Avian Flu and Your Pets

What is avian flu and why should you be concerned?

Avian flu (also known as highly pathogenic avian Influenza or HPAI, avian influenza, or bird flu) is a viral infection caused by influenza type A viruses. It primarily affects wild birds and domestic poultry. 

The H5N1 strain of avian flu is of particular concern due to its ability to spread rapidly and potentially infect non-avian species, including mammals like dogs and cats; predators like foxes, bears, and skunks that feed on diseased waterfowl; and some zoo animals. Recently there have been an increased number of confirmed human infections from exposure to dairy cows and birds.

During outbreaks, the virus can spread when animals contact infected birds, their droppings, feathers, or contaminated environments. Wild birds are the primary carriers, but backyard poultry and pet birds may also be at risk, especially during significant outbreaks. The H5N1 influenza has become endemic (meaning there is a low-grade, constant infection rate) in certain flocks of waterfowl in North America. 

Can dogs, cats, and pet birds get avian flu?

Dogs and cats can be infected with avian flu, although cases are rare. Pets are at risk when they come into contact with infected birds, droppings from poultry or waterfowl, or contaminated surfaces. Pets might be exposed by consuming unpasteurized milk, or by hunting or eating raw poultry, including from some raw pet food diets.

"Dogs and cats can be infected with avian flu, although cases are rare."

Pet birds are at much higher risk of contracting avian flu than dogs or cats, especially pet birds that live outdoors or come into contact with wild birds. Pet birds may be infected if they are exposed to wild birds, bird droppings, or contaminated feed and water.  

Birds kept indoors have a lower risk but can still be exposed if their food, bedding, or enclosures are contaminated. People who own pet birds and also have backyard poultry or waterfowl flocks/pets must maintain special cleaning habits and practices to reduce the likelihood of infection. 

What are the signs of avian flu in pets?

Dogs and Cats

As cases are rare, the disease process is not fully understood. Infected dogs or cats may show non-specific signs, including:

• Respiratory issues: Coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge
• Conjunctivitis: Eye discharge and redness
• Lethargy: Unusual tiredness or reluctance to move
• Loss of appetite: Losing interest in food or water
• Fever: A higher-than-normal body temperature
• Neurological symptoms: Rare, but may include wobbliness or seizures

Pet Birds

The symptoms of avian flu can vary based on the severity of the infection. Watch for:

• Sudden death: Some strains, like H5N1, can be fatal in birds with little warning.
• Respiratory symptoms: Coughing, nasal discharge, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
• Swelling: Swelling of the head, neck, or eyes
• Behavioral changes: Lethargy, decreased activity, or unusual behavior
• Loss of appetite: Losing interest in food or water
• Diarrhea
• Reduced egg production: If your bird normally lays eggs, a sudden decrease in production could be a sign of illness
• Neurological symptoms: Includes incoordination

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pets or birds, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early detection and treatment are critical.

How can we protect dogs, cats, and pet birds from avian flu?

Taking preventative measures can help protect your furry or feathered pets from avian flu.

Dogs and Cats

Limit Contact with Birds:

• Prevent pets from interacting with wild birds, bird droppings, or bird feeders.
• Keep dogs on a leash and supervise outdoor activities.

Supervise Outdoor Time:

• Keep cats indoors, especially during outbreaks, to reduce hunting of native wild birds.
• Monitor dogs in your yard to ensure they do not interact with birds or contaminated areas.
• If you keep outdoor poultry or waterfowl, keep your dog(s) and cat(s) away from this area at all times or fence off the area where your indoor pets are allowed to use.

Practice Good Hygiene:

• Clean and disinfect pet food and water bowls regularly, especially those kept outside.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling birds, bird feeders, or any outdoor surfaces that might be contaminated.
• When handling backyard poultry and waterfowl, use a separate set of shoes and clothing.

Avoid Feeding Pets Raw Poultry or Unpasteurized (Raw) Milk:

• Refrain from giving your pets raw or under-cooked poultry products or raw milk, as they can harbor viruses and bacteria. Several companies that offer “raw food diets” have recalled their products due to testing positive for H5N1.

Pet Birds

Keep Your Birds Indoors:

• Reduce the risk of exposure by keeping pet birds inside, especially during an outbreak.

Secure Their Environment:

• Cover outdoor aviaries or cages with mesh that prevents wild birds from getting in.
• Store bird feed in sealed containers to avoid contamination.

Monitor for Symptoms:

• Watch your pet bird closely for any unusual behavior or health changes.
• If you notice respiratory symptoms or behavioral changes, consult your avian veterinarian immediately.

Maintain Hygiene:

• Clean and disinfect bird cages, perches, and feeders regularly. Use a bird-safe disinfectant to prevent the spread of pathogens.

Source Feed Safely:

• Ensure that bird food, bedding, and water are sourced from trusted suppliers to avoid contamination.

What additional precautions should I take during an outbreak?

If there is an avian flu outbreak in your area, it is extremely important to be extra cautious.

• Monitor local reports: Stay informed about outbreaks in wild birds, poultry farms, or other areas near you.
• Avoid high-risk areas: Keep pets and birds away from farms, wetlands, or parks where infected birds might congregate.
• Consult your veterinarian or local health department: Contact your veterinarian or health department if you have concerns about your pet’s exposure or health. For pet birds, an avian veterinarian can offer additional guidance tailored to their needs.

When should I call the veterinarian?

If your pet dog, cat, or bird shows any signs of illness after potential exposure to wild birds, droppings, or contaminated environments, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early intervention can make all the difference. 

Find more information from the American Veterinary Medical Association at AVMA.org or the Center for Disease Control at CDC.gov. In Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) must be notified when a positive case is verified by laboratory testing.