Health officials are investigating how two cats from separate New York City households have been infected with H5 avian influenza, the virus that causes avian flu.
Dr. Michelle Morse, representative of the New York City Health Department, said local, state and federal animal health officials and her department were involved in the investigation.
“The current risk for New Yorkers with avian flu remains low,” Morse said. “Avian influenza virus poses a wide range of risks to the public only if the virus develops its ability to transmit among people we have never seen.”
Pet owners are advised to take precautions to keep their pets safe.
“Pet owners are reminders that they don’t feed their pet’s raw food or raw milk,” Morse said. “In addition, pet owners should prevent cats from roaming outdoors where they may come into contact with wild birds and other animals.”
The latest infections follow cat diseases in neighbouring New Jersey.
Health officials said cats can generally consume viruses or inadequate meat, be exposed to untreated milk contaminated with the virus, infected birds and animals, and can get sick through contaminated clothing and items used in facilities with infected infections.
Earlier this year, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul addressed concerns about the outbreak of avian flu in the live bird markets of the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. On February 7, Hochul announced a temporary closure of the bird market after inspectors detected seven cases of avian influenza.
“These are simply measured common sense steps to curb the spread of avian flu and ultimately keep New Yorkers safe,” Hochul said at a press conference.
