Date: December 27, 2024
Subject: Current Guidance on Cats and Avian Influenza
Dear Members,
We understand many of you may have received inquiries from clients regarding the recent news about cats contracting avian influenza (HPAI H5N1).
Please rest assured that we are actively working with various stakeholders to compile additional information to support you in addressing this topic with your clients.
In the meantime, we encourage you to share the following key precautionary measure:
- Do not feed raw milk or raw meat (especially poultry) to cats.
Additionally, we recommend reviewing the resources below for more detailed information:
- FDA: Ways to Reduce the Risk of HPAI in Cats
- AVMA: Avian Influenza (H5N1) in Cats
- CDC: Considerations for Veterinarians: Evaluating and Handling of Cats Potentially Exposed to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus
- CDC: Public Health resources for Veterinarians and Veterinary Staff Handling Animals with HPAI A(H5N1) Virus Infection on Dairy Farms
Thank you for proactively trying to support your community as best you can. We will share further updates and recommendations as soon as they are available.
Best regards,
The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association
