- No Raw Poultry: Cook all meat according to Tips for Safely Cooking Poultry before feeding it to your dog or cat.
- Keep Away from Birds: Prevent your dog or cat from getting into close contact with poultry and wild birds, especially water fowl and commercial poultry operations.
- Avoid Contact with Feces, Feathers and Dead Birds: Remains of birds and especially bird feces can have high numbers of virus in them, if they come from a bird infected with bird flu. H5N1 viruses can survive for many days in feces.
- Stay Away from Dog Tracks: Dog tracks have been breeding grounds for another type of influenza originating in birds called H3N8, a virus that affects horses more than dogs.
- Stay Up to Date on Vaccines: Make sure your dog or cat has all his shots up to date. Currently there are no vaccines available against H5N1 for dogs and cats. Ask your veterinarian if there are any new developments in the production of a bird flu vaccine for pets.
- Maintain General Health: Healthy dogs and cats are less likely to suffer complications from infectious diseases, so pay attention to your pet’s nutrition, exercise habits and emotional needs.
- Veterinarian Advice: Keep the telephone number of your veterinarian handy to report any suspicious symptoms your pet may have by phone.
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