Can Dogs Catch Avian Flu and What Pet Owners Need to Know

Dogs can catch avian flu, but it's relatively rare.

The risk of transmission is low because dogs are not the primary hosts of the virus.

However, dogs can still be infected through close contact with infected birds, contaminated surfaces, or even through the air in rare cases.

If your dog has been in contact with infected birds, watch for symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing.

Dogs can indeed catch avian flu, specifically the H5N1 subtype, as shown in a study where three SPF beagles were inoculated with the virus and one of them shed virus for several days after challenge.

The study found that the virus was present in the nasal swabs of the infected dog, with a quantity corresponding to 2.0-3.2 log10 EID50. This suggests that dogs can carry and potentially transmit the virus to other animals or even humans.

Researchers also discovered that the virus attaches to the epithelia of the respiratory tract in dogs, particularly in the bronchial epithelium, which is a key area for virus replication.

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In another study, a dog in Thailand was infected with H5N1 after eating a dead goose and died due to respiratory symptoms. The virus was isolated from the dog's lung, liver, kidney, and urine specimens.

The study also found that dogs can seroconvert, meaning they develop antibodies against the virus, which is a sign of infection. In fact, a 2007 study showed that dogs exposed to H5N1 seroconverted, indicating that they were infected with the virus.

Here's a summary of the study findings:

Note that while dogs can catch avian flu, the risk is still relatively low, and most dogs that get infected may not show any symptoms. However, it's essential to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, such as avoiding feeding pets raw meat from game birds or poultry.

Canada's experience with avian flu is a good reminder of the risks involved. In 2005 and 2006, health officials in countries like Thailand reported the virus in a few dogs and cats on farms.

The first case of H5N1 avian influenza in a domestic dog in Canada was reported in April 2023. The dog, from Oshawa, Ontario, died after chewing on a dead goose.

The virus, specifically the 2.3.4.4b clade, has been linked to large outbreaks in poultry over the past few years. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada are urging pet owners to take precautions.

Pet owners in Canada are being advised to avoid feeding their pets raw meat from game birds or poultry. They're also being warned not to let their pets eat or play with dead birds found outside.

The risk of bird flu to dogs is low, but not zero, so extra precautions are needed while the avian influenza epidemic is ongoing. This means you should be vigilant and take steps to minimize your dog's exposure.

To prevent the spread of H5N1, keep your dog on the lead if they're likely to pick up and eat sick or dead wild birds. This is especially important in areas where bird flu outbreaks have been reported.

Don't feed your dog raw poultry, and make sure their food is covered and stored properly. Fresh water should be provided at all times, and cooking food thoroughly decreases the risk of infection.

For your interest: Can Dogs Catch Influenza a

The risk of bird flu to dogs is a topic that's worth exploring. Historically, dogs are not natural hosts of bird flu, but they have been known to contract it in rare cases. In fact, there was a reported case in Thailand in 2006 where a dog ingested an infected duck during an outbreak.

Seroconverting means that antibodies have been found in the blood, either in response to infection or vaccination. A 2007 study showed that dogs exposed to H5N1 seroconverted, meaning they were infected with the virus.

The risk of a dog contracting bird flu is low, but not zero. To put this into perspective, a 2007 study demonstrated that some dogs excreted the virus without showing any symptoms of disease.

While the risk is low, it's essential to take precautions. In 2004, influenza A made a jump from horses to dogs, causing a widespread infection in over twenty US states. This resulted in serious illness and death in affected dogs.

Here are some key facts to keep in mind:

By understanding the risk and taking precautions, we can better protect our furry friends.

Preventing the spread of bird flu is crucial, especially if you live in an area where outbreaks have been reported. Keep your dog away from birds and poultry to prevent contact.

Dogs should not be allowed to pick up and eat sick or dead wild birds, even if outbreaks haven't been reported in your area. This helps prevent the spread of H5N1 to other birds.

If you see a dead or visibly sick wild bird, report it to the RSPCA or your local council, rather than touching or picking it up.

Keeping your dog's food covered and stored is a good idea, as is ensuring they only get fresh water. Feeding raw poultry is not recommended.

Cooking food thoroughly decreases the risk of infection, even if the poultry meat is unlikely to be infected when bought.

Dogs can indeed catch avian flu, specifically the H5N1 virus, and can shed it from their noses without showing any symptoms.

Receptors for the avian flu virus are found in the trachea and nose of dogs, making these areas potential entry points for the virus.

Dogs can become infected with avian flu through contact with birds and poultry, especially in areas where outbreaks are occurring.

In 2004, influenza virus infection in dogs was first reported, and since then, outbreaks have been found in over 20 US states.

Dogs can seroconvert, or develop antibodies, after being infected with the H5N1 virus, and some may even excrete the virus without showing any illness.

The course of experimental infection of dogs with the H5N1 virus is similar to that of the H3N8 virus, which caused outbreaks in greyhounds in Florida.

Natural infections with the H3N8 virus, however, resulted in serious illness, death, and widespread infection in dogs, highlighting the potential severity of avian flu in canines.

To prevent the spread of the virus and potential exposure to humans, it's essential to avoid dog contact with birds and poultry in areas with H5N1 outbreaks.