North Shore Animal Hospital

03/03/2025

02/26/2025

We'd like to share an important update in regards to Avian Influenza (HPAI) from Colorado State Assistant Veterinarian Dr. McGrath.

Companion animals:
Although the risk is lower than it is to birds and cases are rare, domestic animals (e.g., cats or dogs) could become infected with avian flu if they go outside and eat or are exposed to sick or dead birds infected with avian flu viruses, or an environment contaminated with f***s of infected birds.

Samples of commercial raw diet has been tested and confirmed to be positive for HPAI virus through PCR testing. To mitigate exposure to companion animals, CDC and CDPHE recommend against feeding raw poultry products, especially to cats and emphasize the need for caution when handling raw poultry.

People should avoid contact between their pets and wild birds or areas contaminated with avian flu virus.

If you suspect your pet may have been exposed to HPAI, and is showing symptoms of illness, contact your veterinarian and monitor yourself for symptoms.

Additional resources:

FDA Outlines Ways to Reduce Risk of HPAI in Cats (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
About Pet Food Safety (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

For more information of the nationwide detections of HPAI in poultry, wild birds, mammals and other animals, please visit the USDA/APHIS website.

01/07/2025

🐾❤😉

12/23/2024

Christmas is safe from the Grinch! Thanks Renee! 🎄