Bird Flu and Your Michigan Pets: What You Need to Know

There have been recent reports in the media about domestic cats catching the bird flu. Yes, fellow Michiganders, it's not just humans who must deal with flu season. While three of the four confirmed cases of felines contracting the bird flu were in New Mexico, the fourth is right in our backyard, Wood County, Ohio.

Related: Michigan Travel ALERT: Top 50 Bed Bug Cities Revealed By Orkin

American Humane has assembled a team of expert veterinarians to offer advice to pet owners who are concerned about the health and welfare of their furry little friends.

 Bird Flu in Michigan: How to Keep Your Pets Safe

If you're new to the bird flu, its scientific name is H5N1, a strain of the influenza virus that primarily infects birds. Think of it as the avian version of a really bad cold, but it can occasionally affect other animals, including your pet.

Some domestic animals, including your cats and dogs, can catch bird flu. Cats who have access to the outdoors are most at risk, while bird flu cases in dogs are rare, they have happened.

How Bird Flu Transmitted to Michigan Pets

Experts believe most cats who catch the bird flu contract it after interacting with an infected dead or sick wild bird. So, when Fluffy brings you a "gift" from the yard, it might be time to worry.

Can My Cat Give Me the Bird Flu?

Relax, thus far, there have been no reports of cat-to-human transmission of the H5N1 bird flu, though there is a confirmed case of bird-to-cow-to-human transmission at a dairy farm in Michigan.

Related: HUH? Michigan Farm Worker Gets BIRD Flu - From a COW?

How can you tell if your pet is infected? Symptoms vary but include loss of appetite, listlessness, difficulty breathing, runny eyes, and abnormal behavior. If your cat or dog is acting up, don't wait—take them to the vet.