Avian flu is likely to impact cats in animal shelters - here's what you need to know

Published about 1 year ago • 1 min read

Avian flu has infected at least 90 herds of cows in 12 states and has been responsible for the deaths of more than 30 million chickens in the U.S. alone. The H5N1 variant is potentially deadly to cats, as discussed in this story in today's New York Times. And Avian flu is not just impacting farmed animals and the companion animals that live among farmed animals.

​Around the world, mice, chickens, seals, sea lions, wild birds, minks, foxes, dogs, and even a dolphin and a polar bear have tested positive for what the USDA calls highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

If you're not already a subscriber to Worms and Germs, now is the time to start. This blog, written by Dr. Scott Weese, was a crucial resource during the Covid pandemic and a constant source of science-based news and straightforward analysis. Dr. Weese is now keeping us up-to-date on the latest on avian flu and in particular, the current and potential threats to cats in congregate and outdoor settings.

In addition to Worms and Germs, I recommend keeping up with CDC updates on pets and avian flu and look for University shelter medicine programs to issue guidelines for animal shelters monitoring for and encountering animals suspected of having avian flu. Because the symptoms of avian flu may be similar to other disease symptoms, laboratory testing is necessary to determine if avian flu is present.

The coming weeks and months will likely bring increasing concerns about H5N1 HPAI in owned, community, and sheltered pets. Follow the research now by setting up a simple Google alert to ensure you have the most up-to-date information available.

Stay safe and if you're over capacity in your shelter or rescue, remember to check out the resources section of my website, which gives you everything you need to get more pets into homes more quickly during space crises.

Thanks, as always, for everything you do to help animals and the people who love them.

Kristen

Building safe, humane communities for pets and the people who love them. Subscribe to a bi-weekly eNewsletter filled with information, insights, and updates from the animal welfare industry. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or just beginning to explore the world of animal welfare, my aim is to provide you with valuable knowledge and inspiration. Together, we can make a significant impact.