Bird flu isn’t just a threat to birds anymore. The highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza is making a disturbing leap into our homes, infecting and killing our beloved pets.1
This alarming trend raises serious questions about the safety of our pet companions and the potential risks to their owners.
Bird Flu’s Impact on Animals
Since 2021, this outbreak has ravaged wild bird and poultry populations in the United States.(ref) However, its reach has extended beyond birds, infecting a wide array of mammals including farm animals such as dairy cattle (ref) and alpacas.(ref)
A particularly worrisome aspect is that when bird flu viruses infect mammals, they can undergo mutations that enhance their ability to replicate within mammalian cells. This raises the possibility of the avian influenza adapting to efficiently spread among humans.
Current Risk to Humans
While there is no evidence yet of the virus acquiring the necessary changes for easy human-to-human transmission, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on May 24 that most human infections have occurred in individuals with close contact to poultry or cattle.
CDC recommends avoiding direct contact with sick or dead animals, their carcasses, feces, or anything contaminated by them, including raw milk. This applies to all animals, whether wild or domesticated, especially birds and cattle.(ref)
Can Cats Get Bird Flu?
Outdoor cats face a risk of contracting bird flu through contact with infected wild birds. Feeding pets raw meat, especially raw poultry, could increase the risk of them getting bird flu.(ref)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s discovery of bird flu viral particles in raw beef has the potential for contamination in the meat supply.(ref) While this particular incident did not affect the human food supply, it raises concerns about the safety of raw meat consumption for pets.
This year, over 16 cats in the U.S. have caught bird flu, mostly on dairy farms, with several deaths. In the past two years, another 13 cats were infected, about half of whom died.(ref) Some of these cats lived on farms with infected poultry, while others were house cats with unknown sources of infection.
Additionally, the virus has claimed the lives of at least 22 mountain lions and seven bobcats. Captive animals, such as a leopard in New York and a tiger in Nebraska, have also fallen victim to the virus.
Cat-to-Cat Transmission
While not fully confirmed, there is evidence suggesting that cats may be able to transmit bird flu to each other.
However, water sources, footwear, and equipment contaminated with bird droppings can also serve as sources of bird flu infection for cats.(ref)
Underreported Cases
The actual number of infections is likely higher than reported. For example, a study published in the July 2024 Emerging Infectious Diseases revealed that approximately half of two dozen cats fed raw milk from infected cattle on a Texas farm died.(ref)
Symptoms observed in affected cats before their deaths included stiff body movements, wobbliness, circling, runny noses, and blindness. Examination of two deceased cats revealed widespread viral infection, with brain infection suspected as the primary cause of death.
Bird Flu Risk for Dogs & Other Pets
Dogs are susceptible to bird flu infection as evidenced by the frequent cases in their canine relatives, red foxes.
In another study published in the June 2024 Emerging Infectious Diseases revealed that four out of 194 hunting dogs exposed to waterfowl developed antibodies against H5N1, indicating infection without illness.(ref) Fortunately, there was no transmission to other dogs in their households.
Other Vulnerable Pets
Small mammal pets, particularly ferrets and mink, are also vulnerable to bird flu infection.(ref) This highlights the need for caution and preventive measures for a wide range of animals.
Protecting Your Pets from Bird Flu
To protect your pets from bird flu, follow these important tips:
- Indoor Confinement: The most effective way to safeguard your pet is to keep them indoors. If your cat ventures outside, limit their exposure to bird droppings and avoid placing bird feeders in their outdoor enclosure (catio).
- Hygiene and Sanitation: Clean your shoes after walking in areas with bird droppings, disinfect surfaces where shoes are stored, and keep shoes away from your cat.
- Safe Feeding Practices: Avoid feeding your cat raw poultry and milk, as these may contain live bird flu virus. Opt for commercially prepared cat food that has been properly cooked or pasteurized to eliminate any potential contamination.
- No Vaccine Available Currently, there is no bird flu vaccine available for cats. Therefore, preventive measures and vigilance are key in protecting your feline companion.
Handle with Caution
If your pets bring home a dead bird, avoid direct contact with it as much as possible. If you must move it, wear protective gear such as a mask, gloves, and goggles. Alternatively, use a stick and a box to minimize exposure. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the bird.
Monitor Your Cat & Seek Veterinary Care
Observe your cat closely for any symptoms of bird flu, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, or neurological signs.
The incubation period is usually short, with symptoms appearing two to three days after infection. Consult your veterinarian immediately if you notice any concerning signs.
Report Unusual Mortality
If you observe a large number of dead birds or other animals, report it to animal control authorities. They can conduct testing to confirm the presence of H5N1 and safely dispose of the carcasses.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.