Avian Influenza: An Overview
Dog Breeds
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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Introduction
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.
Who is at Risk of Avian Influenza?
No evidence of H5N1 has ever been found in the United States in birds or mammals of any kind including domestic pets. In areas where H5N1 has been reported, cats, and in rare cases dogs, have been known to become infected with the virus if they are exposed to it.
Symptoms of Avian Influenza
Any signs that develop in cats or dogs due to avian influenza are still under debate. Evidence based on past reports, and some laboratory studies, suggests that cats and dogs may have the ability to carry the virus without showing any symptoms at all. There is one report of a dog who had died which tested positive for the virus. In this case, the dog began showing upper respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and a runny nose in addition to a high fever. Whether or not the cause of death was due to the virus, or some other type of underlying medical condition, is unknown. Cats with upper respiratory symptoms have also tested positive for H5N1, but many of these cats were already additional viruses that could have also contributed to their symptoms.
Diagnosing and Treating Avian Influenza
Currently the only way to diagnose H5N1 in cats or dogs is through blood antibody tests, and examining samples from the nose, throat, and lungs, for evidence of the virus.
There is no specified treatment for avian influenza in dogs and cats. If symptoms develop, supportive nursing care such as hydration, supplements, and keeping the animal warm and stable, are the only treatments available at this time.
Outlook for Dogs and Cats with Avian Influenza
The prognosis for cats and dogs with avian influenza is unknown. While cats have tested positive for the virus without showing any symptoms at all, the virus may cause symptoms in a minority of those affected. Dogs may also be able to carry the virus without any symptoms, and a percentage of infected dogs may also develop symptoms.
Can People Get Avian Influenza?