Avian Influenza

You may have heard about the recent cases of avian influenza affecting poultry, cattle, and even wild and domestic cats in the U.S. While this may be concerning, the team at Sauk Point Veterinary Clinic is here to provide the information and support you need to keep your pets safe.

The strain causing the current outbreak is avian influenza type A H5N1, a highly pathogenic version that spreads more easily and causes more severe illness than other strains. Though the risk to pets and people is still low, there are steps you can take to protect your animals.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spreads through contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces, including secretions from the eyes, nose, mouth, and excrement. Infected dairy cattle can also pass the virus through their colostrum and milk. So, what does this mean for protecting your cat from exposure?

1. Keep your cats indoors. Cats that hunt and scavenge wildlife are at risk of being exposed to HPAI by coming in contact with or ingesting infected birds. Cats can also be exposed via the excrement of infected birds, like droppings around bird feeders and bird baths.
2. Avoid feeding raw food items to your cat. Raw food items, particularly those with poultry or dairy, haven’t been processed to remove the virus. Even freeze-dried raw food may still contain enough viral components to infect cats that eat it.
3. Minimize direct contact with sick or deceased birds. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to birds and cattle infected with HPAI can facilitate the spread of disease. Avoid handling sick or deceased wild birds unless absolutely necessary, and if you encounter one, consider contacting your local animal control for assistance.
4. Avoid tracking any bird excrement into your home. If you walk, bike, run, or engage in any activities near birds, such as flocks of geese or waterfowl around lakes and ponds, be sure to clean or remove soiled shoes or clothing before entering your home.

Cats are particularly vulnerable to severe illness when infected with HPAI, so early detection is crucial. The disease can progress quickly, often within 3 to 5 days, and symptoms can vary. Please monitor your cats for the following signs of illness, especially if there’s a chance your cat has been exposed to HPAI:

1. Appetite loss – decreased interest in food that is unusual for your cat
2. Lethargy – increased fatigue, sleeping more than normal, and less interest in play
3. Fever – normal body temperature for cats ranges from 99.5°F to 102.5°F. If you are comfortable doing so, you can check your cat’s temperature using a rectal thermometer and some water-based lubricant.
4. Heavy discharge from the eyes and/or nose
5. Other respiratory signs – like rapid or difficulty breathing. You may notice increased abdominal involvement with the breath, or open mouth breathing.
6. Neurologic signs – like ataxia (incoordination), circling, tremors, stiff or dragging hind limbs, seizures, or blindness
7. Death

According to data from the USDA, while there have been no confirmed cases of HPAI in domestic cats in Wisconsin, the virus has been detected in several commercial and backyard flocks, as well as in wild birds in the area. Staying vigilant and well-informed is key to protecting your cats from HPAI. By clicking the link below, you’ll find several helpful links containing valuable information about avian influenza. If you have any questions or concerns, especially regarding the health of your cats, please don’t hesitate to reach out.