New York Metropolis’s well being division confirmed two instances in separate households the place cats examined constructive for the chook flu, officers introduced Friday.
Performing Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse launched a press release saying the cats had been contaminated with H5 avian influenza, and warned house owners to take precautions on the subject of feeding pets.
“Pet owners are reminded not to feed their pets raw food or raw milk. Additionally, pet owners should prevent cats from roaming outdoors where they may come in contact with wild birds or other animals,” Morse mentioned.
Well being officers had been nonetheless investigating how the cats grew to become contaminated with chook flu. In addition they didn’t share specifics on the animals’ present situations.
In response to the NYC Well being Division, our feline mates can contract chook flu by consuming contaminated birds, ingesting uncooked (unpasteurized) milk, and consuming uncooked pet meals.
House owners ought to look out for indicators of fever, runny nostril, water eyes, problem respiratory, lack of urge for food, vomiting, diarrhea and behavioral modifications.
Morse reminded New Yorkers that the chance of catching chook flu “remains low.”
“Bird flu viruses present a wider risk to the general public only if the virus develops the ability to transmit between people — which we have not seen,” Morse added.
