02/06/2025
Avian Flu Update for Pet Owners
H5N1 Bird flu has been documented in birds, dairy cattle, wild animals, dogs, and cats.
Since the U.S. outbreak of avian influenza A (H5N1) in dairy cattle began in March 2024, dozens of cats are known to have contracted the virus, including barn and feral cats, indoor cats, and big cats in zoos and in the wild (e.g., mountain lions, tigers, leopards, and bobcats). Cats were already known to be susceptible to the H5N1 virus, with several feline cases linked to poultry or wild bird exposure before the cattle outbreak began.
Reported cases of avian flu in cats include: - multiple confirmed cases in California (Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Fresno), Oregon, Colorado, Minnesota, South Dakota, etc.
Clinical signs include:
- Upper respiratory signs - coughing, sneezing, eye discharge, nasal discharge
- Neurological signs - mentation changes, mental dullness, tremoring, seizures, blindness, weakness
Prognosis:
Ferrets have almost a 100% fatality
Cats have a mortality of 60-70%
Dogs do not appear to be severely affected
Recommendations to keep your pet safe:
1. Do not feed any raw diet or offer unpasteurized milk or offer raw eggs (all raw products including human grade, commercially available, and freeze-dried) - but has been confirmed in:
- The Monarch Raw Pet Food brand
- Northwest Natural
2. Keep your cat inside - keep away from stray cats and other wildlife (no catios or screened-in porches)
3. Avoid taking your dogs out into areas that have high-traffic wild animals or dead animals
4. Humans can act as a fomite (we can track it into the home) - if you live in an area with a high number of reported cases, take your shoes off, change your clothes, and wash your hands before coming into contact with your pet.
Available links:
https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-h5n1-cats
https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/h5n1-confirmed-more-cats-probe-raw-pet-foodwidens #:~:text=Tests%20under%20way%20for%20multiple,after%20drinking%20recalled%20raw%20milk
*As of February 6, 2025, we have no confirmed cases in our area by the state veterinarian.