Group in cats: Should you be worried? – Modern cat

As for the headlines on the aviar flu, or H5N1, it has led to worry among the farmers of the rear patio, the individuals and the pet parents equally. Although the avian flu has historically found itself in Africa and Asia, it has more recently spread to Europe, North America, Central and South and Antarctica. How big is a threat is the flu for birds for your cat? Should you be worried? Here we show you how to protect your cat, you can contract the avian flu.

Wild birds transport aviar flu, which can be extended to other birds, and especially affects domestic poultry, such as chickens and turkeys. Although avian flu can spread to mammals, it is not common. Canada’s health He currently informs that the risk for humans is low, assuming that they are not in direct contact with birds. But what about cats? Let’s take a closer look.

What is the bird flu?

Monticello/Bigstock

Aviar flu is a type of infection caused by a flu virus, usually influenza A. The strain that veterinarians and other health experts are now called H5N1. While wild birds often do not exhibit symptoms while carrying the disease, it can spread rapidly through domestic birds, including chickens, turkeys and ducks. Although the risk for humans is still low, there have been some cases of humans that contract the virus. Most of the time, this is because people come into direct contact with sick birds, such as agricultural workers. It is very rare for avian flu to spread among people.

It is known that cats are highly susceptible to the virus.

Are pets at risk of avian flu?

Dr. Wailani Sung, veterinary behavior certified by the Board and senior director of admission and welfare of animals in CheerfulHe says: “Yes, pet parents with cats that come out outdoors and have the possibility of finding or eating sick or infected birds or cattle, must take additional preventive measures to maintain their safe feline.” She points out that dogs have a lower risk, but pet parents need to take precautions so that their dogs do not come into contact or eat infected birds or cattle.

It is known that cats are susceptible to virusThe New York Times reports, and the virus may have passed to its owners.

Currently, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) informs that dozens of cats have contracted the disease. In Canada, there has only been A case reported by a dog that hires bird fluAfter contacting a wild goose. Unfortunately, the dog died after developing clinical symptoms.

Denisnata/Bigstock It is known that cats are highly susceptible to avian flu virus, reports the New York Times

Prevent avian flu in cats and dogs

Exposure limit

Dr. Nita Vasudevan, veterinarian, says “The best way to protect your pets is to limit their exposure to wild birds.” For cats, this could mean keeping them indoors or supervising their past time outside. A controlled environment, like a catio, is an excellent way to allow your cat for a long time while keeping them safe and safe. If you own a dog, you will want to avoid any place where your dog can find a sick bird, such as ponds and other places where waterfowl gather. For example, you will want to avoid leaving them out of Correa near the ponds and other bodies of water. Although both cats and dogs can enjoy birds gathering in a bird food, they will want to make sure they avoid any direct contact with the feeder.

Feed a safe diet

It is also important to consider your pet’s diet when thinking about preventing avian flu. Dr. Sung points out that pet parents should Avoid feeding your pets with raw or little cooked meat diets, including lyophilized foods that have not cooked.

There have been several reports that cats get sick with avian flu due to raw food consumption. Two cats in the state of Washington developed aviar flu symptoms After eating potentially contaminated raw foods. Some brands
of Raw cat food has also been removed Due to the possible contamination with the aviar flu. Currently, the FDA recommends that pet parents cook raw foods that are feeding their pets to help reduce the risk of disease. Google to obtain updated information about any pet food retreat.

You will also want to be careful when feeding your pet of milk, cheese or cream without pasteurizing or raw, since they can contain potentially harmful bacteria and viruses, including avian flu. Choosing a high quality croquette commercially is a good option, since they heat up at high temperatures to kill any viruses or bacteria. If you cook for your pet, you will want to make sure that any meat or egg is heated to the right temperature to kill the pathogens. For example, chicken must be heated to 74° C.

Dmitriev Mikhail/Bigstock

Avoid propagation

If you come into contact with infected birds yourself, you will want to be especially cautious. “Pet guardians should change their clothes and shoes and completely wash any exposed skin if they have come into contact with sick or dead animals infected with avian flu, ”says Dr. Sung.

The same is true if you have chickens. Dr. Vasudevan says: “If you keep chickens from the rear patio, practice strict biosafety measures: wash your hands, change your shoes and keep the pets separate from poultry spaces.”

Practice good hygiene

While it is not specific to avian flu, practicing good hygiene is important to help control the spread of viruses and bacteria. This includes keeping your pet’s feed area clean, wash your food and water bowls daily, and wash your hands regularly, especially after handling animals or your food. You will also want to practice good hand hygiene after handling bird feeders and being outside. People who work with potentially infected animals, including cats and dogs, should use adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and practice good hygiene.

Capricorn/Bigstock

Monitor outbreaks

Being informed about outbreaks in your area can help you make informed decisions for your pets. He Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative It provides a map where you can monitor outbreaks and confirmed cases of aviar flu. If it is in an area that is experiencing an outbreak, you can be careful to avoid local areas where birds gather, such as parks or wetlands. If there is an outbreak in your area and worries you how to keep your pet safe, you can also consult your veterinarian.

Make sure the vaccines are updated

While there is currently no avian flu vaccine, ensuring that your pet’s vaccines are updated can help protect them from similar diseases. This also helps keep your pet in good health, which is important when there is a current outbreak.

Avian flu symptoms in cats and dogs

Avian flu symptoms in cats and dogs can be initially similar to upper respiratory infection, which include:

• Cough or sneeze
• Difficulty breathing
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Reduced appetite
• Inflamed eyes
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Nose and eyes download

Dr. Vasudevan says that if any of these symptoms notice in their cats and dogs, especially after having been in contact with the birds, to contact their veterinarian immediately, since early detection and support attention can make an important difference in the well -being of their pet.

Dr. Sung also points out that his cat or dog can exhibit signs of neurological problems, which include:

• Tremors
• Incursions
• Incoordination
• Blindness

If your dog or cat has been diagnosed with avian flu, you will also want to make sure your own health, including its temperature.

How is avian flu treated?

Because aviar flu is a virus, it is treated with support care. This means providing food and water to your pet, and supplementary oxygen if necessary. If your dog or cat does not eat or drink, then veterinarians can provide intravenous fluids or appetite stimulants. If your dog or cat develops a secondary infection to avian flu, such as pneumonia, then antibiotics can be provided.

Can avian flu extend to humans?

Dr. Sung says that the probability that humans will be infected by avian flu through their pets (and in general) is low, but there has been Some confirmed cases. She points out that people who are immunocompromised have the greatest risk, and that the detection and early reports are important to help prevent the propagation of avian flu.

New Africa/Bigstock

Prevention is key

“The risk is still very low for most pets, but consciousness and prevention are key,” says Dr. Vasudevan. People who have outdoor cats, dogs that roam in heavy birds or who have chickens in the backyard should be the most aware of practicing good hygiene and helping their pets to avoid contact with potentially infected birds.