01/11/2025
AAVEC has since corrected their post. There has not been a death in Maryland from Avian Flu but the food that was implicated in the deaths of several cats in Oregon was sold in Maryland.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14XWdjjSuA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Edited Post From Original:
❗Please Read❗
As this situation has overall been developing, we did provide incorrect information regarding a cat who was thought to have recently passed from the Avian Influenza (H5N1) in the state of Maryland. This is inaccurate and was confirmed by the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health. There has not been a reported feline case in the State of Maryland.
We will be continuing to follow the cases and urge pet owners to still take precautions (listed below). We do not wish to create any distress or harm and will continue to take precautions with any cats consistent with any risk factors to keep other patients and clients safe.
We greatly apologize for any distress and misinformation that was spread. We urge any questions related to Avian Influenza (H5N1) be directed towards reputable websites such as:
https://search.cdc.gov/search/?query=avian%20flu&dpage=1
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-companion-animals
We also urge clients to follow the USDA map of detection to stay aware of new cases.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals
The American Veterinary Medical Association is recommending:
- Keeping cats indoors to avoid exposure to/hunting of wild birds and keeping cats away from poultry and cattle as well as these animals' environments.
- To not feed cats raw meat, poultry, or unpasteurized/raw dairy products.
- Clinical signs in cats include fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, conjunctivitis, ocular and nasal discharge, difficulty breathing as well as neurologic signs (tremors, seizure, incoordination, or blindness.)
- Dogs are able to contract Avian Influenza but seem to be less susceptible and there have not yet been any documented cases in the US.
General information on Avian Influenza (H5N1):
- It is transmissible through saliva, f***s, and other bodily fluids. Human infections can occur when the virus is inhaled in large quantities or contacts mucous membranes.
- Human health risk is considered low at this time. Only a small number of cases have been reported in humans since 2022, most after unprotected exposure to sick or dead infected poultry or dairy cattle.
- People with close or prolonged, unprotected exposure to infected birds or other animals are at greater risk of infection.
- There is no evidence of sustained human to human H5N1 transmission in any country.
- If a suspected exposure has occurred, the individual should contact their physician.
As always, Anne Arundel Veterinary Emergency Clinic will continue to provide excellent patient care and will always do what is necessary to keep patients and clients safe ❤🐾
