Bird Flu Center

Pet owners worldwide are showing concerns over the spread of the H5N1 virus, but cases of bird flu on dogs have so far been very rare around the world.

An outbreak of an influenza virus on dogs in the United States during 2004 and 2005, which decimated racing greyhounds and dogs in animal shelters across the East Coast, has prompted many to fear the bird flu has reached the canine species as well. However the virus (H3N8) is an equine influenza virus (one which affects horses) and a very unlikely mutation has allowed it to infect dogs. The disease is highly contagious among the animals and is well established in the dog population, being confirmed in over 20 states. There is no reason to worry about a possible infection to humans, as no single case has been documented in the 40 years since this illness has been present in horses and now canines.

One of the very few cases of bird flu passing on to dogs was announced by Azerbaijan health authorities in March 2005, when a stray dog in the capital Baku died and was tested positive for the H5N1 virus. Although direct spreading of the virus from fowl to dogs is very uncommon, of more concern should be the possibility of dogs picking up infected wild birds or poultry and bringing it home or to the vicinity of humans. Dog owners are therefore advised to watch their pets and prevent them from coming into contact with potential carriers of the virus.

Panic has determined some people to abandon their pets because of worries that bird flu might affect their dogs and then themselves. Authorities however give reassurances such measures are out of order and the welfare of pet animals is seriously compromised as abandoning them leaves them at risk from starvation or accidents.