Everything I Need to Know About Bird Flu

As a veterinarian and parent, I understand that protecting our families and our innocent pets is so important and I want to share with you what I have learned from my research on the Avian Influenza.

Recent events (remember 2020?) have taught us the importance of staying informed, collecting information and seeking guidance from the professionals you trust. The latest information concerning “Bird Flu” (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza – HPAI H5N1) should not be an exception to this guidance. While at this time this strain of flu is predominantly affecting wild migratory birds and poultry, there have been some reports, albeit rare, of disease transmission in cats and domesticated (pet) birds. In 2022, HPAI outbreaks were devastating to some flocks of commercial and backyard birds in the U.S.

In our beautiful home state, 840 bird cases of HPAI have been confirmed (as of February 2025). Zero commercial flocks have been affected and 1 backyard flock. Also in February, the first feline case of bird flu was confirmed in a feral cat in Hunterdon County. The cat developed severe neurologic disease and was humanely euthanized.

At the time of this writing, there have been no confirmed cases in other mammals in New Jersey, including humans. However, in other states, such cases have been confirmed. Currently, disease transmission to the public remains rare and most cases have been in workers at poultry and some cattle facilities. None of the confirmed human cases have been acquired from exposure to infected cats.

Cats and dogs may become exposed to Bird Flu by direct contact with infected birds and their droppings. Cat to cat, and dog to dog transmission remains low, but this may change as the virus changes. In 2024, an outbreak in cows resulted in bovine-to-bovine transmission and even bovine-to-cat infections. Milk appears to be a common culprit in these cases, especially when consumed without pasteurization. Severity of illness varies depending on other factors, including the animal’s overall health.

Symptoms largely include respiratory issues including coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing and nasal discharge. However, lethargy, weakness, fever, GI issues (vomiting and diarrhea) and even neurologic symptoms such as seizures, tremors and incoordination are possible. If these symptoms are observed, especially if your pet has had exposure to wild birds or poultry, contact your veterinarian immediately.

In birds, the disease is highly fatal, but in other species treatment has been successful. Prompt veterinary care is ESSENTIAL to successful treatment. A thorough examination will be performed and likely diagnostic testing including samples from the respiratory tract and imaging such as radiographs (x-rays) may be recommended. In very sick pets, hospitalization may be necessary for supportive care (IV fluids, etc.) until the pet’s own immune system can mount a sufficient response to overcome the illness.

Here’s how you can help protect your pets:

• Limit Exposure: While no vaccine prevention is currently available for this strain of flu, there are other ways to prevent the disease. Keep your pets away from wild birds, especially waterfowl and sick or dead birds. Supervise your pets when they are outdoors, keep cats indoors, if possible, or outdoors on a leash (it’s possible!).
• Hygiene Practices: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your pets or being outdoors. Clean and disinfect your pet’s food and water bowls regularly. If you enjoy feeding birds outside, change your shoes and clothing before entering your home and making contact with pets.
• Avoid Raw Poultry: Do not feed your pets raw poultry or wild bird meat. Unpasteurized milk and raw or undercooked meat – including retail pet diets containing raw meat- have been linked to severe illness and death from Bird Flu in pet cats and captive big cats.
• Report Sick Birds: If you find sick or dead birds, do not handle them. Contact your local wildlife agency or health department immediately.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest information on avian influenza from reputable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
• Communicate with your vet: As always, your veterinarian is your best resource for personalized advice and guidance.

For more information see the CDC guidelines on Ways to Stay Health Around Animals (https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/index.html) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (https://www.avma.org/).