The Current Situation (And Why It Matters)
Europe is currently dealing with significant bird flu outbreaks, particularly affecting Germany and other major poultry-producing regions. Germany has confirmed cases across 10 states, Belgium and Poland have detected infections in household cats, and the virus continues to spread through wild bird populations. If you're a pet owner in the Netherlands, you've probably wondered: should I be worried about my dog or cat?
Here's the reassuring part: the risk to your Dutch pets remains low. But there's more nuance to it. Understanding how bird flu spreads, recognizing early symptoms, and knowing when to act can make all the difference.
What Is Bird Flu, Really?
Bird flu, officially called avian influenza or H5N1, is a virus that primarily affects birds. It's not new. According to the Dutch health institute RIVM, bird flu has become endemic in wild waterfowl populations across Europe since 2021, meaning it now circulates year-round rather than just in winter months. This represents a significant shift from earlier decades when infections were largely seasonal events tied to bird migration patterns.
The virus spreads through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces. It's extraordinarily effective at jumping between wild birds, especially waterfowl like ducks, geese, and swans, but transmission to mammals, including pets, typically requires close, direct exposure. Your pet gets exposed mostly through one route: encounters with sick or dead wild birds. Less commonly, contaminated food sources can pose a risk, which we'll explore later.
The current H5N1 strain is highly pathogenic, meaning it causes severe illness in birds. Most infected birds die within hours to a few days. This makes identifying bird flu in wild populations relatively straightforward for wildlife monitoring agencies, though it also explains the concerning numbers we're seeing across Europe right now.
Can Your Pet Actually Get It?
Yes, but it's rare, and understanding the actual data matters more than the headlines suggest. Research from Utrecht University, commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, tested 254 household cats and 395 dogs for bird flu exposure. Only 2.8% of outdoor cats showed antibodies against H5N1, indicating minimal exposure despite regular contact with wild birds. Among dogs, the percentages were similarly low, with hunting dogs showing slightly higher exposure rates (around 3-5%) due to their increased outdoor activity and bird contact.
This research is particularly reassuring because it examined pets that actually do spend time outdoors. If your cat or dog has been exposed to bird flu, they would likely show antibodies. The fact that so few do suggests the real-world risk is substantially lower than pandemic-focused media coverage might suggest.
That said, cats are measurably more vulnerable than dogs. The German animal welfare organization VIER PFOTEN reports that cats can become severely infected, especially outdoor or free-roaming cats, while dogs typically show no or only mild symptoms when exposed. This difference likely stems from cats' predatory behavior, they actively hunt birds and sometimes eat them, whereas dogs rarely consume wild birds they encounter.
Let's break down who's actually at risk:
- Outdoor/free-roaming cats: Higher risk (they hunt and eat birds, making direct virus contact more likely)
- Hunting dogs: Moderate risk (higher outdoor exposure, but less likely to consume infected birds)
- Indoor cats and dogs: Minimal to near-zero risk (no wild bird contact means no exposure pathway)
- Cats in areas with active outbreaks: Temporarily elevated risk (especially if outbreaks occur at poultry farms or near large waterfowl concentrations)
Recognizing the Symptoms (Don't Panic, But Stay Alert)
If your cat or dog does encounter the virus, symptoms typically appear within a week of exposure. However, and this is important, many infected pets may show no symptoms at all. Asymptomatic infections appear to be relatively common, especially in dogs. When symptoms do appear, they're similar to other common pet illnesses, which is why context matters.
Common signs in cats include:
- Fever (though often not obviously noticeable by owners)
- Loss of appetite or significantly reduced eating
- Lethargy and unusual lack of activity
- Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or coughing
- Nasal or eye discharge (often clear or slightly cloudy)
- Neurological symptoms (tremors, lack of coordination, disorientation, or seizures) are more common in cats than in dogs with bird flu
- Jaundice (yellowing of gums, eyes, or skin) in severe cases
- Gastrointestinal signs (vomiting or diarrhea)
In dogs, symptoms are generally milder and less predictable:
- Mild respiratory signs (occasional cough or sneezing)
- Lethargy or decreased activity
- Mild fever
- Dogs rarely show the severe neurological symptoms that can appear in cats
Here's the reality: these symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses. Fever, coughing, and lethargy could indicate several different conditions, from common respiratory infections to more serious issues. That's why timing and context matter enormously. If your pet shows these signs and has had recent contact with wild birds, dead birds, or unfamiliar outdoor areas where bird flu has been confirmed, it's definitely worth getting checked by your veterinarian.
One more important note: the severity can vary dramatically. Some infected cats develop only mild symptoms and recover. Others become severely ill very quickly. According to research compiled by the University of Maryland, the mortality rate for cats infected with H5N1 is approximately 67 percent. This doesn't mean your outdoor cat will definitely die if exposed. Remember, most outdoor cats show antibodies suggesting exposure without ever becoming ill, but this emphasizes why prevention and early detection matter.
What to Do If You Suspect Infection
Contact your veterinarian immediately, don't wait. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) recommends informing your vet of your concerns before bringing your pet in, so they can take proper precautions and prepare appropriate isolation protocols.
When you call, mention:
- Your pet's specific symptoms
- When symptoms started
- Where your pet has been recently (especially contact with birds or dead birds)
- Whether anyone else in your household is ill
- Your pet's recent diet (especially if raw food)
Your vet will:
- Take a detailed history of your pet's exposure
- Perform a thorough physical examination
- Collect samples (nasal or throat swabs, sometimes blood work) if bird flu is suspected
- Send samples to a diagnostic laboratory for confirmation (typically results come back within 24-48 hours)
- Provide supportive care while awaiting results
What happens if bird flu is confirmed: Early detection gives your pet the best chance. Treatment focuses on supportive care, keeping your pet comfortable and hydrated while their immune system fights the virus. Your vet may provide:
- IV fluid support
- Oxygen therapy if breathing is severely compromised
- Antibiotics if secondary bacterial infections develop
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Nutritional support if your pet isn't eating
Isolation is crucial. Confirmed or suspected cases should be strictly isolated from other pets and people to prevent any potential spread. This means a separate room, separate food and water bowls, and limited handling.
There's no antiviral medication specifically approved for bird flu in pets, though your veterinarian may discuss treatment options based on your pet's condition. Unfortunately, there's also no vaccine available for pets at this time.
Your Prevention Playbook
For cats: In areas with confirmed bird flu cases, the NVWA recommends keeping cats indoors, particularly free-roaming cats. We know this isn't ideal for outdoor cats, many have been accustomed to freedom for years. But during outbreak seasons, temporary indoor confinement significantly reduces risk. This doesn't have to be permanent. Many cat owners find success with:
- Temporary indoor periods during peak outbreak seasons (typically late autumn through winter)
- Installing secure cat enclosures or "catios" for supervised outdoor time
- Window perches and bird feeders outside windows (yes, watching birds is entertaining—just safely separated by glass)
- Indoor enrichment: puzzle feeders, climbing structures, interactive play sessions
If you absolutely cannot keep your cat indoors during an outbreak, at least restrict outdoor time, keep your cat away from dead birds, and monitor closely for symptoms.
For dogs: Keep them on-leash during walks, especially near water bodies, parks, or areas where dead birds have been spotted. This prevents them from investigating or consuming infected birds—a behavior many dogs exhibit without hesitation. Free-roaming dogs in outbreak areas should be walked in less bird-dense locations. If your area has active bird flu cases among wild birds, consider temporarily limiting park visits altogether or visiting enclosed dog parks where bird contact is minimized.
For both:
- Avoid feeding raw poultry or unpasteurized milk. Several documented cases of bird flu in house cats have been directly linked to contaminated raw food diets and raw milk from infected dairy farms. If you prefer raw feeding, source from suppliers with rigorous safety protocols, or consider switching temporarily during outbreak periods to conventional pet food.
- Wash your hands after handling your pet, particularly if they've been outdoors. This is basic hygiene, but particularly important during bird flu season.
- Don't touch dead birds yourself. If you spot one, report it to the Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC) via their website or phone line. Use proper protective equipment (disposable gloves, plastic bags) if you must move one.
- Keep shoes and outdoor clothing away from your pet's immediate sleeping and eating spaces. Viruses can survive on surfaces for hours.
- If you work around poultry or have backyard chickens, maintain strict biosecurity: separate work clothes, hand washing between indoor and outdoor activities, and disinfect tools.
Seasonal Awareness: Bird flu follows migration patterns. High-risk periods in the Netherlands are typically late autumn through early spring, when migratory waterfowl pass through. During these months, heighten your vigilance.
Is Your Pet Safe from Your Perspective?
Here's what matters most: The risk of bird flu transmission from pets to humans remains extremely low. No documented cases of cats or dogs spreading the virus to their owners have been recorded, according to the RIVM.
This doesn't mean complacency. It means using common sense.
The Bottom Line
Your cat or dog isn't at high risk of contracting bird flu. But in the winter months, especially during peak migration seasons and active outbreak periods, staying informed and taking simple precautions makes sense.
Watch your pet for unusual symptoms. Keep outdoor cats indoors when outbreaks are confirmed nearby. Leash your dog during walks in high-risk areas. Choose quality commercial pet food over raw diets. And if something feels off, call your vet.
We're passionate about keeping your furry friends healthy year-round. Bird flu is just one thing to watch for—but it's worth understanding. Because at YMOAs, we believe pet owners deserve clarity, not fear.
Sources & Further Reading
[1] RIVM – Avian Influenza. https://www.rivm.nl/aviare-influenza
[2] Utrecht University – Domestic Cats and Dogs Minimally Exposed to Bird Flu. January 2025.
[3] VIER PFOTEN – Bird Flu: Dangerous for Cats and Dogs? November 2025.
[4] NVWA – Can My Pet Get Bird Flu? https://www.nvwa.nl/onderwerpen/vogelgriep-preventie-en-bestrijding
[5] Rijksoverheid – Can My Dog or Cat Get Bird Flu? https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/vogelgriep
[6] Cornell Feline Health Center – Bird Flu in Cats. 2025.
[7] ASPCA – Bird Flu and Cats: What You Need to Know. 2025.