Hundreds of domestic cats have been quarantined in
New York City after contracting a strain of highly
contagious avian flu at shelters operated by a major
animal rescue organization, and the virus also
infected at least one veterinarian, officials said.
It is the first time the H7N2 strain of the virus,
commonly found in birds, has infected domestic cats,
according to the New York City Health Department.
Symptoms are generally mild, and include sneezing,
coughing and runny eyes and noses.
H7N2 is a type of avian influenza virus, also known
as the bird flu, that can mutate and transfer onto
mammals such as cats. It could infect other mammals
as well, including humans.
For more information
Avian Influenza A (H7N2) in Cats in Animal Shelters
in NY; One Human Infection
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