02/18/2025
This is some information from the County of San Diego regarding the Avian Influenza or "Bird Flu"
Zoonotic Diseases
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1)
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI or H5N1) has infected animals and humans in California. H5N1 has been detected in wild birds, poultry, dairy herds, humans, other species of mammals. Felids are especially susceptible to the virus and precautions are recommended to avoid their exposure to the virus. Dogs can also be infected with H5N1 however, they typically exhibit mild clinical signs and lower mortality compared to cats.
Recommendations for Preventing HPAI in Cats and Dogs
Keep pets indoors or supervised while outdoors. Exposure to wild birds, poultry, and cattle and their environments could present an exposure risk to H5N1.
Prevent pets from eating dead birds or other animals.
Do not feed pets raw meat, raw poultry, or unpasteurized milk/dairy products.
Recalled pet foods and dairy products known to be contaminated with H5N1 include:
Northwest Naturals
Monarch Raw Pet Food
Raw Farm, LLC
Pet owners should avoid contact with sick or dead birds and wildlife. If pet owners encounter ill wild birds, poultry, livestock, or other animals, advise them to thoroughly wash their hands and any exposed skin and/or clothes before interacting with their pets.
Clinical Signs of HPAI in Cats
Neurologic signs (tremors, seizures, incoordination, blindness);
Fever;
Lethargy;
Decreased appetite;
Conjunctivitis;
Oculonasal discharge; and
Dyspnea.
Those in contact with an animal infected with influenza, may be contacted to discuss any risk of exposure and what to do if they develop any symptoms.
The Epidemiology Unit can assist getting people tested for influenza and H5N1, if necessary.
Please call the Epidemiology Unit with any questions at (619) 692-8499 or if you believe you have a highly suspicious case for feline H5N1 and need guidance on testing.
Rabies testing is available for deceased cats suspected to have rabies or when they cannot complete post-bite quarantine period due to death or euthanasia through the San Diego County Public Health Laboratory. Please keep in mind that rabies and influenza A(H5N1) infections in cats can present with similar clinical signs.
For more information, please contact the One Health Epidemiology Program by emailing [email protected] or calling (619) 692-8499.
Agricultural Animals – Livestock and Poultry
Contact the California Department of Agriculture to report suspected cases.
Sick Bird Hotline: (866) 922-2473
Ontario District Office: (909) 947-5932
Biosecurity is critical to reduce risk to farm animals, poultry flocks and closely associated animals.
Enhance Biosecurity | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
H5N1 Bird Flu Virus in Livestock | California Department of Food and Agriculture
Wildlife – San Diego County
Sick and injured terrestrial wild animals and birds can be reported to Project Wildlife for assistance.
Deceased terrestrial wildlife should be reported to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Contact SeaWorld regarding sick or injured marine animals.
Contact National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Southwest Fisheries Science Center regarding deceased marine animals.
Call (858) 546-7162
Human Case Prevention and Information
Wear personal protective equipment while working with ill animals.
If you feel ill within 10 days of contact with an animal or other person that has a suspected or confirmed case of H5N1, or raw milk products from animals with suspect or confirmed cases, or their environments:
Isolate at home, and stay away from pets.
Call the Epidemiology Unit at (619) 692-8499 to coordinate influenza testing that is specific for H5.
Call your doctor and tell them about your suspicion for H5N1 prior to going in for care, unless it is an emergency.
