DENVER (KDVR) — State health officials have issued a warning to pet owners following the discovery of bird flu in several cats across northeast Colorado.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recently reported six cases of avian influenza in cats, with four cases in Larimer County and one each in Morgan and Adams counties.
“We’ve been tracking the H5N1 avian influenza virus in Colorado since 2022, primarily in birds,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, the state’s epidemiologist. “However, a shift occurred in 2024. Starting in April, we observed this virus infecting dairy cattle. By July, it had affected poultry operations within the state. Since May, we’ve seen a small but concerning number of cases in domestic cats.”
Infection Sources and Risks Identified
According to state officials, one of the infected cats was linked to a known commercial dairy facility with a confirmed outbreak. Two others were indoor-outdoor cats that likely contracted the virus by hunting mice or small birds. Notably, two cases involved indoor-only cats, raising concerns about potential environmental transmission.
“It’s possible that the virus was brought into the home from the outdoor environment, but how that occurred remains unclear,” Herlihy explained. “Cats living on or near dairy farms, those owned by farmworkers, or those with access to raw or unpasteurized milk face an elevated risk. Additionally, cats that hunt or consume rodents or birds are at heightened risk.”
Recognizing Bird Flu Symptoms in Cats
Dr. Herlihy highlighted symptoms pet owners should watch for, including lethargy, loss of appetite, and respiratory issues such as nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing. More severe symptoms may include neurological signs like lack of coordination, inability to stand, tremors, or seizures.
“Although these cases remain rare, cat owners in high-risk situations should be particularly vigilant,” Herlihy advised.
Preventative Measures for Pet Owners
Experts recommend several precautions to minimize risk, including thorough handwashing after interacting with animals outside the household, avoiding contact with sick or deceased wildlife, and consulting a veterinarian if pets exhibit symptoms.
“We still have some infected dairy farms in the state, though it appears the situation is beginning to stabilize,” Herlihy noted. “We’re hopeful this signals an improvement.”
For ongoing updates and advice, pet owners are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their pets from this emerging threat.
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