For feline companions that enjoy the outdoors, Feah suggests that leash walks can be a beneficial option. She also advises cat owners to think about building secure catios or enclosed outdoor spaces, allowing their pets to experience fresh air and the sights and sounds of nature, all while minimizing the risk of contact with wild animals and their waste.
Because of concerns that bird flu could also be transmitted to dogs, Faeh recommends leashing dogs during outdoor outings. The AVMA further cautions against providing raw or undercooked food or treats to dogs.
Faeh emphasizes that cat owners should consult a veterinarian if they have any worries about their pet’s health. Signs of bird flu to look for include decreased appetite, lethargy, fever, discharge from the nose and eyes, and unusual shaking. If you are bringing a sick pet to the vet, be sure to inform the clinic about your concerns regarding bird flu when making an appointment. Your veterinary staff may request that you and your pet wait outside until your scheduled time and may implement additional safety measures in the clinic to prevent the spread of the disease.
How to Safeguard Pet Chickens
The trend of keeping backyard chickens has surged in popularity, including in larger urban areas across the United States. Given the rising cost of eggs, it’s likely that even more Americans will take up this hobby. However, if they are allowed outside, backyard chickens are currently at a heightened risk of contracting bird flu.
For those contemplating the addition of chickens to their households, Faeh recommends reaching out to local health and agriculture authorities to discuss the bird flu risks in your area before introducing any chickens. If the infection risk is elevated in your region, especially if nearby flocks have reported outbreaks, it may be wise to postpone becoming a chicken owner.
If you are determined to have chickens or if you already own a flock, there are steps you can take to protect them, according to Faeh. Chickens should be kept securely in a covered coop or run, rather than roaming freely, in order to minimize their exposure to wildlife. Faeh also suggests that owners should limit their chickens’ interactions with guests, who may inadvertently introduce the disease to the flock.
Recognizing symptoms of H5N1 in backyard chickens can be trickier than in cats, as the birds can succumb to the disease quite suddenly. It is essential to have a veterinarian experienced with chickens whom you can consult regularly, Faeh advises. Should you observe any signs of illness in your flock, contact your veterinarian immediately. Furthermore, if one of your chickens dies and you suspect bird flu, notify both your veterinarian and your local health department.
Owners should also take personal precautions when caring for and handling their backyard chickens. Faeh recommends washing hands and changing clothes after interacting with the birds, even if they appear healthy. If you have a pet or bird that shows signs of illness, considering wearing a mask is advisable, she adds.
Although instances of H5N1 spreading from livestock to humans are rare, the virus has demonstrated the ability to do so. Since the outbreak began, seventy individuals in the U.S. have contracted the virus, resulting in one fatality. Most human cases have occurred among farm workers dealing with infected animals, especially in the dairy sector, where contact with infected cattle and unpasteurized milk is more common. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assess the overall risk to human health from H5N1 as low.
Nevertheless, maintaining good hygiene practices is vital to prevent the virus from being transmitted in either direction. Handling sick chickens may not make you ill, but you could potentially spread the virus to others. Thus, washing your hands and changing clothes after interacting with your chickens is important not only for your own safety but also for the safety of other animals you may come into contact with—whether they are your pets or those of friends and neighbors. “The risks to humans are considerably lower than to cats,” notes Faeh. “It’s more likely that we could carry the virus to them than that they could transfer it to us.”
