Outdoor cats with #BirdFlu in #NewJersey. No known exposure.
New Jersey reports H5 avian flu cluster in cats
February 28, 2025
"'The New Jersey Department of Health (#NJDH) today announced that H5 avian flu has been confirmed in a feral cat from Hunterdon County that had severe disease, including neurologic symptoms, and was humanely euthanized. The detection was confirmed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
"Other cats at the same property were sick, and a second H5 infection was found in an #IndoorOutdoor cat. Tests are pending on results from other cats, and an investigation is ongoing. Officials said the cats had no known exposure to infected poultry, livestock, raw milk, or raw meat, but roamed freely outdoors, where they may have had exposure to wild birds or other animals.
"The NJDH and its local partners are monitoring people who were exposed to the cats, and all are currently without symptoms.
"New Jersey Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, MD, said, 'While the risk of H5 infection to the general population remains low at this time, it is important for people to learn more about the situation and take steps to avoid potential infection through exposure to animals, including feral cats.'"
https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/new-jersey-reports-h5-avian-flu-cluster-cats
#HPAINews #Caturday #CatHealth #AvianInfluenza