Are Dogs at Risk for Bird Flu?
The short answer is yes. H5N1 can infect dogs, as well as humans. As the virus replicates, its genes may develop errors or mutations, causing changes in the virus’ surface proteins. It’s common for viruses to mutate as they move between host animals. Some mutations result in the virus becoming more transmissible or better at evading the immune system’s natural defenses. Dogs are at risk for bird flu “because H5N1 is a pretty good mutator,” Dr. Attas says. “However, dogs are not one of the mammals that are overly represented in cases of bird flu. The virus can spread among wildlife and cows, but there are extremely sporadic reports of dogs getting infected.” So, while it helps to be aware of infectious disease outbreaks, dog owners don’t need to be overly alarmed since there are so few cases of bird flu in dogs and people. That said, whenever you’re dealing with an influenza virus that can mutate, you wouldn’t want to risk exposing a beloved pet.
What are the symptoms in Dogs?
With so few cases of bird flu in dogs, what’s known about respiratory disease comes from other influenza outbreaks. For example, H3N2 is a subtype of influenza that normally spreads in pigs but can infect other mammals and birds. Both H3N2 and H3N8 can cause canine influenza or dog flu, the symptoms of which can mirror human respiratory infections and include the following:
- Sneezing
- Nose and eye discharge
- Decreased appetite
- Congestion
- Coughing
- Malaise
- Fever
- Occasional vomiting
When there was an outbreak of canine influenza, “dogs had no natural immunity, and so 100% of those who came in contact with this flu virus were infected,” Dr. Attas says. “These dogs weren’t all symptomatic, but a great percentage of them got sick.” Similar to flu outbreaks in people, some dogs developed complications like pneumonia and others died as a result of the infection.
How Do I Limit or Prevent Transmission?
Although rare, bird flu and other influenza viruses can be transmitted from dogs to people and vice versa. Viruses are transmitted by being in direct contact with an infected animal, inhaling aerosolized droplets from coughing or sneezing, or touching or licking items contaminated with the virus. Other routes of transmission are contact with feces or discharge from the eyes, mouth, or nose.
What is “close contact” With A Bird ?
During the current outbreak, poultry workers have generally caught the virus while they’re culling infected flocks. This is considered a high risk activity because it can involve handling the animals and spending long stretches of time in facilities where viral particles in their saliva, mucus and poop can hang in the air and contaminate surfaces. For example, workers in Colorado were infected while depopulating birds in hot barns with industrial fans blowing. They struggled to wear personal protective equipment over their mouths, nose and eyes because of the heat. Historically, human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 have often been traced back to live bird markets. In this context, people tend to be handling, defeathering, butchering and preparing the animals for sale. High concentrations of viral particles can spew into the air and be inhaled, or coat surfaces and hands, eventually ending up on your eyes and nose, perhaps after you rub your face, says Webby. “If you’re just walking past an infected bird, it’s extremely unlikely that you’re going to get it that way.” Coleman agrees. In a study carried out before this latest outbreak, she sampled the air at a massive live market in Vietnam and discovered it was filled with aerosolized bird flu virus. They could even grow infectious viruses from their samples. Yet, none of the people they tested there had active infections.
Okay, I’m not butchering or touching any birds, but do I need to stop using my bird feeder? What about touching bird poop?
For the average person, it’s unlikely you’d get infected from a stray piece of bird poop or from touching your bird feeder, although there isn’t necessarily data on these specific scenarios, says Anderson. How long H5N1 bird flu survives on objects depends on a variety of factors. For example, it can survive for days or even weeks under certain colder conditions and in water. Contracting the virus from a contaminated surface is a legitimate concern for people who are “handling equipment associated with animal care on poultry or dairy farms,” says Lakdawala, adding that people should be cautious at petting zoos and agricultural fairs, too. Bird poop can harbor high loads of the virus, possibly for long stretches of time, but Webby doubts it would be a concern for more than a few days after being exposed to the elements on your porch or deck. “If you had things that had bird poop on them, yes, you would want to avoid that or disinfect it,” says Anderson. You could do the same for your bird feeder. He says just use common sense hygiene principles like washing your hands and avoid touching your face before hand washing. People who have backyard flocks should be particularly cognizant of the risk, especially if they live in the path of migratory birds. Do your best to keep your poultry from mixing with wild birds. If you’re concerned, you can wear an N95 mask around them.
What should I be doing to protect my pets?
The basic principles for keeping yourself safe from bird flu also apply to your pets. Dogs are also susceptible. Last year, a dog in Canada died from the infection after it was found chewing on a dead goose.While pets can develop respiratory symptoms, the infection can manifest as a neurological illness, seeming to mimic rabies, she says. “If your cat or your dog starts acting funny, maybe circling or acting rabid, make sure to contact a veterinarian right away.” There have only been a few documented cases of feline-to-human transmission of avian influenza, after people tending to the animals had direct contact, but not during this current outbreak. Anderson says “there’s no need to panic” that your pet is going to be getting H5N1 tomorrow, especially if you keep them from these known sources of infection. “It’s just about being aware,” he says. Stay Away from Dead Birds and Wildlife : Although bird flu isn’t prevalent in dogs, “it’s possible for dogs to get the disease if they come in contact with infected birds,” Dr. Attas explains. Her advice is to keep your dog away from dead birds, bird feces, wild birds, and poultry. Also, dogs should avoid or be very careful in locations where there has been a dead bird or if bird flu has been reported.
What Else Can I Do?
Keep Vaccines Up to Date
When there’s a new virus of concern like bird flu, experts recommend vaccinating your dog against similar viruses to minimize their risk of infection. Vaccines can prevent infection or lessen the severity of illness should your dog become infected. As always, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian about appropriate vaccines for your dog. For example, Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium associated with respiratory disease in dogs or what’s known colloquially as kennel cough. Dr. Attas recommends that dogs be adequately vaccinated against Bordetella if they’re going to be in locations with other dogs like doggy daycare, dog parks, dog shows, boarding kennels, and grooming facilities. “That way, they’re less likely to develop a respiratory illness from an infected dog,” she says. Likewise, if there are any cases of canine influenza where you live, she recommends having your dog vaccinated. In the rare event, your dog is infected with bird flu, “there may be some cross immunity from another influenza vaccine, although I have no scientific data to support this,” she says.
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2) Monitor Outbreaks in Your Area
Stay informed about outbreaks using resources that are properly vetted and up-to-date. For finding reliable information online, Dr. Attas recommends visiting the webpage of a local veterinary society, emergency hospital, or veterinary school. You can also find information from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
What do I do if My Dog Becomes Infected
If your dog shows signs of respiratory illness like coughing, decreased appetite, and mucous discharge, isolate them from other pets and contact your veterinarian. Sometimes influenza can mimic symptoms of another condition. For instance, coughing can be a sign of heart disease or heartworm disease, Dr. Attas explains. In dogs that attend daycare regularly, coughing may be a sign of a respiratory infection. But, for a senior dog who doesn’t have much contact with other dogs, coughing may point to something else besides influenza. In either case, “if your dog isn’t eating or feeling well, I recommend a veterinary exam and sometimes even a chest X-ray to make sure we’re not dealing with something more serious.” As with any type of influenza, the primary treatment for dogs is supportive care, she says. This includes giving your dog water, food, and antibiotics if they develop a secondary infection. Some dogs may need appetite stimulants or intravenous fluids if they’re not eating. “In general, the best way to protect your dog is to keep them in good health, well-vaccinated, and don’t allow them to be in contact with wild birds, domestic fowl, or dead birds,” she says.</p>
