Avian (HPAI) Flu + Your Pets: What We Know

Avian (HPAI) Flu + Your Pets: What We Know

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s happening locally:

  • The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) recently confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in domestic ducks at the Arboretum Shopping Center ponds in northwest Austin.
  • HPAI has been found across other Texas counties, too, including Wharton, Galveston, El Paso, Harris, and Potter counties.
  • With waterbirds visiting their wintering grounds here, there’s an uptick in circulating cases in the wild bird population.

Translation? Austin is officially on the radar for HPAI. Here’s the good news:

  • The public health risk is currently considered LOW according to the CDC.
  • The virus is primarily a threat to wild birds, waterfowl, and poultry.
  • As of January 10th, 2024, none of our poultry products were recalled or affected.

That said, taking precautions—especially if your pets frequent outdoor spaces—is key. Better safe than sorry, right?

What is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)?

Avian Influenza (AI) primarily affects birds, causing respiratory issues, neurological symptoms, reduced egg production, and, in severe cases, sudden death. It is known by several other names, including Bird Flu, Avian Influenza Virus (AIV), Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza HPAI (for more severe strains) or H5N1 (specific subtype often associated with outbreaks and human cases). Rarely, it can infect humans, dogs, and cats.

It is spread through environment contamination through migratory wildbirds. You can learn more about the strain here.

What precautions is the State of Texas doing?

Widespread detections in wild birds have occurred across Texas with most recent findings in Wharton, Galveston, El Paso, Potter and Harris counties.

Texas Parks and Wildlife is actively monitoring the situation. Wildlife rehabilitators are implementing strict quarantine measures to prevent the spread among animals brought into care.

The state also encourages the public to report sick or dead birds and avoid direct contact with wildlife when possible.

For those who have interacted with a sick or infected animal and are feeling unwell, reach out to your healthcare provider ASAP.

How does Avian Flu affect me and my pet?

While the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation and working with states to monitor exposures.

While cases of Avian Flu in pets are rare, they’ve been reported—primarily in outdoor cats. Here’s what you need to look out for:

  • Sneezing and coughing
  • Fever
  • Discharge from the nose or eyes
  • Fatigue or lack of energy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Neurological issues like seizures or paralysis

If you notice any of these signs in your pet, it’s time to call your vet ASAP.

Are poultry diets, like raw food, safe? What about the Oregon cat that tested positive for HPAI?

We understand public concern surrounding the recent **avian influenza (HPAI) cases** in Oregon and California. As always, our top priority is to do what's best for you and your pets by ensuring the safety of our products.

As of January 10th, 2024, no products recalled due to HPAI contamination have reached our stores. However, as a precaution, we have proactively removed Northwest Naturals Feline Turkey Frozen Raw recipes from our shelves. We are awaiting new inventory to arrive from their facility.

If you are nervous about any product—even if it does not contain a poultry protein—you can return it for a full refund. If you would like to switch from raw food, we are stocked with gently cooked and dry food options that are of equal nutritional value. Chat with us now to talk through options!

In the event a product in our inventory is recalled, we will act immediately. It's our promise.

How are pet food brands are taking precautions?

Many partners in the pet food industry have stepped up to inform customers about their robust safety practices and stringent manufacturing standards. To learn more about specific production practices, here’s a helpful list of pet food brands who have shared statements on the topic of avian flu and safety:

🔗 Steve's Real Food - Avian Flu

🔗 Bones & Co. - Avian Flu

🔗 Northwest Naturals (NWW) - Recall FAQ's

🔗 Smallbatch - Avian Flu Statement

🔗 Primal Pet Foods - Avian Flu

🔗 Tucker's - Avian Flu

🔗 Savage Cat - Avian Flu

How can I keep my pets safe?

Outdoor cats, who are natural hunters, are especially at risk as they chase after infected birds or drink from contaminated puddles or ponds. If possible, keep them indoors during this time.

Stay away from ponds, bird baths, or any space where wild birds gather. Texas Parks and Wildlife even recommends temporarily removing outdoor bird feeders to reduce local bird congregations.

It goes without saying, but do not handle any sick or dead wildlife or allow any pets to consume any wild carcasses.

Have chickens? Here is what the USDA says to do.

  1. Keep your distance (restrict access to your property and your birds).
  2. Keep it clean (clean and disinfect your clothes, shoes, equipment, and hands).
  3. Don’t haul disease home (if you have been near other birds or bird owners, clean and disinfect poultry cages and equipment before going home).
  4. Don’t risk disease from your neighbor (do not borrow lawn and garden equipment, tools, or poultry supplies from other bird owners).
  5. Know the warning signs (sudden increase in bird deaths, sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, watery or green diarrhea, lack of energy, poor appetite, drop in egg production, swelling around the eyes, neck, and head, and purple discoloration of wattles, combs, and legs).
  6. Report sick birds (call your local or State veterinarian, or USDA toll-free at 1-866-536-7593).

The Key Takeaway: Avian (HPAI) Flu + Your Pets

While the risk to pets is low, HPAI is something every Austin pet owner should be aware of. By limiting exposure, keeping a close eye on your pets’ health, and staying informed, you can continue to enjoy time with your furry (or feathered) friends worry-free.

For updated information, check out the Texas Department of State Health Services or contact your vet if you have concerns about an “under-the-weather” pet.

If you had contact with an HPAI-positive or suspect animal and are developing signs of illness, immediately contact your health care provider and let them know about the exposure.

Sources:

🔗 CDC - Bird Flu: Virus Transmission is other Animals

🔗 CDC - Update: Human Infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus in Texas

🔗 CDC - H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation

🔗 USDA - Protecting Birds from Avian Influenza in the United States

🔗 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Causes Duck Mortalities in Austin Area

🔗 Steve's Real Food - Avian Flu

🔗 Bones & Co. - Avian Flu

🔗 Northwest Naturals (NWW) - Recall FAQ's

🔗 Smallbatch - Avian Flu Statement

🔗 Primal Pet Foods - Avian Flu

🔗 Tucker's - Avian Flu

🔗 Savage Cat - Avian Flu


Featured Products

Related Posts

Avian (HPAI) Flu + Your Pets: What We Know

Avian (HPAI) Flu + Your Pets: What We Know

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s happening locally: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) recently confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in...
Read now
Do Pet Food Toppers Work?

Do Pet Food Toppers Work?

It's not news to you that your dog or cat is unlike any other. And sometimes, that means giving them a boost for their diet...
Read now
Comparing Kibble vs. Raw & Fresh Foods

Comparing Kibble vs. Raw & Fresh Foods

If you’re anything like me, you want your furry friend to be healthy, happy, and live a long-life. One of the biggest decisions we face...
Read now