The first case of avian flu in cats in New Jersey was confirmed by public health officials on Friday.
A stray cat in Hunterdon County has been found by the US Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Service to have a case of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly referred to as “avian influenza,” the New Jersey Department of Health said in a press release.
The cat developed a “severe illness,” expressing signs of a neurology compromise and was euthanized, the health department said.
An investigation is underway into how the cat was infected with the virus, but officials say they suspect the animal was infected through contact with wild birds.
Avian flu is often fatal for cats, who are also known to be infected with the virus through consumption of contaminated raw milk or meat or contact with infected clothing.
The virus has plagued farms all over the United States. Since its onset in 2022, there have been more than 166 million birds affected by the disease's round. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The H5N1 virus has the ability to move from one species to another,” said Ed Wenglin, New Jersey Agricultural Secretary. “That's why we have worked closely with the poultry and dairy industries on biosecurity measures to prevent wildlife exposure, and wild cats are another example of risk to livestock and humans.”
Avian flu is currently a very low public health threat to New Jersey people, but the outbreak is plaguing American farms.
At least 657 counties are affected by more than 1,600 outbreaks of the virus that infect wild aquatic birds, commercial poultry and backyard farmers, according to CDC data.
Since 2022, outbreaks have been reported in Bergen, Monmouth, Ocean, Union and Warren counties. The biggest occurrence It was reported earlier this week at Union Livebird Market.
Cows have also been affected, and since 2022, 976 herds of dairy cows have been confirmed to be ill.
