HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA (HPAI)
The governor declared a state of emergency in California on Dec 18 2024 regarding the outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza (“bird flu”) that has been going on for 2+ years now, and Butte County just had its first positive case in a chicken last month. This virus is only rarely transmitted to humans but it is possible, and the danger lies in the possibility that it will mutate and become more pathogenic to humans and cause another pandemic. It is currently being found in some cats and dairy cows, but birds (especially poultry) are the natural host and wild birds can carry the virus without showing signs. Indoor birds (parrots, etc.) should be safe. Influenza virus can be transmitted by direct contact but also via fomites, so cleaning of the environment is very important. Bleach will work but only if all of the organic material is removed first (feathers, feces, dander, etc.). Feathers sprayed with bleach are still potentially infectious.
Our protocol until there is a vaccine program in place for HPAI in the United States and/or the outbreak in California and surrounding states is over:
- We cannot see any avian wildlife until the outbreak is over, not even for euthanasia.
- We cannot see sick chickens if there are multiple birds in a flock affected—please call UC Davis and let them know that there is a possibility of avian influenza. Owners should take precautions as well (check the CDC and CA Department of Public Health websites for information).
- We cannot see chickens or other poultry for “well pet” exams either.
- We can see injured chickens or other poultry (ducks, turkeys, etc.) as long as no other birds in the flock are showing any signs of any sickness, decreased egg production, or sudden death.
- The CDC recommends that anyone working with poultry should have their flu vaccines, not because it will protect from H5N1 but because if a person gets infected with human flu and avian flu at the same time it could cause the mutations that make avian flu infectious to humans and that person would become ground zero for the new pandemic. Please check the CDC website for more information.
- Special note for cats: if you have a cat sick with respiratory and neurologic signs AND you have a chicken flock with respiratory signs and/or which has been diagnosed with HPAI, there is a chance that the cat could be infected with HPAI. Please notify us (or your regular veterinarian) as the cat’s symptoms can mimic rabies.