At Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital, your pet’s health is our top priority. With the recent
concerns about H5N1, also known as avian influenza, we want to provide clear and
actionable information to help you protect your furry family members. While this virus
primarily affects birds, it can pose a risk to mammals, including cats, dogs, and wildlife.
Here’s everything you need to know about H5N1, its risks to pets, and how to keep
them safe.
What is H5N1?
H5N1 is a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza that primarily infects wild and
domestic birds. It can spread through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings,
feathers, or contaminated environments. While rare, there have been cases of
transmission to mammals, including household pets like cats and dogs. To date, there
have been 33 confirmed cases of avian influenza in cats that have led to acute illness
and death.
How Can Pets Be Exposed to H5N1?
Pets may be at risk if they:
- Interact with Wild Birds: Pets that roam outdoors, especially in areas with high bird activity, can come into contact with infected birds or their droppings.
- Consume Contaminated Food or Water: Pets can ingest the virus through contaminated water sources, raw or undercooked poultry, or raw pet food products.
- Interact with Contaminated Surfaces: Environments frequented by birds, such as parks or outdoor feeders, can carry the virus. Raw Pet Foods and the Risk of H5N1. Raw diets for pets have become increasingly popular, but they can pose additional risks when it comes to diseases like H5N1.
- Raw Poultry and Beef: Feeding pets raw or undercooked meat can increase their risk of exposure to avian influenza. Cooking meat thoroughly destroys the virus and other harmful pathogens.
- Raw Eggs and Raw Milk: These products can harbor not only H5N1 but also other harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. Avoid giving your pets raw eggs or unpasteurized milk.
- Commercial Raw Pet Food Diets: Even packaged raw pet foods can be contaminated. Always check for safety certifications and consider cooked diets as a safer alternative.
Signs of H5N1 Infection in Pets
While rare, pets infected with H5N1 may show symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing or persistent coughing.
- Lethargy, weakness, or reduced activity levels.
- Loss of appetite or refusal to eat.
- Fever, sneezing, or unusual behavior.
- Stumbling or dizziness
If your pet exhibits any of these signs, especially after potential exposure, contact us
immediately. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference.
How to Protect Your Pets from H5N1
There are several steps you can take to minimize your pet’s risk of exposure:
1. Supervise Outdoor Activities: Keep pets on a leash during walks and prevent them from chasing or interacting with wild birds. Wipe paws after each trip outside
2. Clean Pet Items Regularly: Wash food bowls, water bowls, and toys after outdoor play to remove potential contaminants.
3. Provide Safe Food Options:
- Avoid feeding your pets raw or undercooked poultry, raw eggs, or raw milk.
- Consider cooked diets or commercially prepared pet foods that meet safety standards.
4. Avoid High-Risk Areas: Steer clear of parks, ponds, or wetlands where bird populations gather, especially during flu outbreaks.
We’re Here to Support You!
At Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital, we’re committed to helping you keep your pets healthy and safe. If you have concerns about H5N1, raw diets, or any aspect of your pet’s health, our team is here to provide expert guidance.
Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Phone:(503) 968-2911
Location: 11545 SW Durham Road Ste B-10, Tigard, OR
Website: www.willowbrookvet.com
Together, we can ensure your pets live happy, healthy lives!