Bird flu affecting domestic animals

As the worldwide epidemic continues, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported an outbreak of H5N1, otherwise known as bird flu, in household cats.

The outbreak involved 34 domestic cats across eight provinces in Poland. Many of the infected animals showed neurological signs such as paralysis and seizures and became severely ill or died, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

The H5N1 bird flu viruses remain widespread across the globe in both domestic poultry and wild birds. While the CDC still assesses the risk to human health as low for the general public and there is no evidence of transmission from cat to cat, the outbreak is said to highlight the concern that the viruses can cause illness in household pets.

Infections are rare in domestic animals, but are generally reported after eating raw, sick or dead infected birds or being in contaminated environments. Most of the cats lived inside with partial outdoor access and some were fed raw poultry or poultry parts.

Eleven of the cats died from the infection and 14 were euthanized. The source of infection is not clear and no illness was reported in the cats’ owners.

According to WHO, there have been increasing reports of deadly outbreaks among mammals, with ten countries across three continents reporting them since 2022. Both land and sea mammals have been affected, with up to 26 species known to have been infected, including several species of bear, racoons, mountain lions and coyotes.

At this time, bird flu has infected just under 58.8 million poultry across 47 states and has been identified in 7152 wild birds across all 50 states. Only one human case of bird flu has been reported in America.

The CDC recommends taking the precaution of avoiding direct contact with wild birds, which can be infected without appearing sick, and avoiding contact with poultry that appears ill or has died. Avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with bird feces.

If you work with or must handle wild birds or sick poultry, minimize direct contact by wearing gloves and wash your hands with soap after touching them; if available, a medical facemask is recommended.

Infected birds shed the virus through saliva, mucous and feces. While human infection is rare, it can happen if the virus enters the eyes, nose or mouth or is inhaled.

APHIS further recommends that anyone involved with poultry production, whether a small backyard flock or a large commercial production facility, should review their biosecurity activities to assure the heath of their birds. If you are able to bring your birds indoors, this can minimize exposures.

Signs of infection with avian influenza include sudden death without clinical signs, lack of energy and appetite, decreased egg production or misshapen eggs, swelling around the head, comb, eyelid, wattles and hocks, purple discoloration of wattles, combs and legs, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, incoordination or diarrhea.

If your pet is showing signs of illness that suggest a potential bird flu infection and has been exposed to sick or dead wild birds or poultry, the CDC recommends monitoring your health for signs of fever or infection.