REDWOOD CITY — A stray cat in San Mateo County not too long ago examined optimistic for hen flu, officers mentioned Thursday.
The case is just not associated to an H5N1 incident involving a yard poultry flock in San Mateo, in line with the county govt’s workplace.
The cat was taken in by a Half Moon Bay household. When it confirmed signs, they introduced it to the Peninsula Humane Society, whose veterinarians examined the cat and requested testing.
Lab outcomes confirmed the cat had H5N1 and it was euthanized on account of its situation, officers mentioned.
The danger of cats spreading the virus to folks is extraordinarily low, in line with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, and the incident didn’t end in any human instances.
Cats could also be uncovered to H5N1 by consuming contaminated birds, being in environments contaminated with the virus, and consuming unpasteurized milk from contaminated cows or uncooked meals.
The case highlights the significance of being proactive about stopping the unfold of the virus, officers mentioned. Residents whose pets present indicators of sickness ought to contact their veterinarian.
Pets contaminated with H5N1 could expertise a lack of urge for food, lethargy and fever, together with neurological indicators, together with circling, tremors, seizures or blindness, officers mentioned.
The sickness could quickly progress to melancholy, discharge from eyes or nostril and different respiratory illnesses, comparable to sneezing or coughing, officers mentioned. Demise is feasible in extreme instances.
Initially Printed: February 6, 2025 at 10:59 PM PST
