This brings the total number of feline fatalities from the virus to 14, raising alarm among state and federal officials.

According to reports, two domestic cats residing in Campbell County, South Dakota, succumbed to the virus. The pets did not have any apparent links to poultry or dairy cows, leaving officials puzzled about the source of their infection. Beth Thompson, the state's veterinarian, stated that there were no livestock present at the property where the cats perished.

The other two cases were reported in Michigan, with one in Isabella County and the other in Ionia County. These cases involved barn cats located on commercial dairy farms, where affected cows had also contracted H5N1. Surprisingly, the bird flu virus also infected two Virginia opossums at the property in Ionia County.

USDA spokesperson Shilo Weir highlighted that cats are especially vulnerable to H5N1 2.3.4.4b viruses, and most infected felines have been reported in close proximity to affected poultry or dairy facilities. Due to limited testing, it is suspected that the actual number of infected cats in the United States is higher than reported.

Concerns about the potential for H5N1 transmission to humans have been growing, as the virus has been detected in an increasing number of mammals worldwide. So far, only a few human cases have been identified through exposure to infected birds or cattle.

In late March, the USDA confirmed the presence of bird flu in dairy cows in Kansas and Texas, marking the first-ever cases in cattle. The number of outbreaks in dairy farms has risen to 51 in nine states, with a farm worker in Texas also testing positive for the virus.

To combat the spread of H5N1 bird flu in dairy cows, the U.S. government recently announced nearly $200 million in funding. These resources will support dairy farms, testing, vaccine development, surveillance, and measures to ensure the safety of commercial milk.

Given the vulnerability of cats to this new strain of H5N1, concerns are mounting about their susceptibility to the virus. Previous cases in France, South Korea, and Poland have already highlighted the devastating impact of this variant on feline populations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged state health departments to maintain enhanced influenza surveillance throughout the summer to detect potential cases of bird flu. Additionally, more samples will be submitted for subtyping to distinguish between seasonal flu and H5N1.

The U.S. government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting state and local public health officials in their efforts to combat H5N1 bird flu. As the severity of the situation unfolds, continuous vigilance and collaborative efforts are key to mitigating its impact on both animal and human populations.

In this battle against H5N1, it is imperative that comprehensive measures are taken to protect our feline companions and prevent further losses.