URGENT ZenCat Feline Health Advisory: H5N1 Bird Flu

Over 20 cats in Southern California have become sick or died from H5 Bird Flu (formerly referred to as H5N1, and Avian Influenza A). These cats either drank raw cow’s milk, or ate a commercial raw diet with beef and poultry.

Clinical signs of H5 Bird Flu infection in cats are variable but progressive. They included fever, lethargy, dehydration, anorexia (inappetence), icterus (yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes), respiratory distress, and neurologic signs (primarily seizures, although one had nystagmus (rapid eye movements).

It is advised that no one should consume raw cow’s milk at this time, and while no directive regarding feeding raw has been released yet, I would advise extreme caution, and switching away from raw poultry and beef products until we get more information. Cooking will kill the virus, so cooked chicken and beef should pose no risk.

Freezing does not kill viruses, so previously frozen raw products carry the same risk for infectious disease exposure as refrigerated raw products.

And, if your kitty enjoys time in the great outdoors, you should reconsider letting him/her out if your cat is exposed to birds, bird feces, or shares a watering hole with birds.

More information on the current state of H5 Bird Flu in Southern California can be found here: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/HPAI.htm?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

An excellent article on Bird Flu and how to protect your cats is here:  What You Need to Know About H5N1 and Cats Right Now - Purrs of Wisdom with Ingrid King 

H5 Bird Flu was discovered to infect dairy cattle in the Midwest in June 2024. The veterinarians first realized there was a problem on the dairy farms because the barn cats had suddenly disappeared – dead from drinking raw cow’s milk. Prior to this, it was unknown that cows could be infected, or that this virus was deadly to cats. In less than six months, the virus found it’s way to Southern California (due to bird migration), and is now infecting cows in our region. This virus has very serious potential negative health consequences for our cats due to its high morbidity and mortality.

If your cat experiences any of the symptoms listed, please contact me, or take your kitty to the nearest ER facility.