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Avian Influenza - Protecting Your Pets

Avian influenza, commonly called "bird flu," is an infection caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally in birds. There are many different types of this virus. Most of these are commonly carried by birds without threat to other species. However, the recent development and spread of a highly pathogenic form of this virus (designated HPAI H5N1) has been found to be fatal to a number of animal species. It's important to note that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the H5N1 avian influenza does not spread easily from birds to humans and is currently not present in North America. The items listed below are preventative measures that are useful in preventing the spread of disease if it does come to the United States.

Humans in close contact with birds or other animals that have been infected may be at risk. People with pets at home should take precautions in order to protect themselves and the animals in their care from the threat of this disease. The Zoological Society of San Diego recommends the following precautions be taken by people which animals at home:

• Ensure that chickens, ducks, and pet birds do not come into contact with wild birds by creating aviaries and enclosures that cannot be entered by outside animals, their feathers, or feces.
• Wherever possible, move birds to indoor enclosures.
• If you have some birds that are maintained in outdoor enclosures, make sure that dirt, feces, feathers, and other elements from outdoor environments are not carried into indoor enclosures or your house by wearing separate shoes and protective clothing when working in outdoor enclosures.
• Initial information indicates that domestic cats are susceptible to avian flu. To ensure that pet cats are not exposed to this disease by eating dead or sick birds, keep cats indoors.
• If you find a dead wild bird in your yard, do not allow children or pets to play with it. Do not pick up dead wildlife unless instructed by your local government authority to do so. If you have been instructed to handle it use plastic gloves or a plastic trash bag as a barrier and dispose of bird as instructed.
• If you have pet birds that die suddenly of no apparent cause (or notice signs of illness in these birds), separate the sick bird/s from other animals and children immediately and call your agricultural extension agent, local veterinarian, the State Veterinarian, or U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Veterinary Services office. USDA operates a toll-free hotline at 1 (866) 536-7593 with veterinarians to assist people with concerns.
• Always wash hands with soap (and encourage children to wash hands) immediately after touching, feeding, or working around animals.
• When neighbors and friends come to visit, ask them if they have recently been in contact with wild birds or are wearing shoes or clothes which may be carrying feces, feathers, or dirt which has been exposed to wild or sick birds before allowing them to access your animal areas.
• Remove wild bird food sources and otherwise discourage wild bird visitation in areas near where pet animals are kept or children play.

Other resources for information on avian influenza?

The Center for Disease Control's Web site at www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/
The U.S. government also offers information at www.pandemicflu.gov/
The County of San Diego's Office of the County Veterinarian.

Questions? Contact our Public Relations Department.