A massive outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in the US has led to widespread rates of infection in both wild birds and farmed birds. With recent cases of the virus detected in humans, dairy cows, and other mammals, you might wonder about the risk of bird flu in dogs. Bird flu is highly contagious between birds and although rare, it can spread to humans.
Fortunately, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the current public health risk for bird flu is low. Still, it’s worth keeping an eye on updates to limit your dog’s exposure to the virus. Read on for veterinary advice on the symptoms of a respiratory infection and how to keep your dog and the rest of your family safe.
What Is Bird Flu?
Bird flu is a common name for avian flu or avian influenza, a virus that mainly infects birds. However, bird flu can also spread to humans and other mammals. There are four types of influenza viruses and several subtypes of each, such as H5N1 bird flu. These subtypes get their name from the proteins on the virus’ surface.
The “H” stands for hemagglutinin, which is “a surface protein that has to fit with a particular type of cell in order for influenza to infect the animal,” says Dr. Amy Attas, VMD of New York-based practice City Pets. The “N” stands for another protein called neuraminidase. Typically, H5N1 tends to infect waterfowl, ducks, and geese, in addition to domestic fowl like chickens and turkeys, she says.
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.
Symptoms of Respiratory Disease 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 to 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.
Dogs with no signs of illness can still be infectious and spread the virus. Moreover, “a dog could be exposed to both a bacterium and influenza virus and get that much sicker,” Dr. Attas says. Here are some tips on how to keep your dog safe.
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.
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.
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 to Do If Your 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>