Avian flu confirmed in Saskatchewan cat

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in a domestic cat in southeastern Saskatchewan.

Provincial officials said testing by Prairie Diagnostic Services and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency identified the H5N1 strain after the animal became suddenly ill and died on Apr. 20.

The cat was reported to be normal earlier in the day before developing severe neurological and respiratory symptoms. The cat had access to the outdoors, increasing the likelihood of exposure to infected wild birds or contaminated environments.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is most commonly found in wild birds and poultry but can also infect mammals, including cats and dogs. The risk of exposure may rise during spring migration as waterfowl activity increases.