Keeping Your Pet Safe From Bird Flu

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What We Know About Bird Flu So Far

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What is Bird Flu?

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (HPAI) H5N1 is a strain of Influenza A that primarily affects birds and poultry. However, it has been detected in mammals, including domestic cats, cattle, swine, and various wild animals.

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Current Risk:

H5N1 viruses rarely infect humans. As of 1-9-26, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the current risk to the public to be low. This assessment is subject to change as new information emerges. For updates, visit CDC Bird Flu Summary.

What Can You Do to Keep Your Pet Safe?

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Key Tips for
Pet Owners:

  1. 1.

    Limit exposure to wildlife. Migratory birds are the primary source of avian flu transmission to domestic pets. Avoid letting pets interact with wild birds, and always wash your hands after handling bird feeders or other wildlife.

  2. 2.

    Practice safe food handling. Always wash your hands and sanitize surfaces after handling raw pet food.

  3. 3.

    Monitor your pet’s health. Symptoms of H5N1 in pets include difficulty breathing, discharge from the nose and eyes, lethargy, and neurological symptoms. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet shows signs of distress or you suspect exposure to avian flu.

  4. 4.

    If concerned about raw pet foods, opt for diets that are cooked or have undergone High Pressure Processing. Explore minminally processed alternatives like gently cooked, dehydrated, or air-dried diets. Our team is happy to help you select the best option for the pet.

This information contained here is only intended to be general summary information for public use. This information does not replace written law or regulations, nor does it replace professional medical or veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions about a medical condition, always seek the advice of a veterinarian, doctor, or other qualified health professional.

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