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Pet owners can combat animal illness with cleanliness and educated observation, and wellness veterinarians from Purdue University recommend the same procedure in the case of bird flu.
"Commercial products can kill viruses because the flu is not resistant to disinfectants," said Steve Thompson, director of the pet wellness clinic in Purdue's School of Veterinary Medicine. "Washing hands before and after handling pets is a good start in maintaining good health."
Cats and dogs were thought to be immune to the flu until 2004 when dogs exhibited the same signs as a flu virus strain found in horses. More recently, reports to the World Health Organization suggest cats can get bird-flu virus from eating infected birds. The results of a study in the Netherlands that was published in January 2006 confirmed that cats are susceptible to bird flu.
Thompson said one concern is that the virus can be transmitted through the litter box zone.
"Flu viruses are typically respiratory, but bird flu has been shown to attack intestinal tracts in animals as well," Thompson said. "That affects the way pets can pass the virus to each other."
According to the World Health Organization, no human case of the H5N1 virus has been linked to exposure to a diseased cat. "Birds have carried several different influenza strains here in the United States for many years, but they usually do not cause problems in humans," said pet wellness veterinarian Lorraine Corriveau. Her concern is in keeping the animals healthy.
"Pet owners need to watch for clinical signs of respiratory problems and see their veterinarians if they spot any of the usual signs of a virus, such as runny eyes and nose or cough," said Corriveau, who heads the exotic pet and bird service for the clinic. "Common viruses other than the flu can cause these signs in dogs, cats and birds. Many can be managed successfully in adult pets with proper supportive care."
Corriveau, who is working with the Indianapolis Zoo on formulating a plan of action in the event of a bird-flu pandemic in the United States, said pet owners can minimize any risk by keeping their environment clean. Disinfect the cages and toys regularly, and quarantine new birds for one to two months prior to introducing them into a household flock.
"The Centers for Disease Control has good information on its Web site," Corriveau said. "Overall, if you see a dead bird, don't pick it up."
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