Bird Flu Detected in San Mateo County in Cats and Poultry

A stray cat and a backyard poultry flock have tested positive for H5N1, raising concerns for pet and bird owners in the area.

A stray cat in Half Moon Bay tested positive for H5N1 bird flu and was euthanized after showing severe symptoms, marking the first non-poultry case in San Mateo County.
Earlier this week, bird flu was confirmed in a backyard poultry flock in San Mateo County, though the two cases are unrelated, according to officials.
Health officials emphasize that the risk of H5N1 spreading from cats to humans is low but possible, urging pet owners to monitor their animals for symptoms such as lethargy, fever, and neurological signs.
Poultry owners are advised to implement biosecurity measures, including disinfecting footwear and monitoring their flocks for signs of illness, to prevent the spread of the virus.
H5N1 has caused significant outbreaks nationwide, affecting millions of birds, with human cases remaining rare but not impossible, particularly for those in close contact with infected animals.