Among those infected are cows in 12 states, foxes, mice, striped skunks, mountain lions and harbor seals, and alpacas. At least 21 domestic cats in nine states have caught the virus since March 1st, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The CDC have previously documented avian influenza jumping across to other mammals. Bird flu viruses have in the past been known to sometimes infect mammals that eat (presumably infected) birds or poultry, including but not limited to wild animals, such as seals, bears, foxes, skunks; farmed mink; stray or domestic animals, such as cats and dogs; and zoo animals, such as tigers and leopards. H5N1 bird flu viruses have been detected sporadically in some domestic animals, including cats during outbreaks in Thailand in 2004, Northern Germany in 2006, and Poland and South Korea in 2023. Additionally, cases have been reported in cats, dogs, goat kids (juvenile goats), and dairy cows in North America.

Devices that can test for and detect this virus are now more important than ever.