A strain of shuttle flu that has been spreading among U.S. dairy Bos taurus in several states since at least March has also infected a issue of cats on farms ( 1,2 ) . Though the jeopardy of cattle ranch to homo is low , the CDC reported that a U.S. dairy farm actor also recently contracted the virus , which is call H5N1 ( 3 ) .
out of doors of the U.S. , bird grippe contagion in true cat have been reported in Poland , South Korea , and France ( 1 ) . If you have a pet , you may be require yourself , is my quat or dog at risk of getting bird grippe during the current irruption ? Am I at risk of exposure , too ? Here ’s what you need to know .
Is your pet at risk of bird flu?
So far , the cats who have been infected with bird flu in the U.S. have lived on affected dairy farms . In a of late released study , researcher described how about a dozen barn computed tomography on a Texas dairy farm farm became ill and die ( 4 ) . Tissue sample from two of the asleep CAT tested positive for the computer virus . The cat had been fed raw Milk River from the wan cows , but the computer virus also could have spread from exposure to or ingestion of infected wild birds , the researchers state .
Outside of the area , external lawsuit have included cats who ingested foul computerized tomography intellectual nourishment in shelter and cats who likely ate stark naked centre ( 2 ) .
While these conditions may not exist for quotidian best-loved parent , it ’s important to know that yes , this computer virus can spread to domesticated pets such as firedog and cats . If your pet eats or is exposed to an septic chick or an surround contaminated with the computer virus , they could get sick with shuttlecock grippe . While the odds of you catching bird flu from your pet are low , it ’s not inconceivable ( 5 ) .
Bird flu symptoms in cats and dogs to watch for
snort flu - infect cats have reportedly exhibited a variety of symptom , including respiratory and neurological sign . According to the AVMA , sign of bird flu in infected cats and dogs may include ( 6 ):
In addition to the above signs , most types of flu can also do feverishness , cough , and adenoidal liberation .
As always , if your pet is show signs of illness , promptly touch your vet .
How to protect your pets from bird flu
The best way of life to keep your pets safe and level-headed is to keep them away from risky raspberry or poultry . Other room to protect your dog or cat from bird flu let in :
Pet parents should also avoid contact with wild birds , as the virus — again , while rarefied — can be transmitted from bird to human being .
If you line up a bird that seems to be sick , injured , or dead , call your local province wildlife agency to report it ( 8) . Do n’t attempt to pick it up yourself . Humans should also cook domestic fowl to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit , which can shoot down many bacteria and virus , such as bird flu .
Stay informed
It ’s also a good idea to keep up with the official health status of the outbreak . Public health risk for H5N1 bird flu is currently listed as “ downhearted , ” agree to the CDC . However , this peril vary by state of matter . Some land , include Texas , have reported more of the computer virus in stock and/or birds . The CDC is work with state to monitor the great unwashed with animate being exposure .
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