KFF Health News' 'What the Health?' Presenting: ‘First Opinion Podcast’
May 20, 2025
Megan Davis, a veterinarian and epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins, dives into the interplay between H5N1 bird flu and cat health. She discusses the alarming risks that the virus poses to domestic cats and the implications for public health. Davis emphasizes the need for better monitoring systems and the significance of the One Health approach, which bridges human, animal, and environmental health. Pet owners receive essential tips on safeguarding their cats from bird flu, highlighting the importance of informed pet care practices.
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Megan Davis' Cat Precautions
- Megan Davis shares she owns multiple cats and recently got new kittens.
- She built a catio to protect them from wild animals while controlling bird exposure near a water body attracting migratory birds.
Cats Susceptible to H5N1
- Cats can contract H5N1 bird flu, often leading to severe respiratory and neurologic disease.
- Dairy farm cats were among the first affected, showing the virus can impact domestic cats heavily.
Recognize Bird Flu in Cats
- Watch for severe symptoms like lethargy, neurological issues, and seizures in cats with respiratory signs.
- Consult a veterinarian promptly if feeding raw milk or meat to cats due to risk of H5N1 infection.