There is no commercially-available vaccine for the H5N1 avian influenza virus for pets or people. In other parts of the world, there is a poultry vaccine, but it is not currently in use in the United States.
Can my dog or cat get sick from avian flu?
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In parts of the world that currently have H5N1 avian flu, some domestic cats have gotten the H5N1 avian flu and died from it. The World Health Organization reports that the cats likely got it from eating raw infected birds. If H5N1 avian flu virus arrives in birds in our region, the only way to be sure that your pet cat will not be at risk is to ensure that it does not come into contact with wild birds. For most pet cats, that means keeping them inside.
Avian flu has also killed big cats (tigers and snow leopards) in zoos in Thailand. At one zoo in Thailand, over 100 captive tigers were euthanized after they were determined to have avian flu. These animals had been fed raw chicken infected with avian flu virus.
No infections of H5N1 bird flu have been documented in dogs, but other carnivore species (house cats, tigers, leopards, and stone martens) have been affected. Research is underway to try to figure out whether dogs are vulnerable to H5N1.
How can I protect my pets from avian flu?
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Pet birds, cats, rabbits, ferrets, rodents, and some primates are susceptible to the avian influenza virus, although infection is rare. At this time, there is no risk to pets because highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu has not been found in this region. However, it is always advisable to use good animal health practices with all pets. Keep pets away from sick and dead birds and bird droppings. Do not feed pets raw poultry, poultry products, or eggs. If your pet suddenly dies call your veterinarian.
Can I get avian flu from my cat or dog?
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This is not a risk at this time because H5N1 avian flu virus has not been found in the United States. Even if the virus is found in birds here, scientists believe the risk of getting the virus from a pet dog or cat is extremely low. However, since avian flu viruses can infect cats, studies are being done to learn more.
What about my pet parakeets or other caged birds?
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Pet birds are likely to be susceptible to avian influenza viruses. Caged pet birds should be prevented from coming into contact with wild birds or their droppings and separated from domestic poultry. This would be especially important if H5N1 avian flu virus is found in our region.
Is it safe to buy exotic birds like parrots?
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An exotic bird bred and raised in the U.S. is a safe choice. Avoid buying a bird from an unknown source because it may have been smuggled into the country. U.S. government officials have banned imports of live birds and bird products from countries with outbreaks of avian influenza so a legally imported pet bird is very unlikely to have been exposed to the virus. However, there is an illegal market for many types of exotic birds, and avian flu virus could be present in smuggled or illegally imported birds. Purchasing birds from a reputable source that can provide documentation on the origin of the bird will minimize the risk.
To check which countries are banned from exporting birds to the United States, visit the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service section of the USDA website at www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/importing.html or www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/outbreaks/embargo.htm
