Can infected animals, such as cats, transmit the virus to humans?
The World Organization for Animal Health and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations have confirmed the World Health Organization’s February 2006 statement that “there is no present evidence that domestic cats can play a role in the transmission cycle of H5N1 viruses”. It is believed that the vast majority of human cases of H5N1 avian influenza are the result of direct and close contact with infected birds. There have been no documented or reported cases of H5N1 avian influenza being transmitted to people from mammalian pets (i.e. cats, dogs, mice, ferrets, etc.). Currently, scientests believe that the risk of a person getting avian influenza from a mammalian pet is very low. However, pet owners are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves and their pets (i.e. washing hands after contact with pets, their feces or saliva). Pet owners should contact their veterinarian if they have any concerns about the health of their pet. More information on this topic a
