bird flu

What Veterinarians Need to Know about Bird Flu

CDPH has published the Feline H5 Guidance and Testing Protocol for Veterinarians (PDF).

Background

Bird flu viruses spread to dairy cows in the U.S. in 2024, with dairies in California affected starting in late summer 2024. USDA-APHIS reports bird flu infection in a variety of carnivores including domestic cats. Bird flu infection in cats has resulted in severe, often fatal disease; it can cause neurological or respiratory disease. It is suspected that cats are becoming infected mainly through contact with wild birds or ingestion of raw products such as raw pet foods and unpasteurized milk. Multiple cats across several counties in California have died from H5.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5, H7) in birds and cattle is mandated reportable to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA; Title 3 California Code of Regulations §797[PDF]). HPAI when it occurs in non-avian species is considered a novel influenza and is mandated reportable as a Novel Virus Infection with Pandemic Potential per California Public Health regulations (Title 17 California Code of Regulations §2500[PDF]). A Veterinary Provider Letter Influenza A Testing in Cats (PDF) was prepared to inform veterinarians of this requirement.

Reporting

Veterinarians must report cats with known or suspected infection with influenza A to the local health officer in the jurisdiction where the cat resides. Veterinarians must provide to public health officials information on the case-patient (cat) and contacts as determined by the local health officer to inform the public health investigation and control activities. 

Safety Recommendations

CDPH public health veterinarians encourage veterinary practitioners to:

Avoid direct, unprotected contact with animals suspected or known to have bird flu, including carcasses, animal waste or contaminated surfaces and water.
Use recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling animals suspected or known to have bird flu, including:

NIOSH approved respirators (N-95)
Disposable gloves
Safety goggles or a face shield
Disposable or dedicated gowns

Discourage clients from feeding raw (unpasteurized) milk/dairy products and other raw foods to pets.
Consider bird flu infection in any cat that consumed raw dairy products, raw pet food or wild birds, especially if it presents with neurologic signs such as seizures, acute ataxia, nystagmus or cortical blindness.
Review CDC guidelines for safe practices while handling cats possibly infected with H5N1, including wearing PPE.

If you have any questions about bird flu in livestock or poultry or to report suspected cases, please contact the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Report suspected cases of bird flu in wildlife to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

For more information on bird flu detections nationwide, visit USDA-APHIS's website.