Cat dies from avian flu in Saskatchewan

REGINA — A cat in southeastern Saskatchewan has died after contracting highly pathogenic avian influenza.

According to the provincial government, the cat was fine the morning of April 20 but became severely ill with sudden neurological and respiratory symptoms later that day and died.

The animal was tested at Prairie Diagnostic Services, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed the H5N1 strain of HPAI.

The cat was known to spend time outdoors, which increased its chances of exposure to infected wild birds. Dogs can also be affected.

Last year, a dog in Alberta died after eating an infected snow goose.

Pet owners should reduce the risk to their animals by keeping cats inside and dogs leashed. This will protect them from scavenging or hunting wild birds. They should also not eat raw poultry or meat from unknown sources.

Signs of infection include difficulty breathing, coughing, weakness, extreme lethargy, loss of co-ordination, tremors, seizures, other neurological signs or sudden death.

The risk to people remains low as long as they avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds.

Those who find wild birds that are sick or dead should report them to the environment ministry’s inquiry centre at 1-800-567-4224.