What are the potential risks of avian influenza?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a goofy kitten who loves to chase after the birds in our backyard. Last spring, she was down with a nasty pollen allergy, and now I am hearing about this avian influenza going around.

Should I be worried that she will catch it? And even worse, could she pass it on to my young kids, aged five and seven?

I am starting to feel a bit anxious about the situation. I do not want my furry friend to get sick, but I am even more concerned about the potential risk to my children. It feels like a real burden knowing there is a virus out there that could harm my family, whether it is through our pets or directly.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Practically, birds can spread infection by contaminating any living or non-living thing that gets in their touch, whether it is a tree or a shelf it sits on, or even pets, so it will be best that, until the infectivity of influenza is high, you start to keep your pet mostly indoors in such cases.

Domestic cats and dairy cattle are susceptible to the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus.

Make sure your cat is also properly vaccinated, according to the vet.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.