Bird Flu and Pets: What You Need to Know

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), better known as H5N1, avian flu, or bird flu, has primarily affected wild and domestic birds, causing widespread illness. While birds are the main carriers, the virus has occasionally been found in other species, including dogs, cats, cattle, and even humans.

The risk to pets remains low, but staying informed and taking simple precautions can help keep them safe. Here’s what pet families should know about bird flu, how it spreads, and the steps that can help protect their pets.

Bird Flu in Pets: How Did We Get Here?

Viruses don’t always stick to one species—they can sometimes jump to new hosts in a process called spillover. This happens when a virus that’s usually found in one type of animal spreads to another, often during large outbreaks. According to the ASPCA, recent cases of H5N1 avian influenza have even been detected in dairy cows, showing how the virus continues to evolve and affect different animals. While birds are the main carriers of bird flu, there have been rare cases in mammals, including dogs and cats. Pets aren’t as vulnerable as birds, but infections can still happen—and when they do, they can be serious. Since dogs and cats haven’t built up natural defenses against H5N1, exposure can sometimes lead to severe illness.

How Bird Flu Spreads to Pets

Bird flu spreads mainly through direct contact with infected animals—especially birds—or contaminated food and environments. While the risk to pets is low, it's still important to be aware of how exposure can happen:

• Eating raw or undercooked poultry, poultry products, unpasteurized dairy, or possibly raw or undercooked beef.
• Hunting, eating, or scavenging infected wild birds or mammals.
• Coming into contact with surfaces contaminated by bird droppings, saliva, or respiratory secretions.
• Being around poultry farms, dairy farm environments, or infected barn cats.

Ultimately, the best way to reduce the risk is to keep pets away from potentially infected wildlife and avoid feeding them raw animal products. A little caution can go a long way in keeping them safe.

Recognizing the Signs of Bird Flu in Pets

Bird flu can affect pets differently, but common signs of infection include:

• Respiratory issues like coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing
• Eye or nose discharge
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Neurological symptoms like incoordination, seizures, or vision loss

If your pet shows any of these signs, especially after possible exposure to infected birds or contaminated environments, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Can Pets Pass Bird Flu to Humans?

Bird flu primarily spreads from birds to other species, so the risk of pets spreading bird flu to humans is considered low. However, pets can sometimes act as a bridge between infected wildlife and people. Simple precautions, like practicing good hygiene and limiting contact with potentially exposed animals, can help keep everyone safe. If you or someone in your household is immunocompromised, extra vigilance is a good idea.

How Diet and Wildlife Exposure Can Increase Risk

What your pet eats matters. Feeding raw or undercooked meat (especially poultry) or unpasteurized dairy can raise the risk of bird flu exposure. Pets that scavenge, hunt, or come into contact with wild birds and other mammals may also be more vulnerable. Keeping a close eye on their diet and outdoor activities can go a long way in reducing risk.

Proactive Steps to Protect Your Pets

While the risk of bird flu in pets remains low, taking simple precautions can help reduce exposure. Being proactive and paying extra attention especially when it comes to food, lifestyle, and socialization can go a long way in helping protect your pet:

Food Choice and Handling

• Avoid feeding raw or undercooked poultry and poultry products.
• If raw feeding is necessary, consider pressure-pasteurized options or cook the food before serving.
• Store pet food properly to prevent contamination.
• Clean bowls, dishes, and surfaces after every meal.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling your dog or cat's food or cleaning food bowls.

Lifestyle Choices

• Keep cats indoors to limit their exposure to wild birds and animals.
• Supervise dogs outdoors to prevent scavenging or hunting.
• Restrict pet access to poultry barns, dairy barns, and other livestock facilities.
• Prevent interactions between house pets and barn cats.

Socialization and Movement

• Avoid areas with known bird flu outbreaks.
• Limit interactions with other pets or wildlife if an outbreak is reported locally.
• Do not visit boarding facilities, training classes, grooming salons, or pet socialization events if your pet shows signs of illness.
• If you work with poultry or cattle, remove barn clothing and footwear before entering your home.
• Avoid close contact with pets if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

While the likelihood of infection remains low, simple precautions—like mindful feeding, supervised outdoor time, and limiting contact with potentially infected animals—go a long way in protecting their health. Staying informed and aware is the best way to ensure your pet’s safety.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Pet Is Infected

If you notice signs of illness in your pet, especially after possible exposure to birds or contaminated environments, acting quickly can help ensure the best outcome.

Contact Your Veterinarian

• Call ahead: Alert your vet to your concerns before arriving at the clinic, so that appropriate precautions can be taken.
• Report illness symptoms, including date of onset, with your vet.
• Share any potential exposure to infected birds, wildlife, or farm animals.
• Notify your vet if you share your home with infants, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.

Isolate Your Pet

• Keep your pet away from other animals and household members until seen by a medical professional.
• Delegate pet care responsibilities to a single healthy individual.

Practice Hygiene

• Wash your hands after handling your pet.
• Clean and disinfect areas your pet frequents.

Follow Veterinary Guidance

• Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic testing or supportive care depending on the severity of symptoms.

Monitor

• Take note of any signs of illness in the people and animals in your household, as well as others you may encounter.

And remember, if you have concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian. They’ll be able to give you personalized advice and support for you and your pet.

Final Thoughts: Looking Out for Our Pets

Bird flu may sound concerning, but with a little awareness and a few simple precautions, you can help keep your pets safe. Understanding how the virus spreads, minimizing risks, and acting quickly if your pet shows signs of illness can go a long way in protecting their health. While the situation continues to evolve, staying informed and making mindful choices will help ensure your furry companions stay happy, healthy, and by your side for years to come.

_{A plan from the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance Program can help you with eligible costs for covered conditions like surgery expenses for accidents and help provide peace of mind that your pet can receive the care they need. Check out our online resources to learn more about your insurance options and get a free quote today. The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.}

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