Although bird flu viruses mainly infect and spread among wild migratory water birds and domestic poultry, some bird flu viruses can infect and spread to other animals as well. Bird flu viruses have in the past been known to sometimes infectmammals that eat (presumably infected) birds or poultry, including but not limited to wild animals, such as seals, bears, foxes, skunks;farmed mink; stray or domestic animals, such as cats and dogs; and zoo animals, such as tigers and leopards. H5N1 bird flu viruses have been detected sporadically in some domestic animals, including cats duringoutbreaks in Thailand in 2004andNorthern Germany in 2006, and cats, dogs, and goat kids (juvenile goats) in North America. In December 2023, H5N1 virus infections were reported for the first time in mammals in both polar regions: an infected polar bear, which died in Alaska, and in elephant and fur seals in the Antarctic. While it’s unlikely that people would become infected with bird flu viruses through contact with an infected wild, stray, feral, or domestic mammal, it is possible—especially if there is prolonged andunprotectedexposure to the animal. This page provides information for different groups of people who might have direct contact with infected or potentially infected sick or dead animals, including animals that might have eaten or been exposed to bird flu-infected birds.
Pet Owners
If your domestic animals (e.g., cats or dogs) go outside and could potentially eat or be exposed to sick or dead birds infected with bird flu viruses, or an environment contaminated with bird flu virus, they could become infected with bird flu. While it’s unlikely that you would get sick with bird flu through direct contact with your infected pet, it is possible. For example, in 2016, the spread of bird flu from a cat to a person was reported in NYC. The person who was infected [2.29 MB, 4 pages]was a veterinarian who had mild flu symptoms after prolonged exposure to sick cats without using personal protective equipment.
If your pet is showing signs of illness compatible with bird flu virus infection and has been exposed to infected (sick or dead) wild birds/poultry, you should monitor your health for signs of fever or infection.
Take precautions to prevent the spread of bird flu.
As a general precaution, people should avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe wild birds only from a distance, whenever possible. People should also avoid contact between their pets (e.g., pet birds, dogs and cats) with wild birds. Don’t touch sick or dead birds, their feces or litter, or any surface or water source (e.g., ponds, waterers, buckets, pans, troughs) that might be contaminated with their saliva, feces, or any other bodily fluids without wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). More information about specific precautions to take for preventing the spread of bird flu viruses between animals and people is available at Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Bird Flu Viruses in People. Additional information about the appropriate PPE to wear is available at Backyard Flock Owners: Take Steps to Protect Yourself from Avian Influenza.
People Who Have Had Direct Contact with Infected or Potentially Infected Animals
During outbreaks of bird flu in wild birds and/or poultry, people who have had direct contact with infected or potentially infected animals, including sick animals that might have eaten bird flu-infected birds, should monitor their health for fever and symptoms of infection.
Signs and Symptoms may include:
- Fever (Temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater) or feeling feverish/chills*
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Difficulty breathing/Shortness of breath
- Conjunctivitis (eye tearing, redness, irritation, or discharge from eye)
- Headaches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Diarrhea
*Fever may not always be present
Call your state/local health department immediately if you develop any of these signs or symptoms during the 10-days after your exposure to an infected or potentially infected animal. Discuss your potential exposure and ask about testing. If testing is recommended, isolate as much as possible until test results come back and/or you have recovered from your illness.
Additionally, close contacts (family members, etc.) of people who have been exposed to a person or animal with lab-confirmed bird flu viruses should also monitor their health for 10 days after their exposure for signs and symptoms of illness. If close contacts of people who have been exposed to H5 bird flu viruses develop signs and symptoms of illness, they should also contact their state health department.
FAQs
Bird flu viruses have in the past been known to sometimes infect mammals that eat (presumably infected) birds or poultry, including but not limited to wild animals, such as seals, bears, foxes, skunks; farmed mink; stray or domestic animals, such as cats and dogs; and zoo animals, such as tigers and leopards.
Does bird flu affect other animals? ›
Certain mammals—including domestic cats and dogs—may become infected if they eat sick or dead infected birds, and there might be other ways the virus spreads. Still, the likelihood of cats and dogs catching HPAI seems very low.
Can squirrels get bird flu? ›
In the U.S., H5N1 infections were detected in mammals for the first time in 2022. Since then, the virus has infected a range of mammal species across the country, including mountain lions, black bears, polar bears, bottlenose dolphins, harbor seals, coyotes, red foxes, minks, otters, squirrels, raccoons and opossums.
How do I protect my pet from bird flu? ›
The best way to prevent your pet from getting bird flu is to avoid feeding them raw meat or raw milk. Keep cats indoors and keep your dog from chasing wild birds. A cat or dog with bird flu could pass the virus on to humans. This is very rare, though.
What are the symptoms of avian flu in mammals? ›
The most common clinical signs of infected mammals were neurological abnormalities such as seizures, ataxia, tremors, and inappropriate or lack of fear of humans. Genetic sequence data from viruses infecting 48 of the mammals suggests that these cases represent spillover infections from wild birds. According to Dr.
Can cats catch bird flu? ›
While it primarily affects poultry and wild birds, avian influenza can occasionally be transmitted to mammals, including cats. Cats are unusual hosts of avian influenza.
Does bird flu affect rodents? ›
Experiments with raw milk from cows infected with H5N1 avian influenza found that mice fed droplets quickly became ill, with high virus levels in their respiratory tissues, researchers reported today.
Can a human get bird flu? ›
Although avian (bird) influenza (flu) A viruses usually do not infect people, there have been some rare cases of human infection with these viruses. Illness in humans from avian influenza virus infections have ranged in severity from no symptoms or mild illness to severe disease that resulted in death.
Can backyard chickens get bird flu? ›
Bird flu viruses can spread easily between birds. Some of these viruses can cause serious illness and death in domestic poultry (like chickens, ducks, and turkeys).
What are the symptoms of avian flu in cats? ›
Infected cats develop pneumonia and in some cases, meningitis or encephalitis (inflammation in the brain). Clinical signs include coughing, runny nose / watery eyes, difficulty breathing, sometimes vomiting and diarrhea, and rarely, sudden behavior changes.
Prevent infection by avoiding contact with wild birds and animals, washing hands regularly with soap and water and thoroughly cooking poultry and poultry products before eating. If you have been exposed to avian influenza, follow further guidance in the Information for contacts.
Can dogs survive bird flu? ›
Symptoms of bird flu in cats and dogs include a fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, conjunctivitis (or pink eye)and neurological signs like seizures and tremors, and death is also a possible outcome.
Can cats get bird flu from bird poop? ›
Usually when cats do what they do. "We feel that our domestic animals are getting this from wild bird droppings or the feral or stray cat that's hanging around your house or barn happens to eat a dead or a live bird," Jeromin explained.
What is the difference between bird flu and avian flu? ›
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is an infectious disease of birds and is caused by several different strains of the bird flu virus.
What animals are susceptible to bird flu? ›
Bird flu viruses have in the past been known to sometimes infect mammals that eat (presumably infected) birds or poultry, including but not limited to wild animals, such as seals, bears, foxes, skunks; farmed mink; stray or domestic animals, such as cats and dogs; and zoo animals, such as tigers and leopards.
Can you catch bird flu from eggs? ›
You can't catch bird flu through eating fully cooked poultry or eggs, even in areas with an outbreak of bird flu.
Do cows get the bird flu? ›
On the animal health side, USDA is reporting that 171 dairy cow herds in 13 U.S. states have confirmed cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infections in dairy cows as the number of infected herds continues to grow.
What animals are affected by HPAI? ›
Farmed bird species affected
- Gallus gallus domesticus (Chicken)
- Anas platyrhynchos domesticus (Duck)
- Anserinae sp. ( Goose)Meleagris gallopavo (Turkey)
How common is bird flu in humans? So far, bird flu infections in humans are rare. There have been less than 1,000 known cases worldwide since it was first identified in humans in 1997.
Is there bird flu in grocery milk? ›
These results complement the FDA's initial retail sampling study in which all 297 samples of dairy products collected at retail locations were found to be negative for viable H5N1 HPAI virus. Collectively, these studies provide strong assurances that the commercial milk supply is safe.
