H5N1 avian influenza in feline populations: resources for shelters, rescues, and access-to-care clinics

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H5N1 Avian Influenza Resources for Shelters, Rescues, and Access-to-Care Clinics

Published On
February 10, 2025
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As the landscape of avian influenza type A (H5N1) continues to evolve, it has become increasingly important for shelters, rescues, community cat organizations, and access-to-care clinics to stay informed and prepared. The spread of H5N1 to domestic cats in the U.S. represents a significant shift, with confirmed cases across multiple states. This page compiles essential resources designed to support animal welfare professionals in monitoring, responding to, and managing potential H5N1 infections in feline populations.

The lead resource is the “Recommendations for Monitoring and Response to Possible Infections with Avian Influenza Type A (H5N1) in Cats for Shelters, Rescues, and Access-to-Care Clinics,” a living document updated in real-time by a national working group of shelter medicine experts. This document provides the most current guidelines and protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


1. What is bird flu?

• Bird flu refers to the H5N1 avian influenza virus that is highly pathogenic for birds
• Wild birds, ducks and geese, and poultry are the natural host species for infection
• First discovered in geese in China in 1996
• H5N1 avian influenza virus has been infecting birds and poultry around the world since 1996
• Caused high mortality in wild birds, ducks and geese, commercial poultry farms, and backyard bird
  flocks in all 50 states since 2022
• The host range has expanded to a large variety of mammals, including rodents, marine mammals,
  squirrels, raccoons, skunks, opossums, weasels, rabbits, bears, coyotes, foxes
• For the first time since 1996, H5N1 infection was documented in dairy cattle in Texas in March 2024
  and has spread to nearly 1000 dairy herds in 16 states to date.

2. How is bird flu spread?

• H5N1 flu virus is shed in saliva, nasal secretions, feces, urine and milk (dairy cattle)
• Direct contact with infected animals or environments contaminated by infected animals

3. Can cats be infected by H5N1 avian flu virus?

• Cats are very susceptible to H5N1 infection. This includes domestic cats, exotic species (tigers, lions,
  leopards, others), and wild species (mountain lions, bobcats)
• First documented case in 2004 in a Thailand household of 14 cats fed raw chickens infected with H5N1
  virus
• Thousands of infected domestic cats in Asia and Europe since 2004 with a dramatic spike in cat
  infections around the world since 2023
• First domestic cat infections in the US detected in 2022 and 2023 in outdoor cats in Montana,
  Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wyoming, most of which had access to infected poultry farms
• At least 102 additional H5N1-infected cats documented from Jan 2024 to Jan 2025 in 16 states

Read more FAQs…

In addition, the following resources from the UF Shelter Medicine Program are available:

• Precautions for Shelters: Guidance on assessing risks, identifying symptoms, and implementing biosecurity measures.
• Precautions for Community Cat Management Programs: Recommendations for TNR programs, spay/neuter clinics, and community cat colony caretakers.
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Clear, concise answers to common questions about H5N1 in cats.
• Webinar Slides: Insights from Dr. Julie Levy and Dr. Cynda Crawford’s Feb. 11, 2025, Maddie’s Fund webinar discussing H5N1’s impact on feline health and shelter operations.

Together, these materials offer a comprehensive toolkit to help animal welfare organizations respond effectively to this emerging threat.

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