Learn about veterinarians’ recommendations to protect our pets and prevent them from contracting the disease.
Avian influenza (AI), known as bird fluis an infectious disease caused by a virus that mainly affects the domestic and wild birds, chickens and turkeys. Sometimes also People and other species of animals, such as our pets, can contract it.
In birds, the virus is shed in feces and respiratory secretions, and can be transmitted through direct contact with the secretions of infected birds, or indirectly, through feed (bird food) and the contaminated water. It is very resistant and has the ability to survive in the environment for long periods and at very low temperatures.
Bird flu has been spreading for years, and in March of last year, many infected citizens working on dairy or poultry farms were detected in the United States. But the recent death of a domestic cat in Oregon, and a pet food recall are raising questions about how we can protect our animals.
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Tips to protect pets from contracting bird flu
Although cases of infection are rare, cats They seem especially susceptible to the avian influenza virus, or Type A H5N1. Therefore, although there is no outbreak alert in Argentina, it is always important to take preventive measures to avoid infections and thus protect them.
In this sense, veterinarians recommend:
- Pets should not drink unpasteurized dairy products or eat raw meat. Cook food and use pasteurized products eliminates the bird flu virus and other pathogens.
- Restrict interaction with wild or infected birds and animals.
- Avoid touching sick or dead birds. Wash your hands after handling poultry or other animals.
If your pet have symptoms such as loss of appetite, fever, fatigue, red or swollen eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, tremors or seizures, consult your doctor. trusted veterinarian and keep away from anyone with a weak immune system.
Source: Ambito
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