Illness with the H5N1 avian flu has been reported among domestic and exotic cats in Asia, which is unusual. Since the H5N1 avian flu virus has not been identified in Arizona or the United States, dogs and cats which may capture wild birds are not at risk for this disease.

There is no evidence that bird flu is a risk to dogs. Recently, there have been reports of a canine influenza virus in the U.S. but this is a different flu virus that affects only dogs. There is evidence from the Asian outbreak that the bird flu virus might affect cats fed raw poultry, but there is currently no cause for concern because the virus is not present in the U.S.

State and federal departments of agriculture are routinely testing chickens for evidence of infection with the H5N1 avian flu and other poultry diseases. State and federal wildlife officials are testing wild waterfowl, such as wild ducks and geese, and shorebirds, such as plovers and sandpipers, for the Asian bird flu in only select areas of the state. Wildlife officials are NOT accepting backyard dead wild birds for testing for bird flu virus.

Avian influenza, or avian flu, is a common, naturally occurring virus in birds that has many forms or subtypes. Scientists believe all birds are susceptible to infection by some form of avian flu. Some birds, like waterfowl, can be infected with the virus but develop no signs of illness. In addition, the potency (virulence) varies greatly among the various subtypes of the avian flu virus.

The bird flu (also referred to as avian flu) refers to strains of the influenza virus that infect birds. Avian flu occurs worldwide and was first identified over 100 years ago. Normally avian flu viruses don't infect species other than birds and pigs. In 1997, however, the first documented human case of avian flu occurred in Hong Kong.

The answer is simple at this moment. To be specific , it can be Yes. The possibility of your indoor cat contracting the Avian Flu is slim (at this moment in the USA). The best thing you can do is to bring you cat for biannual exam, and discuss with your veterinarian risk assessment for your cat(s). Here some of the best articles you may want review. http://www.who.int/csr/don/2004_02_20/en/ , http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/avianflu/news/sep0304cats.html , http://www.cdc.

No. Pandemic flu is a global outbreak of human disease. It is caused by a new influenza virus that is unlike any previous flu, so people will not have any natural immunity to it. The lack of immunity means that a pandemic flu can pass readily from person to person, creating widespread illness. Currently, there is no pandemic flu circulating.

Because H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus has not yet been detected in the United States, it is unlikely that the bird would pose a risk of H5N1 HPAI infection to your cat, and no special precautions unique to avian influenza (AI) prevention and control are warranted. If the virus is found in the United States, and if it is found to infect wild birds upon which cats are likely to prey, you should contact your veterinarian for assistance.

If you are sick, consult your doctor. Testing is available for flu viruses which typically occur during the cold and flu season. this time, testing for the H5N1 avian flu would not be appropriate- except in cases where the patient had traveled to a H5N1 avian flu-affected area of the world, and/or had close exposure to H5N1 infected birds or persons. ALWAYS cook poultry thoroughly and wash your hands and any surfaces that have come into contact with raw poultry.

present, the H5N1 avian flu is not known to be here in the United States. Those with pet birds, such as parrots, cockatiels, love birds or budgies should not worry about their pets getting "bird flu" if they have not been out of the country or in contact with birds from other countries. In order to protect your pet birds from other avian diseases, keep your birds isolated from wild birds. Isolation of newly acquired or ill birds from others for 30 days is recommended.

Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide, acting as reservoirs, carry a normally harmless form of influenza viruses in their intestines, and wild birds usually do not get sick from them. Unlike most avian influenza viruses, however, this new strain of H5N1 has caused mortality in more than 80 species of wild birds.

The Fairfax County Department of Human Resources is currently preparing the official policy regarding this question. It is certainly our desire that any employee remain at home while they are contagious or ill with an avian influenza infection. We would not expect that an employee would report to work while sick under normal conditions, and that expectation would hold particularly true during the time they are attempting to recover from an avian flu virus.