Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Cats

Overview and Facts

What is

• Avian Influenza: An Overview

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a subtype of the Influenza-A virus. The Influenza-A virus is the virus which causes influenza in birds. A specific subtype of this Influenza-A virus, named H5N1, is the virus which causes bird flu. The H5N1 virus has been known to infect large flocks of poultry birds in Europe, Asia, and Africa. This virus is also known to infect wild birds in these areas as well.




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• Can People Get Avian Influenza?
Historically, influenza viruses are believed to cycle from birds to swine and from swine to people.

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Causes

• Causes of Avian Influenza in Dogs and Cats

While cats and dogs have been known to become infected with avian influenza, the exact mode of the infection is unclear. It is assumed that these animals become infected with the virus when they ate poultry or wild birds which were infected with the avian influenza. It is unknown if cats and dogs can then spread the virus to one another, but for now this type of transmission is considered to be unlikely.




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Treatment and Care

Treatment

• Treating Avian Influenza in Cats
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu or H5N1, is a type of influenza virus that can infect birds. Wild birds can often carry this disease without displaying any symptoms, but domesticated birds can become very ill from this virus.

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