Veterinarians Warn of Bird Flu Symptoms to Watch Out For
Bird flu has been causing concern as cases of the disease have increased, leading to rising egg prices and worries about potential infection. While the risk of bird flu for humans is relatively low with only 70 confirmed cases reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the threat to pets is more significant.
Cornell University has launched a resource center addressing bird flu, with a specific focus on pets. Experts involved in the project, including Dr. Laura Goodman, Dr. Bruce Kornreich, and Dr. Alexander Travis, offer advice on protecting your pet from the disease.
Can pets contract bird flu? According to the experts at Cornell, pet birds, cats, and ferrets are susceptible to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), with over 100 cases reported in cats resulting in fatalities. While dogs have not shown susceptibility to bird flu, precautions are still recommended.
What are the symptoms of bird flu in pets? Common symptoms in cats and dogs include lethargy, loss of appetite, discoloration or swelling of body parts, reduced egg production, respiratory issues, lack of coordination, and diarrhea. For backyard flocks and pet birds, symptoms may also include sudden death without prior signs.
How can pets contract bird flu? Pets can become infected through various means, such as consuming contaminated raw food or milk, hunting infected wild birds or rodents, environmental exposure to bird droppings, or inhaling the virus from other infected animals. It is advised to avoid raw pet foods, prevent hunting behavior in pets, limit environmental exposure, and be cautious around potentially infected animals.
By following these guidelines, pet owners can help protect their beloved companions from the risks associated with bird flu.
According to experts, there is no clear evidence of bird flu transmission between cats in the same household. The likelihood of catching bird flu from an infected pet is low, with no known cases of transmission between people or from pets to humans. Most human cases of bird flu have resulted from contact with infected farm animals. It is safe to consume eggs and cooked chicken.
To ensure the safety of pets, experts recommend the following precautions:
1. Avoid feeding pets raw food or raw milk.
2. Prevent pets from interacting with sick or dead wildlife.
3. Keep cats indoors to prevent hunting.
4. When handling wild animals, wear a face shield or glasses, a disposable mask, and gloves. Dispose of the mask and gloves afterward, and wash hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water.
By following these guidelines, pet owners can reduce the risk of bird flu transmission and keep their pets safe. For more information, visit Cornell’s bird flu resource center.
