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Baker Institute for Animal Health

DEDICATED TO THE STUDY OF VETERINARY INFECTIOUS DISEASES, IMMUNOLOGY, CANCER, REPRODUCTION, GENOMICS AND EPIGENOMICS

H5N1 Avian Influenza (bird flu)

An update from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine on H5N1 Avian influenza  

Cats drinking raw milk together outside
In March of 2024, a group of scientists from the Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center, in collaboration with other veterinary diagnostic labs, reported on the discovery of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (H5N1) infections in dairy cattle and cats on dairy farms in Kansas and Texas. Based upon the genetic similarity of the H5N1 strains found in affected cats and cows (and their milk) and epidemiological information collected in the affected farms, the presumption was that the affected cats most likely became infected by drinking raw milk from infected cows. 

What is H5N1? 

H5N1, commonly known as avian influenza A or bird flu, is a highly pathogenic strain of influenza virus that primarily affects birds, but cases have recently been reported in wildlife, cattle, cats, and humans.

 

What do we know about the latest outbreak? 

Recently, H5N1 influenza cases have been reported in cats that have consumed contaminated commercial raw food diets, unpasteurized milk, or had contact with wild birds and cattle.

 

Precautions:

Consider discontinuing your pet’s raw diet. Even if their raw food is human grade, frozen, or freeze dried, this does not prevent the potential spread of pathogenic bacteria, parasites, or H5N1 that may be present in the food. Consider cooking your pet’s raw food and/or consulting your veterinarian about diet change. 

Limit your pet’s access to wild birds that may be carrying the virus, and avoid giving raw milk to cats. 

 

What are the symptoms to watch out for in our pets? 

Clinical signs in pets may include the following: 

  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Fever
  • Neurologic signs (ataxia, circling, tremors, seizures, sudden blindness)
  • Copious oculonasal discharge
  • Difficulty breathing 

We recommend seeking veterinary care if your your cat shows any of these signs. If he/she is having any life-threatening symptoms (neurologic signs, seizures, difficulty breathing, or collapse) seek veterinary care immediately.

 

Can this cause illness in humans? 

Yes, H5N1 can cause illness in humans. Current human infections have been linked to contact with infected cattle and wild birds. There is no current evidence of human to human transmission.

 

What is being done? 

The Center for Disease Control (CDC), Food and Drug Administration, (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture, (USDA) are closely monitoring cases as they develop. One voluntary product recall has been issued for contaminated raw food diets for cats & dogs. We are continuing to monitor this emerging virus. 

Resources and Animal Health Center partners 

Follow our animal health centers' social media accounts for regular updates.