Alarming Bird Flu Rise Among Portland Cats

Alarming Surge in Bird Flu Cases Among Portland Cats

In a disturbing trend, avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is making headlines in Portland, Oregon, as three cats in Clackamas County have tested positive for the virus. This development adds to the growing number of infections spreading across the state, as confirmed by health officials on Tuesday.

Rising Infections in the Portland Region

Since December, the Portland area has witnessed an increase in avian influenza cases among cats, with seven reported infections, including in Washington and Multnomah Counties. Tragically, at least four of these cats have been euthanized due to severe symptoms, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

How Cats Are Contracting Bird Flu

State veterinarian Ryan Scholz suggests that most infected cats have contracted the virus through raw pet food. Although bird flu is typically linked to poultry, it can spread to other animals through contact with infected birds or by consuming contaminated raw meat or milk. However, it remains unclear if the Clackamas County cats consumed raw pet food before their infections.

Symptoms and Risks for Pets

Bird flu can lead to severe, often fatal symptoms in cats, including fever, respiratory issues, and loss of appetite. While dogs can also contract bird flu, they are generally less susceptible than cats. DoveLewis veterinary hospital in Portland has treated two bird flu-positive cats, with one recovering and the other being euthanized.

Recommendations and Ongoing Monitoring

Ryan Scholz warns that cat infections may continue to rise, prompting the state to intensify testing to understand the disease’s impact on various animals. Scholz stresses the importance of avoiding feeding pets raw meat or milk and advises keeping pets away from wild birds and poultry. Practicing good hygiene after handling raw meat is also recommended.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has issued a health alert concerning Wild Coast Raw products, linking them to at least two bird flu cases in Oregon. For more information on how to protect your pets, visit Backyard Chickens: Safeguard Your Flock from Bird Flu.

Historical Context and Human Risk

Before this recent wave, Oregon had only two recorded cat infections in 2022 in Linn County. Although rare, bird flu can infect humans, but no human cases in Oregon have been reported following contact with infected cats. For insights into human cases, check Ohio’s First Human Bird Flu Case Confirmed by Health Officials.

Conclusion

The spread of bird flu among Portland cats is a growing concern. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect your pets from this disease. For more detailed updates, visit OregonLive.com.

This report is based on information from www.oregonlive.com.

Join the Discussion: Share your thoughts and experiences with bird flu in pets. How are you protecting your furry friends? Stay updated with related news and engage with the community to learn more about avian influenza.