Avian influenza A (H5N1) has been reported in cats in our area, and it can be fatal! The infections have been linked to cats consuming a raw poultry pet food produced by SAVAGE CAT FOOD, lot number 11152026. Other cases have been linked to cats consuming raw milk, and to cats contacting or eating infected birds (especially waterfowl and infected poultry).

The symptoms of avian influenza in cats include:

1. Respiratory signs (discharge from the eyes and nose, sneezing, coughing, trouble breathing)
2. Neurologic signs (balance loss, tremors, seizures, blindness)
3. General signs (loss of appetite, lethargy, depression, fever)

What you can do to help protect your cat:

1. Do not feed a raw diet or raw milk to your cat. If you have been feeding the raw food diet mentioned above, discard it immediately.
2. Limit your cat’s exposure to wild birds and poultry, (including waterfowl (ducks, geese), wild chickens, wild turkeys), and livestock, including their environments. Keeping cats indoors or in supervised areas will help reduce risk of exposure.
3. Avoid contact with sick or dead birds. Contact your local health department if you find sick or dead birds.
4. If your cat is exhibiting any of the symptoms above, or has potentially been exposed to avian influenza, seek veterinary care right away.

Is there a risk for humans?

Transmission of H5N1 to humans from dogs and cats has not been demonstrated at the present time, but potential risk does exist. However, humans have become infected through contact with infected domestic and backyard poultry, and dairy cattle.

What about dogs?

Although the disease has mostly been reported in cats, the potential for dogs to become infected does exist, especially as the virus starts to spread and potentially mutate.

If you feel that your cat or dog has been potentially exposed to avian influenza, or is showing any of the above signs, please contact us right away.