As if cat owners didn’t have enough to worry about, a deadly strain of avian bird flu, known as H5N1, is now spreading to house cats, according to researchers. While this virus had previously been causing devastation among American farm animals for the past 2.5 years, resulting in the deaths of 100 million birds and affecting around 200 dairy farm herds, it has now made its way to our feline friends.
Although the number of infected cats is currently not very high, with reports confirming at least 21 cases, the main concern lies in how these indoor cats are contracting the virus. Surprisingly, some of the infected cats had no direct exposure to the virus or its carriers. One case involved a cat from a dairy farm, which could be explained by its environment. However, two of the cases were indoor house cats that had no contact with carriers. Additionally, three other infected cats were known to hunt mice and birds, a common behavior for outdoor cats.
One of the major worries about the avian flu spreading to house cats is the potential risk of human infection. While only 13 farm workers have been reported to have caught the virus, it has been relatively mild in humans so far. However, the fatality rate among cats has been a staggering 67 percent. This has raised concerns about the virus mutating and potentially being transmitted to humans through infected cats. As a result, experts like Kristen Coleman from the University of Maryland School of Public Health recommend keeping cats indoors, especially if they could come into contact with birds, mice, or other animals outside the house.
Interestingly, this development comes at a time when cat owners, especially those without children, are under scrutiny in political circles. The topic gained attention after Donald Trump’s running mate, Sen. Vance, made controversial comments about childless individuals having no stake in America’s future. Even public figures like Oprah Winfrey have addressed this issue in their speeches. However, amidst the political debates, the priority remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of both cats and humans in the face of this new threat.
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