As many as three circumstances of chicken flu present in New York Metropolis pet cats, two of which have been lethal, have been linked to a model of uncooked pet meals, based on metropolis officers.
The NYC Well being Division suggested pet house owners not feed their animals something from the corporate Savage Cat Meals after chicken flu was detected in two felines, and suspected in a 3rd, since January.
Every of the circumstances was linked to Savage Cat Meals poultry packets, with lot quantity 11152026, the division stated. The knowledge has been shared with the corporate and the Meals and Drug Administration (FDA).
“We strongly encourage New Yorkers whose cats are experiencing sickness after consuming Savage Cat Meals merchandise or different uncooked meat or dairy merchandise to contact their veterinarian,” stated NYC Well being Division Appearing Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse.
The well being commissioner reminded New Yorkers that the danger of people catching chicken flu “remains low,” because it has not been unfold amongst individuals but.
“Bird flu viruses present a wider risk to the general public only if the virus develops the ability to transmit between people — which we have not seen at this time,” Dr. Morse stated.
As for the contaminated cats, one grew to become contaminated earlier in March and was hospitalized with a fever, lack of urge for food and extreme respiratory illness after consuming hen packets from Savage Cat Meals. The feline died consequently, and check outcomes confirming H5N1 have been nonetheless pending.
A second cat confirmed to have chicken flu in February. Along with the identical fever and respiratory signs, the second cat additionally had liver illness, and later died. Whereas the cat didn’t eat the Savage Cat Meals, it had been uncovered to a 3rd sick cat that had eaten the uncooked meals.
The third cat survived after having a fever. Nevertheless, testing for chicken flu couldn’t be performed as a result of an excessive amount of time had handed from an infection.
Appearing Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse on Friday warned house owners to take precautions in the case of feeding pets.
“Pet owners are reminded not to feed their pets raw food or raw milk. Additionally, pet owners should prevent cats from roaming outdoors where they may come in contact with wild birds or other animals,” Morse stated.
With chicken flu spreading by way of the tri-state, it is not simply geese and chickens at risk. NBC New York’s Pat Battle stories.
In accordance with the NYC Well being Division, felines can contract chicken flu by consuming contaminated birds, ingesting uncooked (unpasteurized) milk, and consuming uncooked pet meals.
House owners ought to look out for indicators of fever, runny nostril, water eyes, problem respiration, lack of urge for food, vomiting, diarrhea and behavioral adjustments.
Exterior of NYC, well being officers in New Jersey confirmed chicken flu was detected in a number of outside cats in Hunterdon County. Greater than 100 home cats throughout the U.S. have been contaminated by the virus.
To cut back the danger of getting contaminated themselves, cat house owners are suggested to keep away from dealing with sick or useless birds, wash their fingers totally after dealing with pets, livestock or poultry, and to alter garments and footwear after coming involved with probably contaminated animals.
