Bird flu outbreak in Sint-Gillis-Waas infects two cats

Sint-Gillis-Waas (Eurotoday) – A bird flu outbreak at a Sint-Gillis-Waas poultry farm (Feb 18, 2025) led to all chickens being culled. Two farm cats got infected and were euthanized. FAV warns pet owners to stay cautious.

In Sint-Gillis-Waas, a municipality in the province of East Flanders, a bird flu outbreak has resulted in two infected cats, raising concerns that other mammals, including pets and wildlife, could also be affected. However, officials stress that it is very rare for humans to contract bird flu, and no recent cases have been reported in Belgium.

Veterinarians and health officials emphasize the importance of hygiene and preventive measures to control the virus’s spread. They advise pet owners to keep their animals away from areas where sick or dead birds have been found.

Pet owners, particularly those in areas where bird flu has been detected, are urged to keep their animals indoors and away from infected birds. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety.

Did bird flu in Sint-Gillis-Waas spread to cats for the first time?

The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAV) is alerting pet owners about the risks of bird flu. They caution against contact with dead birds or infected poultry, as the virus can spread. The FAV advises keeping blank”>cats away from dead birds and keeping dogs on a leash during walks.

Additionally, FAV recommends thoroughly cooking poultry before feeding it to pets, as raw meat can carry harmful bacteria. While bird flu does not always cause severe illness in pets, owners should watch for symptoms such as fever, swollen eyes, nasal discharge, or neurological issues in cats and dogs. If any of these signs appear, consulting a veterinarian is advised.

The Federal Food Agency FAV stated:

Be careful with the carcasses of dead birds or poultry in your garden, make sure that cats do not come into contact with them. For this reason, keep dogs on a leash when walking.

A bird flu outbreak occurred at a poultry farm in Sint-Gillis-Waas, Belgium, on February 18, 2025. To prevent further spread, authorities culled all chickens and established a containment zone around the farm. However, two farm cats became infected.

According to veterinarians, the cats likely contracted bird flu by consuming contaminated eggs or water. Due to severe illness, both cats were euthanized. Other cats on the farm were monitored but did not show symptoms. This marks the first recorded case of bird flu in cats in Belgium.

The Sint-Gillis-Waas farm is undergoing thorough cleaning and disinfection, a process expected to take several weeks. Authorities will closely monitor the site before allowing new poultry to be introduced.

Authorities do not currently see the need for additional measures beyond the farm's containment zone. However, they urge poultry owners to remain vigilant and implement biosecurity measures, particularly in areas where bird flu has been confirmed.