What Veterinarians Need to Know about Bird Flu
Bird flu viruses spread to dairy cows in the U.S. in 2024, with dairies in California affected starting in late summer 2024. USDA-APHIS reports bird flu infection in a variety of carnivores including domestic cats. Bird flu infection in cats has resulted in severe, often fatal disease; it can cause neurological or respiratory disease. It is suspected that cats are becoming infected mainly through contact with wild birds or ingestion of raw milk.
On December 12, 2024, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported bird flu in two domestic cats that died after eating retail raw milk from a recalled lot of contaminated milk. A full advisory is available.
CDPH public health veterinarians encourage veterinary practitioners to:
- Avoid direct, unprotected contact with animals suspected or known to have bird flu, including carcasses, animal waste or contaminated surfaces and water.
- Use recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling animals suspected or known to have bird flu, including:
- NIOSH approved respirators (N-95)
- Disposable gloves
- Safety goggles or a face shield
- Disposable or dedicated gowns
- Discourage clients from feeding raw (unpasteurized) milk/dairy products and other raw foods to pets.
- Consider bird flu infection in any cat that consumed raw dairy products, raw pet food or wild birds, especially if it presents with neurologic signs such as seizures, acute ataxia, nystagmus or cortical blindness.
- Pursue influenza A testing through your usual commercial veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Flu A testing may also be available through some public health laboratories. Contact your local public health department regarding any pets that become ill following consumption of raw milk.
Review CDC guidelines for safe practices while handling cats possibly infected with H5N1, including wearing PPE.
If you have any questions about bird flu in livestock or poultry or to report suspected cases, please contact the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
Report suspected cases of bird flu in wildlife to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
For more information on bird flu detections nationwide, visit USDA-APHIS's website.
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