U.S. federal authorities have announced an expansion of bird flu testing at slaughterhouses, with a particular focus on removing infected dairy cattle that were set to be culled for consumption. This move comes in response to growing concerns over the spread of avian influenza, which has led to the significant culling of poultry and the infection of several workers.
Increased focus on dairy cattle and poultry farms
The expanded testing efforts will primarily target dairy herds and poultry farms, sectors that have been severely impacted by the bird flu this year. The aim is to identify and remove infected animals from processing lines before the virus can potentially enter the human food supply chain. Federal officials emphasized that this initiative is a critical step in reducing the risk of human exposure to avian influenza through the consumption of contaminated meat. Millions of chickens have already been culled due to outbreaks at farms, and several poultry workers have contracted the disease.
Bird flu outbreak reported in domestic cats
The announcement came just a day after the first known outbreak of bird flu in domestic cats was reported. According to the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, six cats in Colorado have tested positive for H5 avian influenza this year. This marks a significant development as the virus continues to spread beyond its typical avian hosts.
Since 2022, the H5 virus has been detected in a variety of mammals, including deer, house mice, desert cottontails, prairie voles, raccoons, striped skunks, red foxes, mountain lions, bobcats, and black bears.
Two of the six infected cats were “indoor-only cats with no direct exposures to the virus,” while three others were “known indoor/outdoor cats” that regularly hunted mice and small birds. The source of infection for indoor cats remains unclear, but a Colorado veterinarian told CPR News that a potential link could be house cats contracting the disease from wild mice, which are also susceptible to the virus.
Additionally, there is a possibility that indoor cats might contract the disease from a raw diet. The veterinarian advised cat owners, particularly those living near agricultural areas, to “probably try to keep your cats indoors a little more than what you have done in the past, given the increased risk,” and to “respond fairly quickly if you start to see signs” of illness.
Ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread
The federal expansion of bird flu testing at slaughterhouses is part of a broader strategy to curb the spread of the virus. By focusing on dairy cattle and poultry farms, officials hope to mitigate the risk of avian influenza making its way into the human food supply, thereby protecting public health. As the virus continues to affect a growing number of species, both domestic and wild, experts are urging heightened vigilance and preventative measures to contain further outbreaks.