Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) Information for Veterinarians
Page originally published 2/21/2025.
Bird flu viruses spread to dairy cows in the U.S. in 2024, with dairies in California affected starting in late summer 2024. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USD-APHIS) reports bird flu infection in a variety of carnivores, including domestic cats.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) veterinarians encourage veterinarians and veterinary staff to:
- Avoid direct, unprotected contact with animals suspected or known to have bird flu, including carcasses, animal waste, or contaminated surfaces and water.
- Use recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling animals suspected or known to have bird flu, including NIOSH approved respirators (N-95), disposable gloves, safety goggles or a face shield, and disposable or dedicated gowns.
- Discourage clients from feeding raw (unpasteurized) milk/dairy products and other raw foods to pets.
- Consider bird flu infection in any cat that consumed raw dairy products, raw pet food, or wild birds, especially if it presents with neurologic signs such as seizures, acute ataxia, nystagmus or cortical blindness.
- Pursue influenza A
testing through your usual commercial veterinary diagnostic
laboratory.
- Flu A testing may also be available through some public health laboratories.
- Contact your local public health department regarding any pets that become ill following consumption of raw milk or raw food.
Contact Information
- If you have any questions about bird flu in livestock or poultry or to report suspected cases, contact the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
- Report suspected cases of bird flu in wildlife to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- For more information on bird flu detections nationwide, visit USDA-APHIS's website.
- For information on the surveillance,
investigation, response, and prevention of zoonotic disease
outbreaks in San Diego, visit the One
Health Epidemiology Program (OHEP).
- Sign up to receive OHEP health alerts and announcements.
Call the Epidemiology Unit at (619) 692-8499, or send an email, for more information.
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