top of page

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Update

Indiana State Board of Animal Health update on recent spread of HPAI in birds, cows and other species.  Veterinarians recommend dogs and especially cats should not consume raw milk or undercooked/raw meat.
Indiana State Board of Animal Health update on recent spread of HPAI in birds, cows and other species. Veterinarians recommend dogs and especially cats should not consume raw milk or undercooked/raw meat.

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) has provided this information about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and how it is impacting different species.


HPAI is Affecting Many Species


Since 2022 HPAI has been identified in all 50 states, in more than 1400 premises. Across the United States, in addition to birds, the HPAI virus has been detected in many species of mammals, primarily wildlife. Spring 2024 brought a new scenario when dairy cattle were diagnosed with H5N1. Since then, the virus has been identified on more than 900 dairy farms in 16 states. The virus’ presence on dairy farms has presented a new risk factor for cats. The virus, which is highly receptive to the mammary tissue of cows, is readily shed in the milk. Epidemiologic reviews of affected farms found that farm cats have become ill with neurologic signs and died from consuming unpasteurized milk.


Cats and Dogs


Like other species, dogs and cats are susceptible to avian influenza—cats much more than canines.

Affected dogs may exhibit respiratory signs, fever, and influenza-like illness. Although no cases have been documented, dogs’ greatest risk is consuming raw (unpasteurized) milk or raw food diets. No cure or specific treatment is available, other than supportive and symptomatic care.


Cats that have contracted HPAI will often show neurologic signs, such as tremors, seizures, and incoordination, and death. No cure or specific treatment is available, other than supportive and symptomatic care. Cats on dairy and poultry farms where the virus has been detected are at higher risk. Closely related is contact with humans who work on HPAI-positive farms, because the virus may be carried on clothing or shoes.


Food intake is a significant risk factor to cats: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning pet owners not to feed raw milk and under- or uncooked meats to cats. Likewise, consumption of wild birds has also led to illness and death of cats. The FDA notes that while dogs can contract HPAI, they currently appear to be less susceptible than cats and no case has been identified in the U.S.


Current Indiana Situation: Wildlife


The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and USDA Wildlife Services continue to monitor wild bird populations. Since this virus began circulating in 2022, Indiana has had 98 wild birds test positive for HPAI. Updated findings and information is available online from the USDA. In recent weeks, DNR avian biologists have received increased reports of sick and dead birds, especially in waterfowl and raptors. Wild birds have tested positive this year in several counties: Adams, Allen, Benton, Gibson, Hamilton, Hancock, Huntington, Jackson, Lake, LaPorte, Marion, Newton, Pike, Porter, Ripley, Starke, Tippecanoe, and Vermillion. Anyone who notices ill or dead wild birds should report them directly to DNR. Report sick or dead wild birds to DNR at DNR: Fish & Wildlife: Sick or Dead Wildlife Reporting.


Poultry Clinical Signs and Reporting


Hobby poultry owners are encouraged to be aware of the signs of avian influenza and report illness and/or death to BOAH. Reports may be made via the online reporting form found on the website:  www.in.gov/boah or by phone to the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline:  866-536-7593 . Callers will be routed to a state or federal veterinarian in Indiana for a case assessment. Dead birds should be double-bagged and refrigerated for possible testing.   

 Signs include:  sudden death without clinical signs; lack of energy or appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, hocks; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; lack of coordination; and diarrhea. A great resource for backyard bird health information is online at: www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/dtf-resources/dtf-resources .


Food Safety & Public Health


Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; cooked poultry and eggs and pasteurized dairy products are safe to eat. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that human infections from HPAI (H5N1) are rare. However, anyone with unprotected exposure to an infected animal or their environment is at higher risk of transmission. That is why the CDC advises the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by anyone working with or around infected animals. Most human cases have been linked to working around infected poultry or dairy cows.


Stay Up-to-date

Updates, additional information and reporting are available on the BOAH website at:  www.in.gov/boah.

Source: Indiana State Board of Animal Health Veterinary Advisory: HPAI Updates for All Species, 1 February 2025


Comments


Recent Posts
Archive
Search By Tags
Follow Us
  • Facebook Basic Square
  • Twitter Basic Square
  • Google+ Basic Square
bottom of page