Animal Welfare Professionals

Recording and resources from the 2/11/25 special webcast: How Much Do You Know About Bird Flu?

No doubt you have seen recent news about cats infected by H5N1 avian influenza virus. Barn cats in dairies have died from drinking virus-containing raw milk from infected cows. Indoor household cats have acquired infection from eating commercial raw poultry diets laced with the avian virus. In December 2024, 20 big cats died of H5N1 infection at a sanctuary.

How much do you know about bird flu? Can this virus spread from cat-to-cat? Can cats spread infection to people? What is the risk for infected cats entering shelters, TNR clinics, and community clinics?

During this webcast, Drs. Cynda Crawford and @Julie Levy will talk about risk factors for H5N1 avian influenza infection of cats in outdoor and indoor settings; risk mitigation measures for shelters, TNR clinics, and community clinics; and what to do if you suspect a cat might be infected.

Have questions for our guest speakers? Ask them on this Maddie's Pet Forum discussion thread: https://maddies.fund/ForumBirdFlu021125

If you would like to earn continuing education credit, watch the webcast recording on Maddie's University to receive a certificate of attendance: http://university.maddiesfund.org/products/how-much-do-you-know-about-bird-flu-on-demand

Attached you'll find the following resources available for download:

• H5N1 Avian Influenza and Cats: Precautions for Shelters from University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program
• H5N1 Avian Influenza and Cats: Precautions for Community Cat Management Programs from University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program
• How Much Do You Know About Bird Flu? Presentation Slides by Cynda Crawford, DVM, PhD (Fredrica Saltzman Endowed Professorship Chair in Shelter Medicine) and Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DABVP (Shelter Practice) (Fran Marino Endowed Distinguished Professor of Shelter Medicine Education)