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H5N1 Information for Animal Control Agencies

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In Illinois, there have been detections of avian influenza H5N1 in poultry, wild birds, an opossum, and zoologic animals. In other states, avian influenza H5N1 has been found in these species as well as in dairy cattle, domestic cats, and other wild mammals. Illinois animal control agencies need to be aware of the risk of avian influenza H5N1 in the animals they work with and take steps to mitigate this risk to their clients and staff during this time of heightened viral transmission.

Animals at increased risk of avian influenza H5N1 include:

  • Poultry or dairy livestock
  • Animals owned by people working in dairy, poultry, or wildlife management industries
  • Animals owned by waterfowl hunters who may bring the virus into their homes
  • Pets being fed homemade or commercial raw food diets
  • Outdoor felines that may contract the virus through predation, especially those living on or around farms and other agribusinesses, or near areas with bird die-offs

Animal control facilities may receive wild waterfowl, birds of prey, or cats that may be at high risk of avian influenza H5N1. These facilities should be prepared for this possibility.

During this time of heightened avian influenza H5N1 transmission, and in the absence of other obvious causes (e.g., predation, window strike), it is safest to assume that any deceased bird could have died from avian influenza H5N1, and to conduct animal control activities in accordance with this.

Clinical signs of avian influenza H5N1 in animals include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Low appetite
  • Reddened or inflamed eyes
  • Discharge from the eyes and nose
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Neurologic symptoms, like tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness

Note that similar to signs of influenza disease in humans, many of these symptoms are relatively non-specific to avian influenza H5N1. Consult a professional veterinarian with any concerns.

Guidance/Recommendations

  • The animal control facility should have a protocol outlining which animals and birds they will accept into their facility.
    • Sick waterfowl and birds of prey, especially during migration season, may be infected with avian influenza H5N1.
    • Cats who have been near bird die-offs, live near an infected farm, or consume H5N1-contaminated raw food or raw milk may develop avian influenza H5N1.
  • If higher-risk birds or cats are taken into a facility or are being picked up outside the facility, only certain staff members should be designated to work with these higher-risk animals. These staff should be:
    • Provided and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
    • Trained in how to use PPE properly.
    • Trained on the symptoms of avian influenza H5N1 in humans.
    • Not a person at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with avian influenza H5N1. The individuals at higher risk are those who are 65 years of age or older and those with underlying chronic medical conditions.
  • If a bird or cat is brought into the facility and exhibits signs consistent with avian influenza H5N1, clinical samples should be submitted for testing. The University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Urbana can perform the testing for a fee. Both the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) should be alerted to birds suspected or found to have avian influenza H5N1. Any cat suspected or found to have avian influenza H5N1 should be reported to the IDOA if samples have been submitted for testing.
  • Centers should record the names and contact information of individuals who bring wild waterfowl or birds of prey to their facility, as well as the names and contact information of staff who have handled those birds at the facility. (i.e., a sign-in sheet for who worked with the birds). The local health department will need the names of anyone in contact with avian influenza H5N1-infected animals, as these individuals will need to be confidentially monitored for 10 days by the local health department.
  • Animal control facilities should not encourage members of the public to pick up sick/dying waterfowl or birds of prey.
  • If local animal control agencies are unable to assist with the removal of dead animals within their jurisdiction, they should refer the public to resources on how to do so safely.
  • If wild bird die-offs are occurring within the catchment area of the facility, then the facility should stop receiving wild waterfowl or birds of prey until it has been three weeks since the last die-off in the catchment area. The catchment area is the area from which the facility typically receives animals or birds.

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