While public health officials have checked to ensure the food supply is safe from the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cows in several states, veterinarians and others have weighed the risk of housing pets like dogs and cats.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that H5N1 infection has been found in cats in the U.S., Poland, South Korea and France, including recent reports in Texas, where several cats were infected on several dairy farms, “suggesting that the virus spread.” to cats originating from affected dairy cows, raw cow’s milk, or wild birds associated with these farms.”
According to U.S. News & World Report, “The U.S. Department of Agriculture said deaths and neurological illnesses in cats have been widely reported on farms with outbreaks of the virus.” Additionally, the Daily Mail reported that two cats in South Dakota, with no apparent links to any bovine dairy products, also died from confirmed bird flu.
“The development could be significant because it suggests the virus is increasingly closer to humans,” the article reported.
Cats are reportedly susceptible to the virus, while infection in dogs is less common but probably still possible.
According to the CDC, the cats displayed varying degrees of symptoms, “including respiratory and neurological signs, and some had fatal outcomes.” The World Organization for Animal Health has reported that symptoms can develop a few days after exposure to the virus and some only experience mild symptoms.
The CDC said it is not likely that a human could be infected by a cat or dog, but agreed that it is possible, especially “if there is prolonged, unprotected exposure to the animal.” Methods of possible transmission may include saliva, feces, or other bodily fluids. Humans can become infected by inhaling infected droplets or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
American Humane, a nonprofit animal welfare group dedicated to protecting animals and certifying their humane treatment everywhere from movie sets to farms and more, offers pet owners advice on how to spot signs of bird flu infection and prevent such infections in the first place. The Deseret News asked the group’s head veterinarian, Tom Edling — who also has a master’s degree in Public Health — about how to keep pets safe.
What are the symptoms of bird flu in dogs and cats?
Each animal is different and will present with the disease in a unique way. Signs usually develop within a few days of contact with a bird carrying the virus. Some pets may experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Pet owners should be alert for apathy, loss of appetite, depression, fever and difficulty breathing.
Different communities likely have different exposures, but every state has birds and some wildlife that have been infected, even if just one or two. Does this mean the risk could be nationwide for pets?
Bird flu has been reported in every US state except Hawaii, along with many countries around the world. The risk to domestic animals is national, but manageable. The best way to keep your pets safe is to keep them indoors. When taking pets outside, keep them away from wild birds and any animals that appear sick, injured or dead.
Should people take extra precautions for themselves around their pets if they are in the yard or outdoors a lot?
Currently, the risk of pets transmitting bird flu to humans is very low. However, although unlikely, it is still possible. Pet owners should keep their cats indoors whenever possible and be on the lookout for symptoms in their pets.
If you suspect bird flu, what should you do?
If you suspect your pet may have bird flu, contact your veterinarian immediately. Keep your pet isolated from other animals and wear masks and gloves when handling them.
If you find a bird or other wild animal and suspect it is infected, contact your local animal control to have it removed.
Do most veterinarians know how to test for and treat bird flu?
Your veterinarians will know how to test for and treat bird flu. There is currently no specific antiviral medication for avian flu in pets, so treatment generally focuses on relieving pain and other symptoms.
Humans have become concerned about milk and meat with the dairy cattle outbreak. Are there any concerns with cat food or dog food?
The virus that causes animal flu is easily destroyed by cooking at the temperatures necessary for food preparation. Pasteurized milk is safe to consume, as is well-cooked meat. The good news is that pet food and canned pet food are already heated to high enough temperatures to make them safe to eat.
Remember that freezing does not kill the virus. If you are feeding your pets homemade meals, be sure to cook all meat and dairy products thoroughly before feeding them, even if the food is in the freezer.
