Rare bird flu in domesticated cats in Santa Barbara County
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Cases of a rare bird flu in domestic cats have been confirmed in Santa Barbara county.
A total of four household cats have died from this strain of bird flu.
Santa Barbara Couty public officials say the infected cats developed severe neurological symptoms.
“We're dealing with with sick animals here. But those are not wild birds, but rather pets. So obviously, that is concerning for the pet owners. And we just wanted to give a warning and some recommendations to the pet owners as well,” says Henning Ansorg M.D. with Santa Barbara county public health.
Most local cat owners seem unconcerned, as it seems a remote issue at this time.
“I haven't kept up with it too much, but I. I'm aware that it's kind of something that is now being found in animals,” says Kali Bauer, lives in Santa Maria.
Health officials say while the risk to the public remains low, we learned from the COVID 19 pandemic that viruses mutate. Now that we've seen this virus's presence in our county, it's better to have an abundance of caution.
“That's the good news about influenza viruses, a seasonal virus. But the season goes to April, so we still have a lot of time ahead of us. So we want to avoid as many animal infections as possible,” says Dr. Ansorg.
These bird flu cases in cats come as Northwest Natural recalls some of its cat food due to bird flu infections.
“The owners of these cats were feeding them pet food. We got a hold of it. And it's in the process of being tested. That would confirm that the cats got infected via their food,” says Dr. Ansorg.
It is unclear if the local bird flu infections here in Santa Barbara county are connected to the Northwest Natural recall.
“I trust that the experts know what they're doing and they really are looking out for everyone's best interests,” says Bauer.
Health officials say cats tend to roam outside, and they eat birds, which is how they are most likely to contract the virus.
“There's no risk to humans unless you were to deal with sick animals. even, you know, if you're dealing with your own cat, that's sick,” says Dr. Ansorg.
Health officials say if you come across any dead birds outside, not to touch it, keep any cats away from it, and contact fish and wildlife to have it removed.
