Avian influenza (Bird Flu) update
Due to the rise of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Washington State, we are stiving to spread awareness of the virus and share prevention tips to help keep your pets safe. The health and safety of all our pets is of the utmost importance. Please take a moment to read the following information regarding Avian Flu (HPAI).
Overview
Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza (HPAI), also known as “Avian Flu” or “Bird Flu”, is a viral infection that mainly spreads between birds, especially wild migratory water birds and domestic poultry, but also can spread to humans and other animals.
Please be aware that there is no vaccine currently available.
Transmission
Birds shed the virus in their bodily fluids, which can then be acquired by:
- Direct or close contact with infected animals
- Inhalation
- Touching something that has the virus on it and then touching one’s mouth, eyes, or nose
- Eating sick or dead birds, ingesting unpasteurized milk from infected cows, or eating raw meat. (Cats have a higher risk of infection than dogs.)
Symptoms
Infected birds or other pets may show one or more of the following signs:
- Low energy or appetite
- Purple discoloration or swelling of various body parts
- Reduced egg production or soft-shelled/misshapen eggs
- Nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing
- Lack of coordination
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Neurologic signs, like tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness
- Sudden death with no prior signs
Monitor your pet for signs of illness, especially if they have had recent exposure to sick or dead birds. Immediately contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs to help you determine the best course of action.
Prevention
Precautions to prevent your pet from getting Avian Flu:
- Avoid direct contact between wild birds and yourself.
- Avoid direct contact between wild birds and your pets.
- Do not touch sick or dead wild birds.
- Thoroughly wash your hands before and after handling your pet and after any encounters with poultry, livestock, or wild birds.
- Keep food, drinking water, equipment, and other supplies secure out of reach of wild birds or rodents.
- Keep your pets indoors and supervise them closely, especially if Avian Flu outbreaks have recently been reported in your area.
- Avoid feeding pets raw meat (poultry, beef) or unpasteurized raw milk. Only freeze-dried raw commercial pet foods that are pasteurized are safe. Do not feed freeze-dried raw that has not been pasteurized.
- Keep dogs and cats from chasing wild birds.
Immediately contact your veterinarian if you think your pet may have been exposed to the virus and is symptomatic. If you believe your pet is at risk and are planning to come to the clinic for an appointment, call ahead of your visit to alert the medical team of your pet’s potential exposure so appropriate precautions can be taken.
Our clinic will be taking extra measures to ensure the health and safety of all our patients. You may be asked questions about the housing of your pet, their potential exposure to wild animals, and any recent health concerns prior to admitting the patient into the clinic. Any pet that is perceived at risk must follow strict safety and isolation protocols in order to be admitted.
For more information regarding Avian Influenza, you may also check these trusted resources:
CDC, American Veterinary Medical Association and the Washington State Department of Agriculture.