Study Confirms Bird Flu Transmissible from Humans to Cats

Animal activists in New York City are raising concerns that the ongoing outbreak of H5N1 bird flu could already be impacting the city's half-million stray cats, potentially threatening human health as well. While no confirmed feline cases have been reported yet, there have been 66 nationwide, primarily linked to cats consuming infected birds. In Michigan, two cats belonging to dairy workers died from bird flu, with uncertainty surrounding how they contracted the virus and whether transmission occurred between humans and cats. The CDC has indicated that the bird flu can spread through contaminated pet food and poses a risk of mutation into a form that could affect humans. Recent studies suggest that humans may transmit the virus to domestic cats, heightening fears of a broader impact. Authorities have taken precautionary measures, including shutting down live poultry markets and advising against outdoor roaming for pets.