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HPAI in animals
Birds
H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, continues to spread across the globe. HPAI can infect multiple species of domestic chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, (and more), as well as wild and pet birds.
Signs of HPAI in birds
- lack of energy, movement or appetite
- decreased egg production
- swelling around the head, neck and eyes
- coughing, gasping for air or sneezing
- nervous signs, tremors or lack of coordination
- diarrhea
- sudden death
Clinical signs in pet birds are similar to those in other bird species. The severity of clinical signs may vary between species and individual birds.
Risks to your pet bird
Birds spread avian influenza viruses through their feces and secretions (mucus, saliva). Pet birds with outdoor access may become infected through direct or indirect contact with infected wild or domestic birds. Pet birds kept indoors may be exposed through contaminated things such as clothing if proper precautions are not taken.
Tips to protect your pet bird
- contact your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about your pet's health
- follow these 5 tips to keep your birds safe
- like other birds, pet birds are susceptible to HPAI too (owners should take additional precautions to protect their pet birds)
Mammals
In Canada, bird flu has also been sporadically detected in mammals such as raccoons, striped skunks, red foxes, cats and dogs.
In the United States, HPAI has been detected in dairy cattle.
In Europe, outbreaks of H5N1 HPAI have been reported in farmed mink.
Possible signs of HPAI in dairy cows
- a sudden decrease in milk (especially in older cows) production
- thicker consistency milk, similar to colostrum
- little to no signs of mastitis (a negative or trace positive result from the California Mastitis Test [CMT])
- decrease in feed consumption
- drop in rumen motility
- dry manure or constipation (diarrhea has been observed occasionally)
- fever (sometimes)
- a history of dead wild birds on the property
Signs of HPAI in farmed mink
- loss of appetite
- depression/lethargy
- increased /excessive salivation
- bloody snout
- diarrhea
- neurological signs (ataxia, tremors)
- rapid death
Signs of HPAI in mammalian pets such as cats and dogs
- fever
- lethargy
- conjunctivitis
- lack of appetite
- difficulty breathing
- neurological signs (for example, tremors, seizures)
- death
Risks for your pets
While HPAI is primarily a disease of birds, it can also infect mammals, especially those who hunt, scavenge or otherwise consume infected birds.
For example, cats that go outdoors may hunt and consume an infected bird, or dogs may scavenge dead birds. In 2023, a dog in Canada was infected with avian influenza after chewing on a wild goose, and died after developing clinical signs.
If your pet has found a sick or dead bird or other wildlife, report it to your regional avian influenza hotline or the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC).
While most H5N1 HPAI cases in mammals involve direct contact with infected birds, exposure to heavily contaminated environments could also potentially lead to infection (for example, ponds or other bird congregation areas).
Tips to protect your mammalian pet
- contact your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about your pet's health
- don't allow your dog or cat to eat or play with dead wild birds
- don't feed your dog or cat any raw meat from poultry, wild or game birds
- especially during peak migration seasons, keep cats indoors and dogs on a leash to avoid giving them access to potentially infected wild birds or their carcasses
Insects
Among non-vertebrate species, research has shown that house flies (Musca domestica) and blow flies (Calliphora nigribarbis) could act as mechanical transmitters of H5N1 HPAI and other avian influenza viruses (AIV). The possible role of other insects such as darkling beetles in the transmission of AIV is under investigation.
HPAI risks for pet owners
There has not been a documented case of a human contracting HPAI H5N1 from a mammalian pet. While it is very unlikely for people to become infected with HPAI H5N1 following contact with an infected pet, such as a dog or a cat, pet owners are still encouraged to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves.