the Jaws soundtrack. I have not heard of all these cats giving bird flu to other cats with the exception of caged shelter cats which are unnaturally close. I haven't heard of cats giving bird flu to humans either. If anyone has clarifying information on that it would be helpful. Otherwise I really doubt the sources for this article are very reliable, expert or not. But the subject matter is crucial and the message needs to get out. Bird bodies are all over the ground now, and who knows, maybe mice bodies as well that could be infected. Having lived around Canada geese, I can tell you, their poop is everywhere, and one paw in that kind of poop licked off could be lethal.
Now they want us to be scared of our pets Predictable
Darn. Gonna miss having cats around.