In this Article

• What is bird flu? How is bird flu diagnosed and treated in humans?
• What is the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus, and how it is transmitted? Is there a vaccine that can prevent infection?
• What changes are needed for H5N1 or another avian influenza virus to cause a pandemic?
• What animals can be infected with avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses?
• Bird Flu Glossary
• Bird Flu Index

Where can I find out more information about avian influenza infection in cats?

For more information about avian influenza in cats, see Avian influenza — Frequently asked questions (from the American Veterinary Medical Association).

Cans dogs be infected with avian influenza?

While dogs are not usually susceptible to avian influenza viruses, the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus that emerged in Asia in 2003 has been documented to infect other carnivore species (e.g. cats, tigers, leopards, stone martens). This has raised concern that this strain of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus may be capable of infecting dogs. An unpublished study carried out in 2005 by the National Institute of Animal Health in Bangkok indicated that dogs could be infected with the virus, but no associated disease was detected. This limited information is not enough to determine definitively whether dogs are susceptible to the virus. CDC is coordinating with USDA, veterinary associations, and other partners domestically and internationally on this issue and will provide additional information to the public as it becomes available.

How would dogs be infected with avian influenza A (H5N1)?

There is not enough information available about avian influenza A (H5N1) infection in dogs to know how infection would occur. Affected domestic cats in Europe appear to have become infected by feeding upon raw infected poultry or wild birds. If dogs are susceptible to avian influenza A (H5N1), infection may be by the same route.

What is the current risk that a dog in the United States will become infected with avian influenza A (H5N1)?

As long as there is no influenza A (H5N1) in the United States, there is no risk of a U.S. dog becoming infected with this disease. The virus circulating in Asia, Europe and Africa has not yet entered the United States. CDC is working closely with domestic and international partners to continually monitor this situation and will provide additional information to the public as it becomes available.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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• oseltamivir, Tamiflu - Learn about Tamiflu (oseltavivir), a drug prescribed for the treatment of flu infections including H1N1 (swine flu) infections. Tamiflu is recommended for pregnant women, adults, and children one year of age or older.
• Swine Flu - Get the facts on swine flu (swine influenza A H1N1 virus) history, symptoms, how this contagious infection is transmitted, prevention with a vaccine, diagnosis, treatment, news and research.
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