- This article has been reviewed by a pet health professional. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects wild birds and poultry. Despite the name, this virus can sometimes spread to humans and other animals, including our cats and dogs.
The current strain (H5N1 2.3.4.4b) is highly contagious and has caused the deaths of over 166 million birds across the U.S. since 2022. Dr. Maurice Pitesky, a veterinarian and poultry expert at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, describes the ongoing outbreak as the “largest animal disease outbreak in human history.”
Although H5N1 has been a global concern for decades, its recent spread has raised alarms as the infection pattern is increasingly affecting mammals. The reassuring news? The risk to pets (and humans) remains low, especially when we take the right precautions.
We spoke with veterinary experts to gather key information about bird flu and pets, including how it spreads, symptoms to watch for, and ways to protect your pets.
How Do Pets Catch Bird Flu?
The best source for tracking infections in pets and other mammals is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). According to APHIS, 53 domestic cats in the U.S. have contracted the virus since May 2022.
According to Dr. Jane Sykes, a board-certified specialist in small animal internal medicine and professor at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, cats appear highly susceptible to bird flu infection and the resulting illness.
She notes that, to date, no cases of bird flu from the current H5N1 strain have been reported in dogs in the U.S. However, in April 2023, a dog in Oshawa, Canada, contracted H5N1 after chewing on a wild goose, which led to the dog’s death. A similar fatal case was documented in Thailand in 2004 when a dog ingested an infected duck. Dr. Sykes explains that these rare occurrences suggest dogs might have a higher resistance to the infection and subsequent disease.
How cats and dogs catch bird flu
Cats and dogs can become infected through multiple pathways. According to Dr. Sykes, the most likely routes of bird flu infection in pets include:
- Direct contact: Pets that encounter saliva, nasal discharge, or feces from infected wild birds have a higher risk of infection.
- Exposure to infected animals: This is not limited to birds — infected cattle, rodents, or other wildlife may also pass the virus.
- Consuming infected prey: Pets who use their mouths to interact with infected animals are at risk.
- Eating contaminated food: Most cases of cats who have contracted bird flu can be traced back to eating raw or undercooked poultry. Unpasteurized dairy (like raw milk or cheese) is also a risk factor.
- Indirect transmission from humans: Handling raw contaminated poultry or dairy and then touching your pets without washing your hands is another way the virus passes on.
There have not been any confirmed cases of bird flu in pet birds. But, birds with outdoor exposure are at risk, as they could encounter infected wild birds or contaminated surfaces.
How to Protect Your Cats & Dogs from Bird Flu
While the risk of bird flu transmission to pets is low, taking preventive measures can reduce it even more. Although human cases are rare—with only 70 reported in the U.S. and one death—these precautions also help protect you:
- Start with good hygiene: Wash your hands after being outside, handling birds, or touching raw poultry or dairy.
- Separate outdoor and indoor clothes or gear: “If you have a job that poses a risk of exposure, then it would be a good idea to leave work shoes outside or change into different shoes before entering your home,” says Dr. Samantha Palermo, a veterinarian and partner at Evette. “However, proper PPE (personal protective equipment) should also be utilized at high-risk jobs, which is designed to prevent the spread of illness.
- Maintain strict hygiene between house visits: Pet sitters, groomers, and other professionals who handle animals in different homes should disinfect shared tools and toys between visits, wash hands before entering each household, and stay informed about local bird flu outbreaks.
Now, let’s take a closer look at how to further reduce your pet’s exposure.
Precautionary measures for cats
Dr. Palermo recommends:
- Keeping cats indoors to prevent contact with wild birds and poultry, their droppings, or infected environments.
- Utilizing a catio or supervised leash walks, if a cat must go outdoors.
- Removing bird feeders can also help minimize contact with potentially infected birds.
A note on raw cat food: Since some outbreaks have been linked to contaminated raw pet food and dairy, Dr. Palermo recommends feeding cats cooked commercial cat food only. There is not enough research to confirm whether highly pasteurized, commercial raw food effectively eliminates the bird flu virus, adds Dr. Palermo.
Until more is known, sticking to cooked food is the best precaution.
Precautionary measures for dogs
To reduce your dog’s risk of bird flu:
- Prevent them from rolling on dead animals or bird droppings.
- Avoid areas where birds gather, like stagnant ponds.
- Keep your dog leashed when outside, especially if they have a strong prey drive.
- Prevent them from consuming wild animals or their carcasses. Practice “leave it” to help.
A note on raw dog food: Like raw cat food, it’s safest to avoid raw dog food diets. If you choose to feed commercial raw food to your dog (or cat), Dr. Palermo suggests staying updated on pet food recalls by visiting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) websites.
Precautionary measures for pet birds
To protect pet birds from bird flu, keep them indoors to minimize exposure to wild birds and environmental contamination. Quarantine any new birds for at least 14 days before introducing them to your flock.
Signs of Avian Flu Infection in Pets
“Typically, the incubation period (period between infection and onset of signs) for influenza virus infections is about 2 to 14 days, but usually less than a week,” Dr. Sykes says. “The speed of onset of signs may vary with the amount of virus the animal is exposed to and how exposure occurs (e.g., ingestion versus respiratory droplet exposure).
As for symptoms, they can differ slightly across species. Symptoms of bird flu in dogs and cats include:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- Reddened or inflamed eyes
- Discharge from the nose and eyes
- Difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea
- Neurological signs, like tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness
Dr. Sykes notes that cats appear to be particularly vulnerable to severe symptoms of bird flu, including respiratory distress, neurological issues that can resemble rabies, and gastrointestinal problems, which can rapidly lead to death.
The most common signs in pet birds include:
- Sudden death with no prior symptoms
- Lethargy
- Reduced 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
What to Do If You Suspect Infection
If you think your pet may have bird flu, contact your veterinarian right away. Early treatment offers the best chance of managing symptoms and preventing severe complications. Describe your pet’s symptoms and any potential exposure.
There is currently no cure for avian influenza in pets (or any animals). Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
