Cotati Small Animal Hospital
H5 Bird Flu: What You Need to Know
As H5N1 bird flu becomes a growing concern in California, our doctors want to keep you informed and help protect your pets. Learn about the risks, symptoms, and steps you can take to keep your animals safe.
Doctor Kong recommends reading this December article on the link between raw pet food and avian flu, highlighting potential risks for pets:
What is Bird Flu?
Bird flu, or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects birds, including both wild species and domestic . The H5N1 strain is currently the most concerning as it is currently spreading in multiple parts of the world. While some birds, like ducks, can carry the virus without symptoms, it is often fatal in chickens and turkeys, allowing the virus to circulate undetected in wild bird populations before causing devastating outbreaks when it reaches domestic flocks. In California, the risk is especially high due to our large migratory bird populations, outdoor pets, and poultry/dairy industries. To protect both animals and public health, the outbreak is being closely monitored by the USDA, CDC, and California state health officials.
Current Spread & Affected Animals
The ongoing spread of H5N1 has impacted multiple species, usually through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated environments, and in rare cases, ingestion of infected raw meat. While wild birds often act as carriers, the virus poses the greatest risk to domestic animals that come into contact with them. Infected cats have shown severe symptoms, including respiratory distress and neurological issues, with many cases resulting in death. Pet owners should take extra precautions to protect cats, especially those that spend time outdoors or are fed raw diets. These are the some of the key species affected by the outbreak:
WILD AQUATIC BIRDS
Ducks, geese, storks and similar species can be infected and spread H5N1 without showing obvious illness. Because they migrate over long distances, they can potentially carry the virus to new areas.
DOMESTIC POULTRY
Chickens, turkeys, and other farmed birds are highly susceptible to H5N1. Infected flocks can experience extremely high mortality rates , often within 48 hours. These outbreaks are devastating to farms.
PET BIRDS
Birds such as backyard chickens, ducks, or aviary species risk H5N1 infection if they contact wild birds or their droppings. Even brief visits from wild birds to feeders or ponds can expose these pets to the virus.
OTHER ANIMALS
H5N1 has occasionally infected other animals. Since 2024 it has been detected in some U.S. dairy cattle and even in a few domestic cats, likely from exposure to infected birds or raw poultry.
Why Raw Foods?
H5N1 is spreading to pets through contaminated raw pet food, with cats being at particularly high risk. The virus can survive in raw or undercooked meat, and since raw diets don’t go through a cooking process to kill harmful pathogens, pets that eat them are at higher risk of infection. While both dogs and cats can be exposed to the virus , cats face a greater danger because their diets typically contain higher animal protein, increasing their chances of consuming contaminated food.
Recognizing Symptoms in Pets
What Can Pet Owners Do?
There are several steps you can take to help limit your pets exposure to H5N1:
- Keep Outdoor Time Limited & Supervised: Dogs are curious sniffers, which unfortunately can put them at risk of contracting the virus if they come across infected bird or their droppings. If your dog has to go outside keep them on a leash and try to avoid areas where birds gather, like ponds, parks, and outdoor markets. A lot of cats are outdoors which is not just dangerous for them but it also gives them the means to scavenge nd hunt which is one of the biggest risks for H5N1. If your cat roams outside, they could catch and eat an infected bird or rodent, putting them at serious risk so consider keeping them inside or setting up a enclosed outdoor space like a Catio.
- Avoid Raw Diets & Unpasteurized Dairy: While raw diets have been trendy, they can expose pets to bird flu and other nasty pathogens like Salmonella. If the meat or milk comes from infected poultry or livestock, your pet could get seriously sick. Stick with cooked, balanced pet food to keep them safe. If you’re thinking about switching from raw, chat with your vet for safer options or check out our nutrition page!
- Ditch the Bird Feeders & Birdbaths: Wild birds can carry the virus without looking sick, and their droppings can contaminate the areas where they land. If you have bird feeders or birdbaths, now’s a good time to take them down—at least until the outbreak settles. Dr. Kong recommends removing anything that might attract wild birds to your yard to lower the risk for pets. Also, wash your hands and wipe your pet’s paws if they’ve been playing in areas where birds hang out.
This is a rapidly developing situation and our understanding of H5N1 HPAI is constantly evolving as experts continue to study it's impact. While the current risk to most pets remains low, staying informed and taking simple precautions can go a long way in keeping your animals safe. If you suspect your pet has been exposed to bird flu or notice any concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away because early detection can make a difference. For the most up to date information on H5N1 and how it may affect pets, visit the CDC, AVMA, and USDA websites below!
CDC: Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
