Avian Influenza and Infection in Dogs and Cats

Sandra Norman, DVM, a Veterinary News Network reporter from Indianapolis, has written a set of message points that will assist veterinarians in responding to questions from clients and local news media about the implications of H5N1 spreading to North America. As you are likely aware, H5N1 is spreading rapidly and caused at least 100 human deaths, countless avian deaths, and it has now killed cats and dogs. Because H5N1 is expected to enter North America during the fall bird migration, there are concerns about hunting dogs that may be exposed during hunting season.

The following message points may be helpful to you in answering questions about H5N1 in your community:

1. Highly pathogenic avian influenza of the H5N1 variety has mutated and infected wild and domestic birds in Europe and Asia along with humans who have had close (live with) contact with those infected birds

2. Because this is a new strain of avian influenza and it has passed from birds to people, it is feared that it will mix with an existing human virus and develop the ability to pass from person to person. This change has not occurred in the virus at this time.

3. Recently, domestic cats in Germany and a dog in Azerbaijan have been diagnosed with the H5N1 variety of avian influenza, resulting in fatal consequences.

4. Infection in these cats appears to have occurred by ingestion of infected H5N1 wild birds or by eating uncooked infected meat by the cat itself.

5. Dogs may have the same problems with ingestion of infected birds although it is not clear at this time. There is concern among bird dog owners and wild bird exposure through hunting. The virus has not been found in wild or domestic birds in North America.

6. If the virus is present in birds, cooking any raw poultry, especially wild birds, before feeding to a dog or cat would minimize exposure.

7. Keeping cats and dogs in, away from their hunting activity, would decrease the chance of exposure. Dead birds can be at risk for sharing other problems, so monitoring pets that hunt for any problems is appropriate.

8. None of the known strains of avian influenza have been shown to be transmissible between cats or dogs and people. Cats have shown to pass it to other cats in the same cage (It is not clear if cats or dogs can recover).

9. Veterinarians need to caution cat owners not to let go or get rid of their cats, but keeping them in, monitoring their activity and examination by a veterinarian at the first sign of problems will be important in minimizing the potential consequences of exposure to avian influenza

10. Testing is not available in the live animal, but dead animals can be examined for the presence of the H5N1 virus. There is a Type A influenza test which has been used for canine influenza, but it is not specific for H5N1.

11. There is no vaccine for this virus in dogs, cats or humans.