Agencies
Services
Reducing the Risks of Avian Influenza H5N1 in Illinois Pets
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 pet owners need to be aware of the risk of avian influenza H5N1 in their pets and take steps to mitigate these risks 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
- 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
Practical Advice for Illinois Pet Owners
- Indoor/outdoor cats should be kept mostly inside when wild bird die-offs are occurring in the area.
- Pet owners can reduce the risk to their pets by avoiding the feeding of homemade or commercial raw food.
- Owners of backyard poultry flocks should take measures to limit their flocks’ physical exposure to wild birds.
- Pet owners working in agribusiness or who are avid recreational hunters should practice enhanced biosafety with their outdoor gear and uniforms. Ideally, they should leave their work clothes at work or change in the garage or mud room of their home to limit household exposures to potential pathogens.
Signs of Avian Influenza H5N1 in Animals
If your pet is showing signs of avian influenza H5N1 illness and has been exposed to infected wild birds/poultry, dairy cows, or other animals (sick or dead), you should seek veterinary care for your pet and monitor your health for signs of fever or infection. Call ahead to the veterinary office and explain that you are concerned your pet may have been exposed to avian influenza H5N1 so they can make the best arrangements for your pet to be seen.
Clinical signs of avian influenza H5N1 in pets 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. Exercise caution when evaluating disease in your animals and seek professional veterinary advice with any concerns.
Encountering Wild Birds and Mammals
During this time of heightened avian influenza H5N1 transmission, it is safest to assume any deceased bird could have died from avian influenza H5N1. As a general precaution, people should avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe wild birds only from a distance. Pet owners should prevent their pets, including birds, dogs, and cats, from interacting with potentially infected wild animals and backyard flocks alike.
