According to the University of Minnesota, the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) reports that H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) “is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with one recent human case in a U.S. dairy worker.” Likewise, veterinarians are urging pet owners who feed their pets raw food diets to take precautions as there have been confirmed avian flu infections in pet cats after exposure to raw food or raw milk.

The Monarch Raw Pet Food brand is sold at farmers’ markets in California. Oregon health officials have also tied cat illnesses to a nationally marketed brand called Northwest Naturals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) also confirmed H5N1 detections in domestic cats, five of them from Los Angeles County, two from California’s Santa Barbara County, and others from Colorado, Minnesota, and South Dakota. Other cats have been confirmed with H5N1 after drinking recalled raw milk. All cats died from their infections. An investigation is under way, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is testing samples from the raw pet food.

According to the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, migratory waterfowl promote transmission of avian influenza (AI). Spring’s moist, cool days provide an ideal environment for AI to spread through puddles and ponds. Commercial poultry firms generally work with their veterinarian to monitor AI conditions. Because diseases like AI can be carried onto a farm on visitors’ shoes, by wildlife, or through contaminated litter or feed, it’s essential to identify areas of weakness throughout a farm and production system and create a plan that reduces the potential for spreading this disease through any unprotected area. Because small backyard flocks are often housed in open areas, they are easily exposed to wild birds and waterfowl. These small flocks may share the same ponds, puddles, and water sources as wild birds. Keeping feeders and waterers in places where wild birds can’t access them is essential, as well as keeping them cleaned and disinfected. Limiting human visitors to your flock, especially those who also have poultry, is important. Quarantine any newly acquired birds in a separate facility away from other birds for two weeks. Clinical signs of AI may include: sudden death without clinical signs; lack of energy and appetite; decreased egg production or soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling of the head, comb, eyelid, wattles, and hocks; purple discoloration of wattles, comb, and legs; nasal discharge, coughing, and sneezing; lack of coordination; and diarrhea.

Direct veterinary care questions to your local veterinarian.