Veterinarians advise dog and cat owners on avian influenza precautions in Maryland

In a recent webinar hosted by Baltimore County, officials provided crucial guidance for backyard flock owners regarding the ongoing threat of avian influenza, particularly as it relates to household pets. The meeting highlighted the importance of safeguarding both poultry and pets from potential exposure to the virus, which has been detected in wild birds across Maryland.

One of the key points discussed was the risk posed to dogs and cats. While avian flu is not as dangerous to dogs as it is to cats, experts emphasized that any mammal can contract the virus if exposed. To mitigate this risk, pet owners are advised to limit their pets' access to areas where they might encounter wild birds or their carcasses. Keeping dogs under direct supervision and bringing cats indoors whenever possible were strongly recommended strategies.

Veterinarians also cautioned against feeding pets raw diets, as this can increase their risk of infection. The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining biosecurity measures, such as using designated shoes or shoe covers when entering poultry areas to prevent contamination.

Currently, there have been no reported cases of avian flu in backyard flocks within Baltimore County, although neighboring counties have seen positive cases. This situation highlights the need for vigilance, as wild birds, which do not recognize county boundaries, continue to pose a threat.

The discussion also touched on the management of outdoor cats, particularly those that serve as working animals in barns or are part of community cat populations. Experts advised meal feeding rather than free feeding to avoid attracting wild birds, which could further increase the risk of disease transmission.

As avian influenza remains a concern, Baltimore County officials are committed to keeping residents informed and safe. The guidance provided in this webinar is part of ongoing efforts to protect both livestock and pets from this serious health threat.