CLOVIS, N.M. (KAMR/KCIT) – Officials in Clovis have reported that a cat with Avian Influenza has been found in the city.
Story continues below
According to officials, animal control picked up the cat and observed several symptoms, which prompted further testing. The results came back positive for H5N1.
H5N1 was detected in the U.S. in March 2023 in dairy cattle, and there were also reported cases in cats linked to exposure from poultry or wild birds. Cats are particularly susceptible to severe illness if they become infected. It is unclear whether cats can infect other cats. However, the risk of transmission from cats to humans is considered extremely low.
Cats can become infected through multiple means, including:
- Consuming unpasteurized milk and raw or undercooked meat.
- Being exposed to infected wild birds or poultry.
- Coming into contact with infected livestock and their environments.
- Being around people who work on affected farms and their clothing.
Symptoms of H5N1 in cats include loss of appetite, lethargy, and fever. These may be followed by neurological signs such as incoordination, circling, tremors, seizures, or blindness. Additionally, cats may experience severe depression, heavy discharge from the nose and eyes, and other respiratory issues like rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, sneezing or coughing.
Officials noted that there is no vaccine to protect cats against H5N1. Cat owners should take the following precautions to help keep their cats safe:
- Do not feed cats any unpasteurized dairy products
- Thoroughly cook meat (e.g., poultry) before feeding and avoid raw meat-based treats or food
- Keep cats indoors to prevent exposure to birds or other wildlife
- Avoid contact with sick or dead birds or other wildlife
- Keep cats away from livestock, poultry and their environments; and
- Immediately contact your veterinarian if you notice signs of H5N1 or if you think your cat has been exposed.