The current HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strain is now the most widespread HPAI outbreak on record, affecting millions of animals worldwide. The virus has created the most problems with poultry but is now recognized as relevant in wild birds, mammals, cattle, domestic cats and pet and aviary birds.
Terra Kelly, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACZM, and Carrie McNeil, DVM, MPH, provide guidance on recognition, client questions, a triage checklist and more in this article. Note the chart showing HPAI cases by species, the locations, how it is spread and what to look for.
Source: AAHA Trends, May 23, 2025. Link.
Cases in pet birds are still relatively rare, but even a single infection can have ripple effects in mixed-species pet households and clinics.”
INSIGHTS: Thinking about indoor-outdoor cats that often present song birds to their owners and the possible cross-species exposure we dug a bit deeper. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology this H5N1 strain of avian influenza virus is shed in the saliva, mucus, and feces of infected birds and is transmitted to other birds via ingestion or inhalation.
The virus affects a wide variety of wild birds, including hawks, eagles, falcons, owls, crows, vultures, shorebirds, game birds, seabirds, and especially waterfowl such as Canada Geese and Mallards and has been detected in more than 150 species <Link>. We noted 367 detections in common backyard passerines like the house sparrow, crows and European starling.
Image: Link.
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