01/07/2025
🚨 Avian influenza Alert! 🚨
Avian influenza is classified as High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) based on the ability of the virus to cause disease and death in poultry. Over the last several years, HPAI has become more widespread across various species in the United States not only affecting wild birds, commercial poultry and backyard flocks but also various mammals and livestock.
Felines, including domestic and wild cats (tigers, bobcats, mountain lions) appear to be particularly susceptible to HPAI. Dogs appear to be less susceptible, yet they can still contract the disease. To date, there have been no reported cases of HPAI in dogs in the United States.
Here are a few quick tips from the AVMA to help protect domestic cats from the HPAI:
-Refrain from feeding cats any dairy products or colostrum that have not first been pasteurized or thoroughly cooked to kill the virus.
-Thoroughly cook meat before feeding, and avoid feeding raw meat-based treats or diets.
-Keep cats indoors to prevent exposure to birds and other wildlife.
-Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and other wildlife yourself.
-Keep cats away from livestock, poultry, and their environments, especially in areas with known H5N1 outbreaks.
-Thoroughly wash your hands after handling your cat and after any encounters with poultry, livestock, or wild birds and other animals.
-Change your clothes and shoes, and thoroughly wash any exposed skin, after interacting with sick or dead animals that may harbor the H5N1 virus, and before interacting with your cat.
Immediately contact your veterinarian if you notice signs of H5N1 or think your cat might have been exposed to the virus.
