Key information about cats and influenza
Cats can become infected through contact with infected wild or domestic birds, and possibly through contact with infected bird droppings.
Infected cats can spread H5N1 infection to other cats, although cats are not believed to play a major role in natural transmission of the virus.
If infected, stray cats could potentially spread H5N1 into areas where birds, mammals, and people reside.
NOTE: To date, H5N1 has not yet been found in wild or domestic birds within the United States; therefore, cats are currently at no immediate risk for acquiring H5N1 infection
Timeline of (H5N1) avian influenza in cats and other felidae (and civets)
| 1970s & 1980s | Research revealed that infection of domestic cats with influenza A subtypes H3N2 from humans, H7N3 from a turkey, and H7N7 from a harbor seal (Phoc vitulina) produces transient virus excretion and a temporary increase in body temperature but did not induce any other clinical signs of disease. |
| December 2003 | Two leopards and two tigers died at a zoo in Thailand after feeding on chicken carcasses. Investigation confirmed H5N1 in tissue samples from all 4 animals. This was the first report of influenza causing disease and death in big cats. |
| September 2004 | Research shows that domestic cats experimentally infected with H5N1 develop severe disease and can spread infection to other cats. |
| October 2004 | A H5N1 outbreak in zoo tigers in Thailand reportedly fed on chicken carcasses. Eventually, 147 out of the population of 441 tigers died or had to be euthanized for animal welfare reasons. |
| June 2005 | Tests on three civets that died in late June 2005 in Viet Nam revealed H5N1, marking the first infection of this species with the virus. These endangered Owston's palm civets were raised in captivity; source of infection is still unknown. |
| October 2005 February 2006 | FAO field veterinarians report unusual high cat mortality in Iraq and Indonesia in the vicinity of H5N1 outbreaks in poultry |
| February 28, 2006 | H5N1 confirmed in a cat on the Baltic Sea island of Ruegen (German). More than 100 wild birds have been found dead on the island during previous weeks. |
Clinical characteristics of infection in cats
Fever, lethargy, conjunctivitis, and labored breathing have been observed in cats with H5N1 infection
Transmission of the avian influenza (H5N1) virus
Cats have become infected with H5N1 virus through ingestion of infected/contaminated birds. Scientists have found virus in cat respiratory secretions and feces of cats, and therefore believe it is possible for cats to infect other cats through contact with contaminated materials
Precautions for cat owners
Should H5N1 be found in wild or domestic bird species within Minnesota, we would recommend the following for cat owners:
Keep your cat indoors, do not allow it to roam freely outside
Avoid contact with stray cats
If your cat brings a dead bird home, put on plastic gloves and dispose of bird in a plastic bag and wash your hands
If your cat develops breathing problems or nasal discharge, call your veterinarian for advice
In keeping with the principles of good hygiene, we recommend:
Wash your hands after cleaning the litter box
Do not allow your cat to eat raw meat, poultry, or eggs
Clean and disinfect surfaces following meat or poultry preparation in kitchen
FAQs about influenza in cats
Q: Can people get avian influenza from cats?
A: To this date, most of the human cases of H5N1 have had extensive contact with diseased poultry. None of the existing cases appear to be linked to sick cats.
Information for veterinarians
Testing for influenza virus in felines
Testing for the virus is available at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Should cats die of a respiratory infection, fresh and fixed lung and trachea can be submitted for influenza virus screening and other respiratory pathogens. Bronchial lavage fluid or trans-tracheal washes can be collected from acutely affected cats antemortem. Antemortem samples can be tested at University of California-Davis or at the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. For additional submission guidelines, contact the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at 612-625-8787 or 800-605-8787 or go to http://www.vdl.umn.edu.
Other sources for information:
-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
-American Veterinary Medical Association
-American Animal Hospital Association
-Cornell Feline Health Center
-FAO, Animal Production and Health Division