01/30/2026
We've had several clients this week raise concern over their dogs bringing in dead doves from outside, especially after the news stories about bird flu. While the dove die off is most likely related to the below freezing weather recently, it's still prudent to follow these guidelines below. It also seems much more rare in dogs than cats, at least from what we know.
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-h5n1-cats
From the American Veterinary Medical Association:
"How can H5N1 infection be prevented in cats?
No vaccine is available yet to protect cats against H5N1. Cat owners and caretakers can help keep their cats safe by following these tips:
1. Refrain from feeding cats any dairy products or colostrum that have not first been pasteurized or thoroughly cooked to kill the virus.
2. Thoroughly cook meat before feeding, and avoid feeding raw meat-based treats or diets.
3. Keep cats indoors to prevent exposure to birds and other wildlife.
4. Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and other wildlife yourself.
5. Keep cats away from livestock, poultry, and their environments, especially in areas with known H5N1 outbreaks.
6. Take steps to prevent contact between captive big cats and wild birds (e.g., cover enclosures with netting and remove bird attractants nearby) in areas where H5N1 is circulating.
7. Thoroughly wash your hands after handling your cat and after any encounters with poultry, livestock, or wild birds and other animals.
8. Change your clothes and shoes, and thoroughly wash any exposed skin, after interacting with sick or dead animals that may harbor the H5N1 virus, and before interacting with your cat.
9. If you feed birds or walk near bird feeders or other places birds (including poultry) gather, change your shoes or disinfect their soles before entering your house.
10. Immediately contact your veterinarian if you notice signs of H5N1 or think your cat might have been exposed to the virus."
Cats appear to be particularly susceptible to severe illness from avian influenza A (H5N1), often resulting in death. Here's what you need to know.
