Avian influenza in cats in Europe: An overview
What is bird flu (avian influenza)?
Avian influenza, also known as avian influenza, is a contagious viral disease that primarily affects birds. The highly pathogenic H5N1 subtype is particularly dangerous and can also be transmitted to mammals - especially cats - and, in rare cases, to humans.

Current situation in Europe (as of 2024)
According to recent reports, including from NABU (Nature Conservation Association of Germany), bird flu is not currently an acute problem in Europe. The 2024 breeding season for shorebirds has so far passed without any major outbreaks. Nevertheless, the virus remains a latent danger, especially for wild birds and poultry farms.
Review of previous outbreaks:
- 2021–2022: Large outbreaks along coastal regions in Germany, France and the Netherlands.
- 2023: Declining cases, but isolated evidence in wild birds and poultry farms.
- 2024: Monitoring of bird populations continues to enable early action.
Transmission routes and risk groups
The virus spreads mainly through:
- Direct contact with infected birds.
- Feces, feathers or secretions from infected animals.
- Contaminated feed, water or equipment.
Groups particularly at risk:
- Poultry breeders and farmers.
- Employees in animal shelters or wild animal rescue centers.
- Cats chasing infected birds or touching contaminated surfaces.
Measures to contain bird flu
- Biosecurity measures: access restrictions to stables and protective clothing for staff.
- Disinfection devices: cleaning stations in animal shelters and farms.
- Monitoring: Regular tests on wild and farmed birds.
- Vaccinations: Although vaccines exist for poultry, there are no approved vaccinations for cats.
Symptoms in infected animals
- Birds: Shortness of breath, diarrhea, swollen heads, movement disorders.
- Cats: Neurological deficits, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting.
Importance of vigilance despite low case numbers
Although the number of infections is currently low, experts urge caution. The virus could mutate and adapt to new hosts. Wild birds in particular continue to be considered possible carriers, which means monitoring remains essential.
Recommendations for animal owners and farmers
- If possible, cats should not hunt outdoors unsupervised.
- Poultry farmers should adhere to strict hygiene regulations.
- Report any suspicious symptoms in pets or wild birds immediately.
Bird flu in cats
Several cats have died from serious neurological diseases in the United States as a result of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, although not all had contact with dairy farms, raw milk or sick birds. The national outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is spreading, and cats are particularly at risk. Could infected cats enter your shelter, TNR clinic or other programs? Would you know what to look out for or how to react?
The Shelter Medicine Academic Collaborative has developed interim recommendations to reduce the risk of H5N1 for cats in shelters and TNR clinics. These recommendations will be updated regularly as this is a dynamic situation with many unknowns about the impact of H5N1 on cats and other species.
Although bird flu is not currently an acute problem in Europe, vigilance is still required. NABU reports that the 2024 breeding season for coastal birds has so far been without any major outbreaks, after massive losses due to bird flu in recent years. However, the virus remains a threat to wild birds worldwide and it is important to continue to monitor and protect wildlife populations.
Animal shelters, TNR clinics and similar facilities should therefore follow current risk reduction recommendations and pay close attention to possible symptoms in cats to prevent the spread of the virus.
Here are the translated recommendations for action if bird flu is suspected in cats
Recommendations for monitoring and responding to possible avian influenza type A (H5N1) infections in cats
Updated: December 20, 2024
Important information for animal shelters, rescue stations and veterinary clinics
1. Observe and assess symptoms
Cats should be monitored for symptoms of H5N1 upon admission and throughout their stay. Signs can include neurological disorders, respiratory problems or sudden, unexplained death.
2. Isolation of suspected cases
- Cats with neurological symptoms should be isolated immediately.
- Avoid contact with other animals and minimize movements.
- Isolation should take place in a separate room. Protective clothing such as N95 masks, goggles and gloves are required.
- Human infections are rare, but people who handle infected animals are at higher risk.
3. Testing recommendations for H5N1
Testing for H5N1 is advisable if cats show:
- Sudden death
- Neurological symptoms such as tremors, convulsions or disorientation
- Unusual or severe respiratory illnesses
- Suspected symptoms of rabies
- High infection rate within a group of cats
4. Education and training of employees
- Inform employees and helpers about risk factors such as contact with sick animals, wild birds or raw meat.
- Questions about risk assessment during intake:
- Does the cat come from a poultry or dairy farm?
- Have you had contact with sick birds or cats?
- Does the cat show neurological or respiratory symptoms?
- Have you been in contact with H5N1 infected people?
5. Collaboration with experts and authorities
- Contact local health authorities and experts if suspected cases occur.
- Contact veterinary programs for consultation and testing assistance.
Resources and assistance
Support through Animal Shelter Medicine Programs:
- University of Wisconsin : Advice and testing ( uwsheltermedicine@vetmed.wisc.edu )
- ASPCA Shelter Medicine Services : Funding and testing ( www.aspcapro.org )
- UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program : Advice ( sheltermedicine@ucdavis.edu )
- University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program : Advice for Florida
- San Diego Humane Society : Advice ( AskAnExpert@sdhumane.org )
Important sources:
- CDC: Prevention and Investigation Guidelines (updated November 2024)
- FDA: Minimizing risk for cats (December 2024)
- AVMA: Advice on Avian Influenza in Pets
- USDA: Reports on H5N1 in Mammals (December 2024)
- Minnesota Department of Health: Veterinary Clinic Guide
These recommendations are continually updated as new findings emerge.
Avian flu in cats - overview
Symptoms of infection
Cats can become infected with bird flu (H5N1) through infected birds or contaminated surfaces. The most common symptoms include:
- Fever and loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath and cough
- Neurological deficits such as convulsions
- Vomiting and diarrhea
Protective measures
Here's how you can protect your cat from infection:
- If possible, keep your cat indoors.
- Do not feed raw poultry meat.
- Clean food bowls regularly.
- Observe your animal and contact a veterinarian immediately if symptoms appear.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis is usually made through PCR tests and blood tests. There is currently no specific treatment. Therapy focuses on relieving symptoms, such as: B. through hydration, oxygen therapy and anti-inflammatory medications.
FAQs about bird flu in cats (H5N1):
Can cats become infected with bird flu (H5N1)?
Yes, cats can become infected with the highly pathogenic bird flu (H5N1). Transmission usually occurs through contact with infected birds, particularly through consumption of contaminated birds or their carcasses. Cats can also become infected through contaminated surfaces, water or soil.
Special risks for cats:
Free-roaming cats that come into contact with or hunt wild birds.
Cats that live near poultry farms or ponds with wild birds.
Contact with infected poultry feed or contaminated water.
Important information:
Although no cases of cat-to-cat transmission have been documented, the possibility of such an infection cannot be ruled out. Caution is therefore advised, especially in regions with confirmed H5N1 cases.
What symptoms occur in cats with H5N1?
Infected cats often show severe clinical signs that can progress rapidly. The most common signs include:
1. Neurological symptoms:
seizures.
Disorientation and balance problems.
Tremors and muscle twitches.
2. Respiratory symptoms:
coughing and sneezing.
Shortness of breath and nasal discharge.
Rattling breathing noises.
3. General symptoms:
Fever and loss of appetite.
Lethargy or restlessness.
Vomiting and diarrhea.
Note:
Symptoms can appear within a few days of infection and can result in death if left untreated. Therefore, if you suspect anything, you should contact a veterinarian immediately.
How can cats be protected from infection?
1. Prefer keeping domestic cats:
Cats should be kept indoors if possible and not left loose in the wild, especially in areas with known H5N1 cases.
2. Do not feed raw poultry:
Only feed high-quality, processed cat food to avoid infection from contaminated meat.
3. Observe hygiene regulations:
Clean food and water bowls regularly.
Wash hands thoroughly after contact with birds or cats.
4. Monitoring and Control:
Closely monitor cats near wild bird populations.
Report any birds found dead to the authorities immediately and keep cats away.
5. Veterinary checks:
If you notice any abnormalities or sudden symptoms of illness, seek veterinary advice immediately.
How is bird flu diagnosed and treated in cats?
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is made through special tests, including:
PCR tests to identify the H5N1 virus in nasal and throat swabs.
Blood tests for antibodies.
Necropsies of deceased animals for further confirmation.
Treatment:
There are currently no specific antiviral medications for cats against H5N1.
Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the immune system.
Fluid therapy, oxygen supplementation, and anti-inflammatory medications can help stabilize the condition.
Prognosis:
The prognosis for infected cats is often poor, especially if neurological symptoms occur. However, early treatment can increase the chances of survival.
Is bird flu in cats dangerous for humans?
There is currently no evidence that cats can transmit the virus directly to humans. However, cat owners should be careful because the H5N1 virus is essentially zoonotic - meaning it has the ability to jump between animals and people.
Preventative measures for cat owners:
Avoid direct contact with saliva, feces or nasal discharge from infected cats.
Wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after contact.
Isolate sick cats and disinfect their environment regularly.
If you suspect an infection, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Note:
Previous research shows that the risk of transmission from cats to humans is low. Nevertheless, the situation is being closely monitored by virologists and veterinary experts as the virus could mutate.
Summary on the topic of bird flu in cats
Avian influenza in cats, also known as avian influenza type A (H5N1), is a serious disease that has received increased attention recently. Bird flu in cats can be spread through contact with infected birds or other animals. Symptoms of bird flu in cats include neurological disorders, respiratory illness and, in severe cases, sudden death. Because of the risk of infection, animal shelters and clinics should take special precautions to prevent bird flu in cats.
Bird flu in cats is often spread through direct contact with infected birds or consumption of raw meat. Therefore, owners and animal shelters should closely monitor risk factors to detect bird flu in cats early. Especially in facilities with many animals, it is important to adhere to strict quarantine measures if avian flu is suspected in cats.
Testing for avian influenza in cats is recommended if symptoms such as tremors, seizures, or shortness of breath occur. Additionally, periods of frequent respiratory illness should be considered a warning sign of avian flu in cats. Regular testing can help prevent avian flu from spreading in cats.
It is particularly important to train employees in animal shelters and clinics on how to deal with bird flu in cats. Education about risk factors and protective measures can help reduce the spread of avian flu in cats. This also includes asking questions about the risk when taking in animals.
If suspected, animal shelters should immediately contact national experts to take the next steps to combat avian influenza in cats. Experts offer support through testing and advice on avian flu in cats. Well-known organizations such as the University of Wisconsin and the ASPCA offer extensive resources and testing for avian influenza in cats.
Bird flu in cats is currently notifiable. Increased research and surveillance will help detect future avian influenza outbreaks in cats early. With the right protective measures, animal shelters and clinics can minimize the risk of avian flu in cats and ensure the safety of animals and people.