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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | APRIL 2025 39 Tails & Trails - All Pets Since March 2024, when a bird f lu virus (H5N1) outbreak occurred in dairy cattle in the United States, dozens of domestic cats and wild cats (including some in sanctuaries and zoos) have died from the virus. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), cats are susceptible to severe illness from bird f lu, often resulting in death. Bird f lu is present in wild birds, poultry, and dairy cattle. To prevent bird f lu transmission to cats, AVMA recommends pet owners avoid feeding raw meat-based food and treats, as well as raw milk and other raw dairy products. Cats can also become infected with bird f lu through exposure to infected wild birds, poultry, or exposure to the clothing of people who work on affected farms. Keep cats indoors, away from wildlife, livestock, poultry, and their environments, and contact your veterinarian right away if you think your cat might have been exposed to the bird f lu virus. "I would urge all cat owners to be alert and to take precautions to reduce risk of infection," said Dr. Lizzie Youens, BSc (Hons), BVSc, MRCVS. "Cats that are fed a raw diet are at high risk of food-borne infections from bacteria and viruses, with unpasteurized (raw) milk and raw or improperly cooked meat known to be potential sources of bird f lu infection for cats." Dr. Youens said a precaution to reduce the risk of contracting bird f lu is for cat owners to avoid feeding raw dietary products and instead feed a cooked, nutritionally complete diet for cats. The AVMA offers these tips to prevent H5N1 infection in pet cats: • Do not feed cats any raw dairy products or colostrum. • Do not feed raw meat-based diets or treats. • Keep cats indoors to prevent exposure to birds and other wildlife. • Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and other wildlife yourself. • Keep cats away from livestock, poultry, and their environments, especially in areas with known H5N1 outbreaks. • Thoroughly wash your hands after handling your cat and after any encounters with poultry, livestock, or wild birds and other animals. • Change your clothes and shoes, and thoroughly wash any exposed skin, after interacting with sick or dead animals that might harbor the H5N1 virus, and before interacting with your cat. • Immediately contact your veterinarian if you notice signs of H5N1 or think your cat might have been exposed to the virus. ~ Vivian Walker, vivr@sbcglobal.net Tails & Trails group is excited to host a second special fundraiser to benefit the homeless pets at Haven Pet Center. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with a clam chowder dinner and lively entertainment featuring the dynamic Dueling Pianos of Felix & Fingers. Last year's event was an incredible success and residents absolutely had the time of their lives. The event is on Friday, April 25 and kicks off at 5:30 pm in The Lodge Ballroom, but arrive early! Doors will open at 4:45 pm, giving you time to mingle before indulging in resident chef Tito Calderon's delicious clam chowder dinner, served promptly at 5 pm. This evening of music and community is a wonderful opportunity to support our furry friends in need of a home while having a fantastic time. Bring your own alcohol and be prepared to sing along, dance, and laugh the night away. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at give.ramonahumanesociety. org/duelingpianos. Tickets can be delivered within the Four Seasons Beaumont community by emailing havenpetcenternews@gmail.com. Let's show our support for Haven Pet Center and help our deserving animals find their forever homes! We hope to see you there for this incredible event. For info, call Susie at (209) 534-0430. Tails & Trails Sponsors Fundraiser for Haven Pet Center on April 25

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