H5N1 can be transmitted to dogs and cats via raw meat, milk and contact with infected birds. Cats are more susceptible because of hunting and have both a higher morbidity and mortality rate. Avoid feeding raw food to cats and dogs and train reliable recall or keep your dog on lead around watercourses. Stay alert for potential contact with dead birds in other areas such as woodland. There have to date been no recorded cases of dogs being infected with H5N1 in the UK (H3N8 has infected dogs via equines but it is not considered to be active in the UK and hopefully most horses will be vaccinated). Similarly, there have not been any recorded cases of cats being infected with H5N1 in the UK, although 11 cats died in Poland and feline cases in the US were traced to drinking raw cows milk as they have had several incidents of transmission to cattle from birds. DEFRA recommends keeping cats indoors in the event of a local outbreak. It is important to provide plenty of stimulation for indoor cats and manage resources carefully in multi-cat households. Avian fatalities should be notified to DEFRA if found in raptors, gulls and waterfowl and if 5 or more other species are found in the same location. Although there is no treatment for H5N1 itself, testing is available and supportive care can be provided for cats and dogs if treatment is sought quickly.

Entire Thread

Topic	Date Posted	Posted By
Swan Virus. River Thames  Dog owners take care	23/01/26 10:35:00	John Richard Todd
Re:Swan Virus. River Thames  Dog owners take care	23/01/26 13:06:00	Jayne Thorburn
Re:Swan Virus. River Thames  Dog owners take care	23/01/26 13:33:00	David Burke
Re:Swan Virus. River Thames  Dog owners take care	24/01/26 12:23:00	Charlotte Kasner

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