Eastern WA cat dies of avian influenza. How to keep pets safe

A pet cat has died of avian influenza in Eastern Washington following reports of detection of the disease in wild birds, raccoons and skunks this last fall and winter.

Unlike several other cases of cats dying in Washington or Oregon, the Grant County death was not linked to raw pet food.

Instead, the outdoor cat may have had contact with a dead wild bird, according to the Washington state Department of Agriculture.

“Many migratory birds overwinter in fields, backyards and around water sources across Washington state,” said Amber Itle, the Washington state veterinarian.

“As birds concentrate, so does the avian influenza virus, increasing the risk of environmental contamination and spillover into domestic poultry, wild predatory species and even our beloved outdoor domestic cats,” she said.

Testing and preventive treatment has been provided to people in contact with the cat that died recently.

The Grant County Health District says there have been no people infected in the case.

One person in Washington state has died from avian influenza. The older adult, who died in November, lived in Grays Harbor County in Western Washington and had a backyard flock of different kinds of domestic birds.

The state Department of Agriculture recommends these steps for pet owners concerned about bird flu:

• Keep cats indoors when possible, especially during outbreaks of wildlife diseases.

• Wash hands after handling pets, their food or their waste.

• Limit pets’ unsupervised time outdoors to prevent them from hunting wild birds or other animals.

• Do not let hunting dogs retrieve or have contact with sick birds or birds found deceased.

• Do not feed animals raw milk or other raw dairy products or uncooked meat, including raw pet food.

• Seek veterinary care promptly if a pet shows signs of illness including decreased energy or appetite; coughing, sneezing or nasal discharge; or difficulty standing or walking, lack of coordination, tremors or seizures.

• Report sick or dead domestic animals to the state Department of Agriculture at 800-606-3056.