H5N1 puts companion animals, especially cats, on vets’ radar

Companion animals, especially cats, are now a more visible part of the H5N1 story as the virus has expanded beyond poultry into dairy cattle, wildlife, raw milk, and some pet food supply chains. Federal agencies and veterinary groups have emphasized that cats appear particularly susceptible to severe disease, with reported exposures linked to raw pet food, unpasteurized milk, contact with infected birds, and, in some cases, dairy-associated household exposure. FDA has also told cat and dog food manufacturers using uncooked or unpasteurized poultry or cattle ingredients to reassess food safety plans for H5N1, underscoring that this is no longer just a farm-animal issue. (fda.gov)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, H5N1 belongs on the differential list for cats with acute neurologic or respiratory signs, particularly when there’s a history of raw diet consumption, raw milk exposure, hunting, or household contact with poultry or dairy work. CDC has advised veterinarians to use PPE when examining suspected cases and to ask about occupational exposures in the home, while emerging reports suggest infected cats may shed virus in urine and other secretions, raising additional clinic biosecurity concerns. (cdc.gov)

What to watch: Expect continued updates on testing guidance, pet food oversight, and surveillance as regulators and veterinary researchers work to clarify how often companion animals are infected, and how much risk they pose to people and other animals. (news.cornell.edu)