Can pets get Avian Flu?
Yes. In some places where H5N1 Avian Flu has occurred, cats and other mammals have gotten sick and died after eating infected birds.
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Can my pets get vaccinated against Avian Flu?
No, there currently is no commercially available vaccine to protect humans or animals against H5N1.
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If my pet has been exposed to a dead bird, can he be tested for Avian Flu?
Routine testing of pets for bird flu is not necessary and currently unavailable. If you have concerns about your pet's health, it is best to contact your veterinarian.
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How can I protect my pet from exposure to Avian Flu?
Since Avian Flu has not been detected in domestic or wild birds in the U.S., your pet's chances of exposure are minimal. You can protect your pet by feeding only commercially prepared pet foods. Temperatures used in manufacturing are high enough to kill the H5N1 virus.
You can also protect your pet by keeping it indoors or on a leash whenever it is outdoors.
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Can my pet give me Avian Flu?
There have been no confirmed cases of Avian Flu transmission between humans and pets. According to the World Health Organization, there is no present evidence that domestic cats or any other mammals play a role in transmitting the H5N1 virus to humans.
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How do I know that animals from a pet store don't have Avian Flu?
It is exceedingly unlikely that animals in pet stores could have been exposed to the Avian Flu, but it's always best to make sure your pet has been checked by a veterinarian prior to purchase.
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