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Avian Influenza H5N1 (Bird Flu) and Cats
As many may have seen, there have been increasing cases of H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) affecting dairy cattle, commercial poultry farms, and now a big cat sanctuary in Washington state. It is possible that this strain of flu could transfer to humans but has not at this point in what I can find. This is a very deadly virus for backyard poultry flocks and domestic cats.
Signs of bird flu in cats include:
 Illness may start with loss of appetite, lethargy, and fever, then quickly progress, with cats exhibiting:
Neurologic signs (e.g., off-balance, circling, tremors, seizures, or blindness)
Severe depression
Copious discharge from the eyes and nose
Other respiratory signs, including rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and possibly sneezing or coughing
Please protect your backyard flocks, your cats, and yourself by using care around wild birds, especially dead ones, and monitoring your cats for any signs of concern.
Contact our clinic if you have questions about your personal pets.
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