WUR researcher Luca Bordes: ‘Risk of avian influenza infection in pets remains very low’

The three-month-old kitten was examined by Royal GD. Based on the findings of this examination, the National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research was asked to test the animal for the presence of the avian influenza virus. These tests showed that the kitten was infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, HPAI H5N1. The result was subsequently shared with the NVWA, the Ministry of LVVN and the RIVM.

All kittens from the litter have died. None of the other kittens from the litter were submitted for examination; they were therefore not tested for the presence of the avian influenza virus.

According to the owner, the mother cat had brought a dead bird into the nest. The kittens were most likely infected through this carcass.

Dogs and cats can be susceptible to avian influenza, most likely through eating dead birds or bird droppings. It is therefore important to keep your dog on a leash, especially in wetland areas where dead birds may be present. Where possible, cats should be kept indoors to avoid contact with dead birds.

In the Netherlands, this is the first time that avian influenza virus has been detected in a pet. However, research by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has previously shown that Dutch cats have had antibodies (= response to infection with a pathogen) against the H5 avian influenza virus. In other countries, including European ones, pet infections with avian influenza have been reported more frequently. Over the past five years, cases have been reported in Belgium, France and Poland, among others.

A dog or cat infected with avian influenza may show symptoms such as fever, panting and breathing difficulties, lethargy, eye inflammation, and sometimes discharge from the eyes and nose. Neurological symptoms such as trembling, unsteady gait and loss of strength may also occur.

The government advises pet owners to be extra vigilant, both in preventing contact with infected animals such as birds, and in watching for symptoms of illness in their pets.
If avian influenza is suspected in a dog or cat, the owner can contact their veterinarian for advice on the appropriate measures.
It is also possible to have the animal tested for the presence of the avian influenza virus. Costs are associated with this.

More information on testing dogs and cats for avian influenza can be found on our Diagnostics dog/cat page. There you will also find the submission form for sending in a sample (via your veterinarian) and the applicable fees.

In the Netherlands, avian influenza has been detected in just one kitten. Experts from the Zoonoses Expert Consultation group still assess the risk of infection for both humans and pets as low. However, the detection of avian influenza in this kitten is reason to study the virus further for possible changes. Depending on the outcomes of this research, the risk assessment may be adjusted. If avian influenza is detected in your pet, it is advisable to participate in the RIVM’s medical monitoring.

If you keep rabbits in your garden, the likelihood of them becoming infected is very small. No rabbits have been infected with the current avian influenza virus.

The risk of parrots becoming infected is small. Infection could occur if droppings from an infected (water)bird enter the aviary. It is permitted to keep birds in an outdoor aviary. Parrots are not subject to the containment requirement, and it is up to the owner to decide whether he wants to accept this (small) risk.

The avian influenza virus can survive for approximately three days on wood. Natural materials such as branches can be used in the aviary by first storing them covered and dry elsewhere for at least three days before placing them in the aviary. This minimises the risk of infection.