Keep Your Pets Away from Wildlife: Protecting Your Pets During the Avian Flu Outbreak
February 24, 2025 – Recent increases in avian influenza (bird flu) cases across the United States have raised concerns about the risk to both domestic and wild animals. While much of the focus has been on poultry and wild bird populations, there is another group at risk—our feline and canine companions. If you have a cat or a dog that spends time outdoors and unleashed, now is the time to take precautions to protect them from potential exposure to this dangerous virus.
Why Pets are at Risk of Becoming Infected with Avian Influenza
Avian influenza, specifically the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain, primarily spreads among wild birds, but it has been known to infect mammals, especially cats and more rarely, dogs. Pets can contract the virus by:
- Hunting and consuming infected birds (cats are especially at risk due to their predatory nature).
- Coming into contact with heavily contaminated environments, such as areas where large populations of infected birds have been.
- Rolling in, picking up, or ingesting dead or sick birds (primarily ducks and geese) found on the beach or in outdoor areas.
- Consuming raw milk from infected animals.
Once infected, cats can experience severe respiratory distress, neurological symptoms, and, in many cases, fatal outcomes. There are very few reported cases of H5N1 infection in dogs, but respiratory and neurologic symptoms are possible, as is severe disease. With the increasing number of bird flu cases, the risk of exposure for pets that spend time outdoors is higher than usual.
Why Are Cats at Higher Risk for Contracting Avian Influenza?
Cats are particularly vulnerable to avian influenza. Cats are more likely to come into contact with birds due to their natural hunting instincts and may target sick birds as easy prey. Additionally, research has shown that felines can become infected through direct contact with the virus in contaminated environments, such as areas where sick birds have roamed or where their droppings have accumulated. Cats also appear to be particularly vulnerable to severe infections, with multiple housecat and wild cat fatalities reported in the US.
Beyond outdoor hunting, another possible exposure can be from feeding raw food or raw food diets, particularly those that include raw poultry. If the poultry used in raw cat food is contaminated with avian influenza, it can pose a direct transmission risk to cats. Similarly, unpasteurized milk from infected animals could be another potential exposure route, reinforcing the importance of providing only thoroughly cooked foods to pets.
Keeping Pets Safe During the Avian Flu Outbreak
Preventing your pet’s exposure to avian flu is a proactive step in ensuring their health and well-being. If your pet has been outdoors and you suspect they may have been exposed to infected birds, watch for signs such as:
- Neurologic signs (e.g., incoordination, circling, tremors, seizures, or blindness)
- Severe depression
- Heavy discharge from the nose and eyes
- Other respiratory signs, including rapid or difficulty breathing, and possibly sneezing or coughing
- Sudden loss of appetite
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Additionally, always wash your hands after handling your pet, especially if they’ve been outside.
Other Reasons to Keep Pets Indoors or Supervised
Bringing your pets inside or closely supervising them outdoors isn’t just about preventing avian flu—it also protects them from a variety of other dangers, including:
- Wildlife Encounters: Coyotes, raccoons, and other predators pose a significant threat to outdoor cats and small dogs.
- Traffic Hazards: Many outdoor pets are injured or killed every year by vehicles. It is estimated that up to 1.2 million dogs and cats are hit and killed in the U.S by motor vehicles annually.
- Toxins and Poisons: Outdoor pets can be exposed to pesticides, rodenticides, and other harmful substances.
- Disease Transmission: Beyond avian flu, outdoor pets are at risk for rabies, leptospirosis, and other infectious diseases.
- Impact on Wildlife: Domestic cats and some dogs contribute to bird and small mammal mortality, which can disrupt local ecosystems. Want to learn more about the impact of pets on wildlife? Check this out: Why Is it So Hard to Keep Cats Indoors? | Audubon.
What If Your Pet Is Used to Being Outdoors?
If your cat or dog is accustomed to outdoor life, transitioning them inside or adjusting their habits may take time, but it is worth the effort for their safety. Here are some tips to help:
- Provide Enrichment: Engage your pets with toys, interactive play, and mental stimulation to keep them engaged indoors.
- Create a Safe Outdoor Experience: Consider a catio (enclosed outdoor space) for cats or supervised, leashed walks for dogs.
- Gradual Adjustment: Start by keeping them indoors or under supervision for short periods and increase the time gradually.
- Offer a Comfortable Space: Ensure your pets have cozy resting areas, hiding spots, and window perches for cats to observe the outdoors.
Other Animals Impacted by Avian Bird Flu
Avian influenza, particularly the H5N1 strain, has been detected in various wild mammal species across the United States and globally. Notable cases include infections in sea lions, bears, wild foxes, and skunks. These mammals likely contract the virus through predation or scavenging of infected birds. Additionally, outbreaks have been reported among marine mammals, such as seals in New England, indicating the virus’s ability to cross species barriers.
While these instances are concerning, human infections remain rare, and the current public health risk is considered low. However, monitoring and preventive measures are essential to manage potential spillover events.
With avian flu cases rising, now is the time to prioritize your pet’s health by keeping them indoors or closely supervising their outdoor activities. This simple step can protect your cat or dog from a potentially fatal illness while also reducing risks from other outdoor hazards. By keeping your furry friends safe, you’re also helping to curb the spread of avian influenza and supporting broader public health efforts.
For more information on avian flu and how to keep pets safe, consult your veterinarian or visit reputable sources such as the USDA or CDC websites.
Resources
Want to learn more? We recommend the following:
What Causes Bird Flu in Pets and Other Animals | Bird Flu | CDC
Avian influenza A (H5N1) in cats | American Veterinary Medical Association
