H5N1 reaches companion animals, sharpening the focus for vets

Companion animals, especially cats, are increasingly part of the H5N1 story as the virus continues to circulate in U.S. poultry, wild birds, and dairy cattle. Recent federal and state reporting has tied feline infections and deaths to raw milk, raw poultry-based pet food, and likely take-home exposure from dairy work clothes or contaminated environments. CDC says cats can develop severe respiratory and neurologic disease, and its guidance now specifically advises veterinarians to use precautions when handling suspected or confirmed feline H5N1 cases. FDA has also told cat and dog food manufacturers using uncooked or unpasteurized poultry or cattle ingredients to reanalyze their food safety plans to include H5N1 as a foreseeable hazard. (cdc.gov)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, H5N1 in companion animals is no longer a theoretical spillover risk. CDC’s February 2025 MMWR described two indoor cats with confirmed H5N1 in households of dairy workers, and said veterinarians in states with infected livestock should ask about household occupational exposure, consider influenza testing, use PPE, and report suspected cases to animal and public health officials. USDA’s mammal detections page now includes all known positive domestic cat detections, while FDA and state agencies have linked multiple cat illnesses to contaminated raw diets, reinforcing that food history, raw milk exposure, and wildlife access should now be part of routine triage for acute feline respiratory or neurologic presentations. Human risk to the general public remains low, but unprotected exposure to infected animals or contaminated materials raises that risk. (cdc.gov)

What to watch: Expect continued scrutiny of raw pet food, more formal clinic biosecurity guidance, and additional case reporting as agencies expand surveillance in cats and other mammals. (fda.gov)