Avian influenza (bird flu): Other animals

Poster - pet birds, cats and other animals - Information on bird flu (134kb)This page covers information about avian influenza and other animals - such as cats and dogs.

H5N1 Avian Influenza and cats and dogs

It is very rare for cats or dogs to be infected with H5N1 avian influenza, however there are a few confirmed reports of the disease in these species. According to the scientific reports available it seems to be possible for cats or dogs that have had direct contact with infected dead birds to get infected with the virus. The risk of such events is higher in areas where large numbers of wild birds have died from H5N1 avian influenza and the proportion of stray pets is high such as in South East Asia. It is thought that cases of H5N1 avian influenza in cats have resulted from eating infected dead birds.

There have been no reports of H5N1 avian influenza virus ever having been transmitted to humans from animals other than domestic poultry.

Legal responsibility for the care of animals rest with the owner at all times and abandonment of animals is an offence under the Abandonment of Animals Act. There is absolutely no reason for anyone to abandon their cats, dogs (or any other pet) because of any fears or worries of infection from avian influenza. The welfare of pet animals is seriously compromised when they are abandoned and they are at risk from starvation or accident and are more vulnerable to disease.

If pet owners are concerned about the health of their animals, they should consult their veterinary surgeon.

Defra is in regular contact with animal welfare (RSPCA, Blue Cross, PDSA), conservation (RSPB), veterinary groups (British Veterinary Association) and others to keep this issue under close review.

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H5N1 Avian Influenza virus and other companion animals

Domestic Ferrets, Mink and other Mustelids

Experimental research has shown that ferrets and other mustelids are also potentially susceptible to H5N1 avian influenza virus. This was supported by the finding of a Stone Marten infected with H5N1 avian influenza virus in Germany on 2 March 2006. Infection was most likely caused through eating infected meat.

If pet owners are concerned about the health of their animals, they should consult their veterinary surgeon.

Horses and other animals

Despite the occurrence of H5N1 avian influenza virus in other countries, there have been no reports of horses becoming infected with the disease. Nevertheless, as with other companion animals, pet owners should report any concerns they may have on the health of their animals to their veterinary surgeon.

Pigs

The following question and answer brief provides Defra’s current plans for dealing with a number of scenarios in relation to avian influenza in pigs. This is to be the default position. Factors may arise during an outbreak that require us to adopt a different policy. Industry representative bodies will be fully consulted in the event of an outbreak involving pigs.


Page last modified: November 14, 2007 13:16