Two Cats in New York Test Positive for Bird Flu: Urgent Warnings Issued to Pet Owners

In a concerning revelation, two domestic cats from separate households in New York City have tested positive for bird flu, as confirmed by the city health department. Acting health commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse emphasized the need for pet owners to take precautions, advising against the feeding of raw food or milk to pets and urging them to prevent their cats from roaming outdoors where they might come into contact with potentially infected wild birds or other animals. Although cases of bird flu in cats have been reported in other parts of the United States, the risk to the general population in New York remains low according to health officials. Dr. Deborah Bayazit from Brilliant Veterinary Care described a heartbreaking case where a kitten exhibited vague symptoms such as lethargy and loss of appetite before ultimately having to be euthanized due to complications from the virus. It's reported that the affected kitten was fed a diet consisting of canned raw chicken, which brings to light the importance of nutritional safety for pets amidst these public health threats. In a statement regarding their product, Savage Cat Food, the company linked to the raw chicken the kitten consumed, indicated they had been alerted to potential issues after a similar incident involving a cat in Colorado. They mentioned issuing a voluntary recall while they continue to work with the FDA to investigate. This incident not only serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities our pets face but also spotlights the wider implications of food safety in botched supply chains and the rising risk of zoonotic diseases. Given that the influenza virus holds the potential to mutate, it's crucial for pet owners to remain vigilant and informed about the health implications regarding their pets' diets. This article has been analyzed and reviewed by artificial intelligence to ensure accuracy and clarity.