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A case of H5N1 — known as bird flu — was detected in a domestic stray cat in Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County reported on Thursday, Feb. 6. This is the first case of bird flu reported outside of chickens in the county.

The cat had been taken in by a family and had shown symptoms of bird flu, which was later confirmed by a veterinarian. It is not known how the cat was infected, and the infection is not related to the recent incidence of bird flu in a backyard flock in the city of San Mateo. The cat was euthanized due to its condition. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has noted that the risks of cats spreading the virus to humans is low, but possible. No human cases of H5N1 have been detected in relation to this case. 

“We all want to make sure our companion animals are healthy and safe from disease,” said Lori Morton-Feazell, San Mateo County’s chief of animal control and licensing, in a prepared statement. “If your pet is sick, your veterinarian can determine whether it should be tested for bird flu or any other virus or disease.”

Cats can be exposed to bird flu after consuming a bird, drinking unpasteurized milk, or being in a contaminated environment, according to the San Mateo County Health Department. Domesticated pets that go outside are also at risk of infection, and pets with severe cases of H5N1 can die. 

Symptoms of the virus in pets include a loss of appetite, lethargy and fever, and neurologic signs. Symptoms may progress to severe depression, discharge from eyes or nose, and respiratory difficulty. 

Pet owners whose pets show symptoms of H5N1 should contact their veterinarian and should monitor their own health for signs of infection, the SMC Health Department said. 

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Hannah Bensen is a journalist covering inequality and economic trends affecting middle- and low-income people. She is a California Local News Fellow. She previously interned as a reporter for the Embarcadero...

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1 Comment

  1. Another example why cats should be kept indoors. So well known for killing birds and other wildlife, it is no surprise that they are exposed to this virus nor that they maight transfer the disease to owners who let them roam. Protect pet cats and yourself by keeping them inside or in outdoor “catios.”

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