New York City’s health department confirmed two cases in separate households where cats tested positive for the bird flu, officials announced Friday. Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse released a statement saying the cats were infected with H5 avian influenza,

Two cats from separate households in New York City were infected with bird flu, city health officials said Friday as they investigated the source of the infections.

Prior exposures to specific types of seasonal influenza viruses promote cross-reactive immunity against the H5N1 avian influenza virus, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

But bird flu can also infect other animals — such as dairy cows, rats, and cats — after coming into contact with wild birds or poultry. The disease has been detected in all 50 states, causing outbreaks among commercial poultry and backyard flocks, as well as U.S. dairy cows, according to surveillance data.

Health authorities say the threat of infection for people remained low even amid the spread of H5N1 virus among birds and cattle nationally.

One of the kittens infected with the bird flu was an 8-month-old kitten on the Upper West Side that consumed raw chicken from a company that makes raw pet food.

Two cats in New York City have died from the avian flu — including one doomed 8-month-old kitten that died just one week after being rushed to an Upper West Side veterinarian — marking the first confirmed cases in the state.