Dear Clients,
We are saddened to learn about the recent deaths of Teal (Chilean flamingo) and Slater (seal) at the Lincoln Park Zoo due to Avian Influenza. This tragedy hits too close to home to ignore.
What You Need to Know About Avian Influenza
The History
- 1996: H5N1 Influenza A was first identified in domestic waterfowl in Southern China.
- 2020: A new variant of H5N1, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), was detected in wild birds in Europe.
- 2021: HPAI was seen in birds in the United States and Canada.
- 2022: HPAI H5N1 was detected in various mammals in the U.S. and other countries.
- 2024: The CDC confirmed a positive human case of Influenza A (H5N1) in the United States.
Who Is Susceptible?
While birds are most commonly affected, Avian Influenza can also infect cats, dogs, cows, humans, and other mammals.
How Is It Transmitted?
H5N1 can spread through:
- Raw milk or unpasteurized dairy products
- Raw or undercooked poultry meat
- Feces of infected animals
- Contaminated clothing, especially from individuals working on affected farms
Symptoms of Avian Influenza in Pets
The illness may begin with:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy and fever
- Coughing and sneezing
- Red eyes
- Discharge from the eyes and nose
It can quickly progress, especially in cats, to more serious issues such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Neurological signs: tremors, circling, seizures, incoordination, and blindness
If your pet displays any of these symptoms, contact us immediately at 773.525.3353.
How Can H5N1 Infection Be Prevented?
Pet owners and caregivers should follow these recommendations:
- Avoid feeding dairy products or colostrum that has not been pasteurized or thoroughly cooked.
- Thoroughly cook all meat before feeding.
- Avoid raw meat-based foods or treats.
- Keep cats indoors to prevent exposure to birds and wildlife.
- Do not walk your pet in areas heavily populated by birds (e.g., under bridges or near water sources where pigeons and geese gather).
- Do not allow your pet to eat bird excrement while on walks.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw poultry or meat.
- Change clothes and shoes, and wash thoroughly after any exposure to a sick or dead animal that may harbor the H5N1 virus.
- After walking your pet outdoors, wash their paws and clean the soles of your shoes with soap.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 773.525.3353.
Be safe and well,
The Doctors and Staff at Animal Medical Center of Chicago
