|
Are my pets at risk from getting H5N1? |
|
Although not usually susceptible to influenza type-A infections,
there have been some reports of domestic cats in Europe and some
non-domestic cats (tigers and leopards) in zoos becoming infected as
the result of eating raw infected meat. Fortunately, there is no
evidence of transmission of the disease directly from pets to humans.
Pet owners
should keep the risk in perspective. It is unlikely that a pet would
pick up H5N1 from a wild bird, and even more unlikely that you would
pick up the virus from your pet. There is no reason for anyone to
abandon their cat, dog or any other pet because of fears or worries
about infection from avian influenza.
The best thing
for pet owners to do is to limit interactions with wild animals by
keeping domestic cats indoors or walking dogs on a leash and not
allowing them to eat dead wild birds. If you suspect your ill pet is
showing signs of respiratory disease and may have been exposed to a
sick or dead bird, have your pet examined by a veterinarian.
|
