Bird Flu has been confirmed in Monongalia County: What You Should Know to Keep Your Pets Safe

3 days ago5 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Updated March 7, 2025

At Animal Medical Center (AMC) in Morgantown, WV, we know that your pets are family, and their health and safety are a top priority. Avian influenza A (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, has recently made headlines due to its spread among dairy cattle in the U.S. since March 2024.

This serious outbreak has also led to an alarming number of infections in cats, including barn cats, feral cats, indoor pets, and even big cats in zoos. While the risk of transmission to humans has not been proven, transmission to people is possible, and pet owners should be aware of the dangers bird flu poses to their animals and take steps to minimize exposure.

How Do Cats Get Bird Flu?

While it is possible for dogs to contract avian flu as well, cats appear to be particularly vulnerable to H5N1, and infection often leads to severe illness or death. The most common sources of exposure for cats include:

Consuming contaminated food, particularly unpasteurized milk and raw or undercooked meat, such as poultry. Raw (uncooked) food containing meat or dairy products—whether packaged or home-prepared—is a significant risk factor for H5N1 infection in pets.
Exposure to infected wildlife, especially wild birds or poultry.
Contact with infected livestock, raw cow milk, and livestock's environment, including dairy farms where outbreaks have been reported.
Exposure to contaminated clothing or other contaminated items from people who have been on affected farms.

Additionally, recent reports suggest that indoor cats may have contracted H5N1 from their owners who were exposed to infected dairy cattle, raising concerns that human-to-cat transmission may be possible.

Avian Flu Cases in Monongalia County, West Virginia and Surrounding States

As of March 2025, two cases of bird flu have been confirmed in Monongalia County, WV, along with additional cases in other parts of the state and all our neighboring states. In Monongalia County, two Canada geese tested positive for bird flu after being collected in February. A confirmed outbreak also occurred in a backyard flock in Pocahontas County that same month, affecting domestic birds.

Neighboring states have also reported confirmed cases:

Virginia – Detected cases in both wild and domestic bird populations.
Maryland – Reported in several poultry farms, leading to increased biosecurity measures.
Pennsylvania – Experienced outbreaks in commercial poultry operations, prompting culling to prevent further spread.
Ohio – Identified cases in wild birds and implemented monitoring protocols to protect domestic flocks.

How to Protect Your Pets from Bird Flu

Currently, no vaccine exists to protect pets from H5N1. However, pet owners can reduce the risk of infection by following these best practices:

Avoid feeding raw diets. Do not give your cat unpasteurized milk, raw or undercooked meat, or raw pet food, as these have been linked to H5N1 infections.
Keep cats indoors. Indoor cats have a significantly lower risk of exposure to infected birds or contaminated environments.
Closely supervise your pets while outdoors to prevent wildlife interactions. If your cat must go outside, consider a "catio" (an enclosed outdoor space) to keep them away from birds and other animals. Supervise your dogs outside, too, to prevent interaction with wildlife, dead wildlife, or areas with lots of bird droppings.
Practice good hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly after handling pets, livestock, or wildlife. Change shoes or disinfect soles after visiting areas where birds or poultry congregate.
Consider switching to a high-quality dry kibble diet for now. While wet food is typically recommended for feline hydration, there is a small but real risk wet food could transmit bird flu. Some public health experts advise against wet pet food, especially for immune-compromised households, as it may contain unpasteurized milk or other animal products that could carry the virus. Unlike dry kibble, wet food is not processed at ultra-high temperatures to kill pathogens. To keep your cat hydrated, you can moisten dry kibble with water or supplement with small amounts of low-salt wet human food (e.g., tuna). Make any dietary changes gradually over one to two weeks to avoid digestive upset.
Monitor for outbreaks. If H5N1 cases are reported in your area, take extra precautions to limit potential exposure.
Consult AMC or your veterinarian. If your cat appears unwell or has potential exposure to bird flu, seek veterinary guidance immediately.

Symptoms of H5N1 in Cats

The early signs of bird flu in cats include:

Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Fever

As the illness progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as:

Neurologic issues (e.g., incoordination, circling, tremors, seizures, blindness)
Severe lethargy
Heavy nasal and eye discharge
Respiratory distress (e.g., rapid or labored breathing, coughing, sneezing)
Death

What to Do if You Suspect Bird Flu in Your Cat

If your cat shows symptoms of H5N1 or has been exposed to known sources of infection, take the following steps:

Isolate the sick cat from other pets and immunocompromised individuals.
Follow personal safety precautions, including handwashing and avoiding close contact with the sick animal.
Promptly call Animal Medical Center in Morgantown -- 304-292-0126 --(or another veterinarian) before bringing your cat in for an examination. This allows the veterinary team to prepare for a potentially contagious patient.
At AMC, you will be also be asked to call from your vehicle when you arrive so staff members can escort you and your pet safely to a prepared exam room while ensuring proper isolation protocols to prevent any transmission of the illness. Wherever you go, ask about safety protocols when you make your appointment.
Monitor all household members, including humans and pets, for any signs of illness and report concerns to healthcare providers or public health officials.

Human health is always the top priority, even in veterinary medicine. If you have concerns about your own health, consult your doctor.

If you work with farm animals, own livestock, or are frequently exposed to dead birds or areas with heavy bird droppings, speak with your family doctor about any necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family.

Risks to Humans from Infected Pets

If your domestic animals (e.g., cats or dogs) go outside and could potentially eat or be exposed to sick or dead birds infected with bird flu viruses, or an environment contaminated with bird flu virus, they could become infected. While it's unlikely that you would get sick with bird flu through contact with your infected pet, it is possible for humans to contract bird flu from other animals, including pet cats.

For example, in 2016, a veterinarian in New York City contracted bird flu from prolonged exposure to sick cats without using personal protective equipment. If your pet is showing signs of illness compatible with bird flu virus infection and has been exposed to infected wild birds or poultry, you should monitor your own health for signs of fever or infection and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

Final Thoughts

The current outbreak of H5N1 highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting our pets. By avoiding raw diets, keeping cats indoors, and staying informed about disease risks, pet owners can significantly reduce the likelihood of infection.

If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, contact Animal Medical Center in Morgantown, WV, at 304-292-0126 to schedule an appointment with our experienced team.

Learn More

For additional resources on H5N1 and how to protect your pets, visit: