Study suggests humans can transmit bird flu to their cats in the US

A new study from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that bird flu can spread from humans to their pet cats, sometimes leading to death. This study was published on Thursday in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The findings have raised concerns that the virus could change and start spreading easily among humans, leading to a pandemic.

Two Cases of Bird Flu in Pet Cats

The study focused on two cases that happened in Michigan in May 2024. Both cases involved pet owners who worked on or near dairy farms where bird flu had been detected. Unfortunately, both cases led to the deaths of the infected cats.

First Case: A Five-Year-Old Cat

In the first case, a five-year-old female indoor cat suddenly stopped eating, became weak, and stopped grooming herself. She also seemed confused and acted strangely. Her condition quickly got worse, and her owners took her to the Michigan State University (MSU) Veterinary Medical Center for emergency care.

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Despite the doctors’ efforts, her symptoms became more severe, and she had to be put to sleep within four days. After she passed away, tests confirmed that she had been infected with bird flu.

The cat lived with two other cats. One of them showed mild symptoms, but the owners thought it was just allergies and did not seek further help. The other cat did not show any symptoms. As for the family members, the farm worker in the household refused to be tested for bird flu. However, an adult and two teenagers in the home did get tested, and their results came back negative.

Second Case: A Six-Month-Old Maine Coon

A few days later, another case was reported at the same veterinary hospital. This time, a six-month-old male Maine Coon cat was brought in. The cat had stopped eating, was very weak, had swelling on his face, and could hardly move. Sadly, he died within 24 hours.

This cat lived with another feline, but the other cat remained healthy.

Connection to Unpasteurized Milk

Investigators found that the Maine Coon’s owner frequently transported unpasteurized milk from different farms, including ones where bird flu had been found in dairy cows. The owner often handled raw milk without wearing gloves or other protective clothing. The person would sometimes get splashed with milk on their face, eyes, and clothes and did not change clothes before coming home.

One important detail was that the sick cat liked to roll around in the owner’s work clothes, which were likely contaminated. However, the other cat in the house did not do this and remained healthy.

The cat’s owner also reported having irritated eyes before the cat got sick but refused to be tested for bird flu.

CDC’s Warning for Farm Workers

Because of these cases, the CDC has advised farm workers to take extra precautions. They suggest that workers change their clothes and shoes and wash off any milk or animal waste before entering their homes. This can help prevent the spread of bird flu to pets and family members.

Growing Concerns About Bird Flu in Humans

Since the bird flu outbreak started in the US in 2024, there have been 69 reported human cases of the virus. However, experts believe the real number may be much higher since many farm workers are not getting tested. So far, one person has died from the infection.

Scientists are worried that if the virus keeps spreading among different animals, including mammals, it could eventually mix with seasonal flu. This could create a new version of the virus that spreads easily from person to person, which could lead to a worldwide outbreak.

Controversial Statements by the US Health Secretary

The new US Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has raised concerns about how the government is handling infectious diseases. He has questioned whether germs actually cause illness and has suggested moving away from studying infectious diseases. For years, he has also criticized vaccines, which many experts believe would be crucial in stopping a bird flu pandemic if it happens.

In addition, Kennedy has promoted the consumption of raw milk, even though it is a known way that bird flu can spread. These views have raised worries among health experts about how the government will respond if bird flu becomes a bigger threat to humans.

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