There’s a lot of news coming out about the H5N1 virus known to cause avian influenza or bird flu. It seems to be jumping to other animal species, not just birds.
Most recently infected are dairy cows, at least one dairy worker, a poultry worker and reports indicate the virus is showing up in commercial milk. Before we get to pet cats, rest assured the U.S. milk supply is safe. Why? It’s because at most dairy plants, milk from different farms is combined so there is a likely dilution factor in the millions.
Also, most milk in the U.S is pasteurized at a high temperature known to inactivate virus particles. Some milk is pasteurized and ultrafiltered to remove fats and sugar and concentrate proteins. That adds another layer of confidence.
I will continue drinking cows’ milk for the time being if and until a warning comes from the USDA, CDC or FDA. Unfortunately, the way the media is portraying this means dairy farmers are likely going to see a decrease in sales. That’s too bad because in addition to this unreasonable scare, the dairy industry has had some long standing economic problems.
The virus that causes bird flu can indeed infect cats and some of you reading this. Who may be infected? The old (like me), the immunologically challenged, those taking certain drugs, and newborns.
Otherwise, in most people, because H5N1 infection is very rare, you won’t get it. With any such infection that does occur, symptoms may range from barely noticeable to severe in the groups mentioned above.
To learn more about human disease, consult your physician or check out the CDC’s website specific to this question at cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-humans.htm
Back to cats. How will you know if one is infected?They may be infected and not be experiencing signs of disease. That’s more common. If they do become infected, know that the virus is not passing between cats and so far not to humans, either.
Cats become exposed wherever bird droppings or carcasses exist that were originally infected by birds. Dairy cows usually survive the disease as do the vast majority of cats (and dogs).
If your cat were to develop the most severe case of bird flu, again very rare, they may display listlessness, no appetite, and perhaps they will walk with a head tilt or gate that resembles drunkenness. Those with these neurological signs usually go on to die.
Four countries have reported seeing cases of cats infected with H5N1; the U.S., France, Poland and South Korea. If your pet does develop this influenza, know that there are no vaccines and supportive care is the only treatment. The overwhelming number of cats that develop disease will be fine in seven to 10 days with little or no support other than a caring owner and maybe your veterinarian.
What’s interesting here is the overestimation of risk some people assume when news like this comes out. You see, with most infectious diseases, know that infections are common, yet the development of actual disease is far less so.
Reasons for this include the differences in disease-causing ability and virulence of the agent. It also includes our healthy immune systems including those in our cats. We must also add age, vaccinations and other interventions.
Our skin, for example, is normally populated with several things that could possibly cause disease. If we cut ourselves, we typically care for it. Left unattended however and the natural inhabitants of our skin, or the skin of our pets may use the cut as a gateway for an infection to develop.
Powell is the retired public information officer for Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. This column reflects his thoughts and no longer represents WSU. For questions or concerns about animals you’d like to read about, email charliepowell74@gmail.com.
