With the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) reaching New Zealand, pet parents are advised to keep a closer eye on their pets.
A confirmed detection in a seabird (brown skua) at Wellington’s Petone beach shows the presence of the virus, and while there is no evidence of spread to poultry, wildlife or domestic animals yet, experts are asking pet owners, particularly those with cats to take precautions.[1]
PD Insurance COO Michelle Le Long says that although the chances of pets being affected is low, it’s still a possibility worth keeping in mind. “As with any health issue, catching it early gives you the best chance of a good outcome,” she states.
What is bird flu?
Also known as avian influenza, bird flu is a viral disease caused by influenza A viruses that primarily infect wild birds and domestic poultry like chickens and ducks. ‘Bird flu’ often specifically refers to the highly pathogenic (disease-causing) avian influenza H5N1 strain which has been behind major global outbreaks in recent years.
The disease spreads easily through direct contact, droppings, respiratory secretions, or contaminated surfaces, feed, or water. While it is primarily a disease of birds, a wide variety of mammals (including cats) can potentially be infected after contact with infected birds.
The risk for pets: Cats more susceptible
PD Insurance is highlighting bird flu because, in cats, the disease can be serious and is often deadly. “Cats are particularly vulnerable to the virus, and once infected, it can make them seriously unwell,” Le Long confirms.
Dr Hayley Hunt, Chair of Healthy Pets New Zealand (HPNZ), PD Insurance’s veterinary partner explains that cats can be at risk of contracting H5N1 because their natural behaviour puts them in more frequent contact with sick or dead wild birds. “There are a few ways they can pick up the infection, such as hunting or eating a bird carrying the virus. Overseas, in countries where H5N1 has become widespread, cats have also been infected through contaminated raw or unpasteurised pet food or dairy products” she notes.
Hunt says precautions include keeping cats indoors, since limiting their roaming removes the chance to hunt or scavenge sick or dead wild birds. “And, as you’re almost certainly already doing, keep your pets (and yourselves) well away from wildlife, especially sick or dead wild birds.”
Suspect bird flu?
Signs of H5N1 in birds include sudden death, breathing difficulty, weakness and trembling, and blindness. Cats can show similar neurological signs, along with the signs we often expect with other viral respiratory diseases, including fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and eye or nasal discharge. If you are worried about your pet and they are showing these signs, seek prompt veterinary care, and let your vet know if they have had recent exposure to wild birds,” Hunt advises.
Le Long adds that while New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) says chicken meat and eggs remain safe when properly prepared, the agency has urged people to protect vulnerable pets and wildlife by keeping them away from sick or dead birds and avoiding potential exposure to infected animals.
Keeping a close eye on your pets is always sound advice, but with bird flu now present in the country, being extra vigilant is a smart move,” she adds.
Official advice is available from MPI. To report suspected bird flu (Avian Influenza) in New Zealand, immediately contact the Biosecurity New Zealand exotic pest and disease hotline at 0800 80 99 66.[2]
[1] https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/environment/723766/newly-arrived-h5n1-bird-flu-likely-to-take-hold-in-new-zealand-mpi-says
[2]https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza/bird-flu-and-protecting-your-birds