Since 2022, there has been an ongoing epidemic in wild birds of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the United States. In the press, this virus is often referred to by its acronym, HPAI, or its influenza virus A subtype, H1N5. This epidemic has spilled over into domestic birds like chickens, turkeys and ducks. Mammals have also been infected with HPAI, including large cats like cougars and tigers, small cats, a smattering of wildlife and the occasional human being. While the outbreak is concentrated on the West Coast and in the Midwest, all 50 United States have reported cases of avian influenza. With all this going on, I am worried about bird flu in my canine and feline patients, and that’s the topic of today’s blogpost.

But Aren’t We Safe from Bird Flu in New York City?

I know what you are thinking. Where would my patients encounter sick birds? My patients live mostly in apartments, some never leaving their 20th floor dwelling. But keep in mind that pets travel, often to rural areas while their humans rest and relax away from the city, and these places have wild birds. Your curious dog or cat could catch bird flu when hunting or simply investigating a bird carcass since direct infection can occur from exposure to saliva, mucous or feces from infected birds.

Additionally, our lovely Central Park lies in the Atlantic flyway of bird migration. The huge distances traveled by birds also means diseases can travel huge distances with migrating birds.

Remember West Nile virus? How the virus got to New York City is unknown, but we know for sure that birds in New York Cit were dying of the virus and served as the reservoir for mosquitos to transmit the virus from birds to people. The West Nile Virus story is a warning to be heeded when it comes to the current bird flu epidemic.

Avoid Raw Poultry, Milk, and Beef

Food, always a contentious issue among pet owners, is already playing a role in bird flu infections. Twenty cats in a large cat sanctuary in the Pacific Northwest died from bird flu, and contaminated meat is the suspected source of the infections. In Oregon and California, two housecats died of bird flu, and the infection was traced to a raw turkey pet food. Raw poultry diets are clearly a risk for your pet during this epidemic, and beef is also a concern since cattle can become infected. California has reported cats infected with bird flu after drinking raw milk of cows infected with bird flu.

Veterinarians Are Worried About Bird Flu in People Too

When veterinarians receive their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, we take an oath. That oath contains a promise to protect the public health. Avian influenza fits the definition of a public health concern. Animals are infecting people with the virus and some are seriously ill. The Cleveland Clinic offers solid advice on protecting yourself against bird flu.

Dogs Can Get Bird Flu Too

Dogs can get bird flu too, though they appear to be less likely to contract the disease than cats. Still, common sense suggests precautions are necessary. The United States Food and Drug administration has outlined steps cat owners can take to reduce the risk of bird flu in their cats. These same rules can be followed to protect your dog.