According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, a domestic cat in Washington County had to be put down after testing positive for avian flu.
According to a statement released by the agency on Friday, the cat wandered outside and came into contact with wild ducks and geese, which are known to harbor the illness. After developing a fever, runny nose, lethargy, and breathing difficulties, it was evaluated by a veterinarian.
Following the veterinarian’s diagnosis of pneumonia, the cat was examined for the pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian flu.
According to agriculture department spokesperson Andrea Cantu-Schomus, who talked to the Capital Chronicle, the cat was so sick that it had to be put down.
The third cat to pass away from avian flu is this one. Two household cats contracted the illness in 2022 after consuming raw food tainted with the virus.
Both domestic and wild cats, including tigers, mountain lions, and lynx, are especially vulnerable to the virus. Although they seem to be less vulnerable, dogs can also get avian flu. CantuAccording to Schomus, there have been no instances of avian flu in dogs in Oregon, according to state officials.
In particular, they encouraged cat owners to keep their pets away from wild birds and other animals and to avoid giving them raw food or treats in order to protect them from H5N1. In addition, owners should change their clothes and shoes after engaging with possibly ill animals and wash their hands after handling raw meat or poultry.
Usually, wild birds spread H5N1. In October, Oregon officials observed a rise in infections among migratory birds. Nearly 930 dairy herds and 136 million birds have been impacted by bird flu that has spread to poultry businesses. Numerous other animals have also contracted it, including an Oregon pigin last October. Additionally, it has spread to 67 people, and one person in Louisiana passed away earlier this month.
Oregon officials began testing the state’s milk supply in December. Pasteurization kills the virus.
Oregon Capital Chronicle’s Lynne Terry
Established in 2021, The Oregon Capital Chronicle is a nonprofit news outlet that specializes in Oregon politics, government, and policy.
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