Bird flu viruses can spread to domestic pets, including cats, pet birds, and less commonly, dogs. Pets can become infected if they have contact with infected animals’ saliva, mucous or feces or their environments, or by consuming contaminated raw dairy or meat products.
Protect Pets from Bird Flu
Prevent the spread of bird flu to your pets by keeping them away from wild birds and their environments. Do not allow them to hunt or scavenge wild birds or other animals and never bring sick or dead animals into your home. If you must handle a sick or dead animal on your property, wear personal protective equipment (PPE), especially gloves, eye protection and a respirator or well-fitting face mask. The best type of mask to wear is a NIOSH-approved respirator, rated N95 or greater. See the handout, Keep yourself and your family safe with PPE (PDF).
Do not feed your pet raw or undercooked foods, including unpasteurized (raw) milk or dairy products. Raw pet food can carry bird flu and make pets sick. If pet food is found to be contaminated, WSDA will issue a recall.
If you work with animals that could become infected with bird flu, follow recommended safety precautions and wear appropriate protective equipment. For more information, see Bird Flu and Commercial Agriculture. Take steps to avoid bringing the virus into your home. Do not wear work clothing or use equipment from animal-related jobs inside your home, as these items could carry the virus and expose your pets.
Veterinarians may wish to track bird flu detections in wild and domestic birds and other animals nationally at USDA's Detection of Avian Influenza.
Signs of Bird Flu in Pets
Signs in pets can vary depending on the species. Domestic cats can become seriously ill and may die from bird flu. Signs of infection in cats include fever, lethargy, eye or nasal discharge, red eyes, decreased appetite, difficulty breathing, and neurological symptoms such as tremors, seizures, difficulty standing, lack of coordination, or blindness.
Signs of bird flu in other pets may be similar but are less well understood. Although infection has occurred in dogs, they appear less likely to become infected.
If your pet shows signs of bird flu and may have been exposed, follow these steps:
- Contact your veterinarian.
- Keep your pet separated. Place them in a room away from people and other animals. Do not let your pet go outside.
- Protect yourself when caring for your pet. Saliva, mucus, and feces can spread the virus and may be on surfaces like pet beds or litter boxes. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), especially gloves, eye protection, and a respirator or well-fitting face mask. See the handout, Keep yourself and your family safe with PPE (PDF). Wash your hands with soap and water after caring for your pet or cleaning their environment (such as a litterbox, crate, or bedding).
- Limit who cares for your pet. Avoid having people at higher risk of severe illness care for the pet, including children under 5, adults over 65, and people who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems.
- Clean and disinfect after your pet recovers or leaves the area. Use a disinfectant such as a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or a benzalkonium chloride product (such as Lysol). Saturate tools and hard surface areas and let the disinfectant sit for 5-10 minutes, then wipe away with a disposable cloth or paper towel. Discard used cloths or towels in a sealing trash can. Wash hands with soap and water immediately after cleaning.