Pet Health Library

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) & Pets

Updated: 4/10/25

H5N1, a type A influenza virus, is spreading among birds and some mammals in the U.S. Here’s how you can help protect your pets:

H5N1 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu): What Pet Owners Need to Know What is the H5N1 virus? H5N1 is an influenza type A virus that is responsible for widespread outbreaks among poultry and mammals throughout the U.S. Which animals have been affected? H5N1 has been circulating for decades in wild birds but has recently spread to other animals, including cats, wildlife, and livestock. How does the virus spread to pets? Raw or undercooked meat, particularly poultry, can be a Raw Turkey CAT FOOD source of infection for cats. Unpasteurized dairy products also pose a risk. What are the signs of H5N1 in cats? Signs include loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, neurological issues, and respiratory signs such as nasal discharge, sneezing, and coughing. What should pet owners do if they suspect their pet has bird flu? Call your veterinarian before bringing in your pet so the team can take precautionary + measures and be ready when your pet arrives. How can pet owners prevent the spread? Avoid feeding raw meat or dairy to your pet. Keep cats indoors and ensure all pets stay away from birds, livestock, wildlife, and their waste.

Bird Flu webinar cover Watch our Video

Webinar

In this webinar from April 2, 2025, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, Senior Veterinarian and Director of Pet Health Information at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC), is joined by Dr. Sally Slavinski, Public Health Veterinarian and the Director of the Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Disease Unit at the New York City Department of Health, to discuss the ongoing bird flu outbreak.

Dr. Hohenhaus offers a clear overview of which animals are most at risk, the signs pet owners should watch for, and practical ways to help protect pets from infection. Dr. Slavinski shares insights from recent bird flu cases in New York City cats. She explains how surveillance is being carried out across wildlife, poultry, and pets—and what veterinarians and pet owners should be paying attention to. The discussion also places the current outbreak in a broader public health context, drawing on lessons from prior threats like West Nile virus and COVID-19. Learn about the latest developments, potential risks, and steps you can take to help keep your pets safe from this evolving threat.

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Emergency & Critical Care

As New York City's only Level 1 Veterinary Trauma Center at a hospital accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), AMC is the premier veterinary emergency room in the tri-state area. Where you go first for emergency care matters, and there is no better place than the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center.

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