Should I Be Worried About Pets and Bird Flu?

Content reviewed by Jennifer Sperry, DVM, Medical Director

You’ve probably seen some unsettling headlines about bird flu lately. Don’t worry, we have too. While past outbreaks have primarily affected our feathered friends, the latest news has pet parents particularly concerned (understandably so). Here's what's happening and what it means for your soulful sidekicks. 

The current situation 

Let’s start with the facts. H5N1 bird flu has started showing up in places we didn't expect. Since late March, the Department of Agriculture has been tracking cases in dairy herds across multiple states—Texas, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, and Idaho. Adding to the concern, Minnesota reported the first-ever U.S. case of bird flu in a goat on March 20, 2024, marking a jump to what veterinarians call "domestic ruminants" (think: your typical grazing farm animals). 

The situation gained additional attention when Texas reported the second-ever human case of H5N1 in the U.S. on April 1. The patient, who contracted the virus from infected cattle, experienced eye redness as their only symptom and was treated with antivirals. This development admittedly sounds scary—especially given the WHO's tracking of 887 human cases globally since 2003, with a sobering 52% mortality rate—but public health officials emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low. 

Here's the good news: The CDC confirms there's no evidence of spread between humans. Most infections have come from direct exposure to sick dairy cows or poultry, particularly during culling operations. 

What about Bird-Flu infected cats? 

Just when we thought things couldn't get any more complicated, news started swirling about bird flu and cats. Recent months have seen a concerning uptick in feline cases, with positive samples collected in California, Kansas, Louisiana, and Iowa this year, plus several other cases from December 2024. The tricky part? Cats seem to be catching this virus in multiple ways. 

According to experts, farm cats can get sick from drinking infected milk, outdoor cats can catch it via contact with infected wild birds, and some indoor cats may have been exposed through raw food—prompting the FDA to order manufacturers of raw pet food to update their safety plans in mid-January 2025. 

With all this in mind, it's completely normal if you feel some pet parent anxiety creeping in. Instead of spiraling, let's take a deep breath and do what we do best when we're worried about our dogs and cats: talk to the experts. Speaking with veterinary professionals can help us understand the real risks, take practical precautions, and keep our pets safe—without losing our minds in the process. 

Questions answered: Expert guidance on bird flu and pets 

With all this swirling anxiety (because we're all still a bit jumpy about infectious diseases), we turned to our Medical Director, Dr. Sperry, DVM, to help make sense of what these avian flu cases mean for our pets. 

Q: How did bird flu become a concern for our pets? 

"Spillover occurs when a virus that is primarily adapted to one species infects another," explains Dr. Sperry. "This type of transmission is more likely during epidemic or pandemic events, when large numbers of individuals within the primary host species are infected. For H5N1, birds are the primary hosts, but the virus has breached species barriers, infecting mammals such as dogs and cats." 

While the risks shouldn’t cause panic, prevention must be taken seriously for the simple reason that our pets’ bodies lack a natural immunity or defense against the virus. This can result in “severe illness in new hosts… and recent cases of H5N1 in cats highlight this troubling phenomenon.” 

Q: What symptoms or signs should pet parents be watching for? 

Dr. Sperry identifies several key bird flu symptoms to monitor: "Signs of H5N1 infection in pets are variable but can include respiratory signs like coughing and sneezing, discharge from the eyes or nose, lethargy and depression, loss of appetite, fever, and in some cases, neurological signs such as incoordination or seizures." 

Q: Many are worried about transmission between pets and humans. What's the risk level? 

"Avian flu (H5N1) is primarily transmitted from birds to other species, and the risk of pets passing the virus to humans appears to be low," Dr. Sperry reassures. "However, pets can serve as a link between infected wildlife and humans. Practicing good hygiene and limiting exposure to potentially infected animals can help reduce this risk."

Q: What immediate steps should pet parents take to protect their dogs and cats?

Dr. Sperry outlines several crucial protective measures: 

1. Food Safety: "Avoid feeding raw or undercooked poultry and poultry products. When a diet change is not possible for a raw-fed pet, consider choosing a pressure-pasteurized option, or cook the food prior to serving." 

2. Environmental Management: "Keep cats indoors to limit their exposure to wild birds and animals. Supervise dogs outdoors and prevent them from scavenging or hunting." 

3. Socialization Considerations: "Avoid taking pets to areas with known outbreaks of avian influenza, and limit interactions with other pets or wildlife if an outbreak is reported locally." 

Q: I have multiple pets – should I be taking different precautions for each of them?

Dr. Sperry emphasizes the importance of monitoring symptoms, particularly in a multi-pet household, “[if your pet is showing symptoms of illness] keep your pet away from other animals and household members until evaluated ." For households with both indoor and outdoor pets, like pet parents living in rural areas or on farms, she suggests they, "prevent interactions between house pets and barn cats” as a protective measure.

Q: Are cats more susceptible to bird flu exposure?

While it's too early to definitively say why we're seeing more cases in our feline friends, Dr. Sperry notes that "scavenging or hunting wild birds and mammals can lead to infection." Given cats' natural hunting instincts and their status as obligate carnivores (meaning they're hardwired to pursue prey), this could help explain their apparent vulnerability—but we'll need more data before jumping to conclusions.

What we do know is that prevention is key, regardless of species. And don’t forget, while most dogs these days live a cushy life indoors (aside from daily walks and backyard zoomies), cats are still more likely to be given free rein outdoors—which is exactly why Dr. Sperry's recommendation to keep cats inside during this outbreak is so important right now.

Q: What about boarding or traveling with pets right now?

"Do not attend boarding facilities, training, grooming, or pet socialization events if your pet exhibits any signs of illness," Dr. Sperry advises. She also recommends being mindful of location: "Avoid taking pets to areas with known outbreaks of avian influenza, and limit interactions with other pets or wildlife if an outbreak is reported locally."

Q: Let's talk cleaning – what should I be doing at home to keep everyone safe?

Dr. Sperry outlines specific hygiene protocols: "Clean bowls, dishes, and surfaces after every meal. Wash hands thoroughly after handling pet food or cleaning food bowls." For those who work with livestock, she adds this vital detail: "Remove barn clothing and footwear before entering your home if you work with poultry or cattle." Better safe than sorry!

Q: What should someone do if they suspect their pet might be infected?

"First and foremost, contact your veterinarian," Dr. Sperry emphasizes. "Call ahead to alert them of your concerns before arriving at the clinic, so appropriate precautions can be taken. In the meantime, keep your pet isolated from others in the household, human and pet, until assessed.”

Keeping with the hygienic theme, Sperry also suggests that pet parents sanitize all spaces that their pets frequent, particularly if they’re showing symptoms of illness. Keep track of any “potential exposure to infected birds, wildlife, or farm animals” and “notify your vet if you share your home with infants, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.”

Q: Any final words of reassurance for worried pet parents?

"While the risk of H5N1 avian influenza infection in pets remains low, awareness and preventative measures are essential to keeping your dogs and cats safe," Dr. Sperry concludes. "By understanding transmission risks and taking proactive steps, you can minimize the likelihood of exposure and ensure the health of your companions."

Precaution, not panic

Remember: While this news deserve our attention, it doesn’t require panic. By staying informed and taking reasonable precautions, we can keep Fluffy and Fido safe while avoiding the spiral of anxiety that comes with uncertainty. If you have specific concerns, your veterinarian will be your best confidant and resource for personalized guidance.

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.