Avian Influenza A (H5N1) has been circulating around the news since March of this year due to infections seen in dairy cattle. However, recently there has been an influx in infections in cats - particularly barn cats, feral cats and indoor cats who have access to outdoors. Cats who become infected with avian influenza tend to develop severe illness that can result in death.
The good news is, Avian Influenza A appears to be easily preventable with some simple precautionary measures. And has only been isolated in a few counties in Michigan so far.
Avian Influenza is thought to be spread to our cats through unpasteurized milk, raw or undercooked meat or exposure to infected wild or domesticated birds.
Signs of Infection: Neurologic signs (like going in circles, seizures, walking like they don't have control of their back legs), depression, severe nasal discharge and respiratory distress.
If you think your cat is showing signs of influenza, it is recommended that they be seen by your veterinarian.
How to Keep you Cat Protected:
🐾 Avoid feeding cats any dairy products or colostrum that have not first been pasteurized or thoroughly cooked to kill the virus.
🐾 Thoroughly cook meat before feeding, and avoid feeding raw meat-based treats or diets.
🐾 Keep cats indoors to prevent exposure to birds and other wildlife.
🐾 Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and other wildlife yourself.
🐾 Keep cats away from livestock, poultry, and their environments, especially in areas with known H5N1 outbreaks.
Although Avian Influenza is rarely transmitted to people from cats, it is still recommended that people, it can happen with prolonged exposure to an infected cat. Sick animals transmit influenza virus to people in their saliva, feces or droppings, and other fluids. Human infections typically occur when exposed to the virus and it is inhaled or inadvertently gets into a person's mouth, nose or eyes.
For More Information on Avian Influenza A (H5N1)
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-h5n1-cats
Michigan Department of Agricultural & Rural Development (MDARD): https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/animals/diseases/avian/avian-influenza
Center of Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/hcp/animals/index.html
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us!
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