Bird flu isn’t just a concern for waterfowl – your four-legged hunting partner could be at risk too. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), specifically the H5N1 strain, has been detected in wild birds across the U.S., and recent cases have shown it can impact dogs, cats and other animals. If your dog loves retrieving or you feed a raw diet, it’s time to take extra precautions to keep them safe.
Understanding Avian Influenza in Dogs
Avian influenza spreads primarily through contact with infected birds, their droppings or contaminated environments. While transmission to dogs is less common, the virus has been detected in domestic pets, often with severe consequences. A recent recall of raw pet food linked to H5N1 infections in cats underscores the importance of preventing exposure to infected materials. Dogs that scavenge or interact with wild birds – especially those used for hunting or retrieving – face an increased risk.
How to Protect Your Bird Dog
Avoid Raw Poultry and Game Meat
H5N1 can spread through contaminated raw meat, as seen in recent cases among pets. To minimize risk, avoid feeding your dog raw poultry or game meat. Instead, opt for fully cooked, commercially prepared pet food that meets safety standards.
Watch for Sick or Dead Birds
If you’re out in the field, remain vigilant for signs of diseased wildlife. Dead or visibly ill birds can be carriers of HPAI. If you encounter any, keep your dog away and report the suspected case to your state animal health official, state public health veterinarian or state veterinary diagnostic laboratory. To prevent the spread of HPAI, don’t handle sick or birds found dead while hunting or training. If it’s necessary to do so, wear gloves, wash hands with soap and water and change clothing before having contact with domestic poultry or pen-raised birds.
Limit Exposure to Wild Birds
To reduce the chance of infection, prevent your dog from scavenging or interacting with wild birds, even in non-hunting situations. Keep them on a leash in high-risk areas and avoid ponds or wetlands known to be affected by avian influenza outbreaks.
Recognize the Symptoms
Early detection is crucial. Symptoms of H5N1 in dogs can include lethargy, coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, lack of appetite and neurological signs like tremors or seizures. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Practice Good Hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly and clean your dog’s paws, coat and equipment after hunting or training outdoors. Disinfect any surfaces that may have come into contact with contaminated materials, including boots.
Safe Handling and Processing of Wild Birds
Hunters can play a role in preventing the spread of avian influenza. When handling or processing wild birds, follow these precautions:
- Wear gloves – Use disposable gloves when handling birds and avoid touching your face.
- Clean thoroughly – Wash hands, knives and other equipment with soap and water after processing birds. Disinfect surfaces and tools to prevent contamination.
- Avoid sick birds – Don’t pick up birds that appear ill or behave abnormally. Report any unusual bird deaths to wildlife agencies
- Cook meat properly – Ensure all wild game is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any pathogens.
- Dispose of waste properly – Bury or double-bag and discard bird remains in accordance with local regulations to avoid attracting scavengers.
Precautionary Measures for Backyard Flock Owners
Backyard chicken flock owners or people with birds used for dog training should take additional precautions to protect their birds and prevent the spread of avian influenza:
- Limit contact with wild birds – Keep your birds enclosed and prevent exposure to wild waterfowl or other birds that may carry the virus.
- Maintain biosecurity measures – Wash hands before and after handling birds and use separate clothing and footwear for bird care routines.
- Keep feed and water sources clean – Store food in sealed containers and provide water in a way that prevents contamination from wild birds.
- Monitor for signs of illness – Watch for symptoms such as decreased egg production in chickens, lethargy, respiratory distress or sudden death. Report any suspected cases to your veterinarian.
- Avoid sharing equipment – Don’t share supplies or tools with other bird owners unless they have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
- Restrict visitor access – Limit contact with people who own or have recently handled birds from other flocks.
By staying informed and taking preventive measures, you can ensure your bird dog remains healthy and ready for the next hunting season.
Learn more from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
