Anne Arundel Veterinary Emergency Clinic (AAVEC)
Due to a recent fatal case of Avian Influenza (H5N1) in a cat in Maryland, AAVEC has implemented a new screening protocol for all cats.
If your cat is exhibiting clinical signs consistent with avian flu and has any known risk factors, you will be asked to wait in your car with your cat for further evaluation.
Important Guidelines from the American Veterinary Medical Association:
Keep cats indoors to prevent exposure to wild birds, poultry, cattle, and their environments.
Avoid feeding cats raw meat, poultry, or unpasteurized dairy products.
Watch for clinical signs of infection in your cat, including:
Fever, lethargy, and decreased appetite
Conjunctivitis, ocular and nasal discharge
Difficulty breathing
Neurological symptoms (tremors, seizures, incoordination, blindness)
While dogs can contract Avian Influenza, they appear to be less susceptible, and no cases have been reported in the U.S. at this time.
We appreciate your understanding as we take these precautions to protect both our patients and the community.