Bird flu outbreak risk to dogs, potentially fatal for cats

Wareham’s animal control officer said residents should take precautions against bird flu after the virus killed 60 birds in Plymouth last week.

Animal Control Officer Devin Cloutier said that while the current strain of bird flu has caused yearly outbreaks across Massachusetts since 2022, the "huge uptick" in infections in the area this year is "concerning."

She said she expects the number of cases in Wareham to increase before warmer spring weather and shifts in wild bird migration patterns slows the transmission of the disease.

So far in Wareham, “nothing has presented a close threat,” Cloutier said. “We’re not getting a ton of birds washed up on the beaches or in public parks.”

But Cloutier has found deceased birds across Wareham, including an instance where five or more were found in the same location, which must be reported to the state. Residents are encouraged to report similar findings through a Mass.gov form.

According to state officials, “evidence suggests” that the disease is “widespread in Massachusetts” and is likely present even in places where positive cases have not been confirmed.

The current strain of bird flu, H5N1, reached the U.S. in January 2022 and spread to agricultural poultry populations through wild birds, according to the CDC. For the last three years, infection rates have periodically spiked and caused poultry farmers nationwide to euthanize 148 million domestic birds to slow the spread.

Although the disease has spread from poultry to dairy cows and other mammals, there are only 67 confirmed human cases of H5N1, and only one death, according to the CDC.

While the disease does not present a severe threat to humans, pets and other domestic animals are at risk.

Cats are particularly susceptible to bird flu and the disease is potentially fatal for them. The Massachusetts Department of Health recommends cats be kept in doors while infections persist.

Dogs are also at risk and can contract the virus by consuming the feces of other animals, particularly waterfowl. Dogs should be kept on a leash and away from bodies of water, according to the health department.

The health department advises poultry owners to keep their flocks away from bodies of water and other areas wild waterfowl visit. New birds should be isolated for a month before being introduced to a domestic flock to avoid the spread of the disease.

People should also avoid contact with bodies of water, as well as any deceased or symptomatic animals as the disease can cause pink eye, coughing, fever, aching muscles and a sore throat.

According to the CDC, common symptoms in birds include diarrhea, purple discoloration or swelling of body parts, nasal discharge and lack of coordination.

For a complete list of guidelines from state officials visit Mass.gov.