Bird flu symptoms
The NVWA has drawn up a list by which you can recognize bird flu in birds. This includes symptoms such as general lethargy, diarrhea and sudden death. You can see the full list here.
Bird flu in other animals
The NVWA indicates that other animals can also become infected with the virus, such as dogs and cats. According to Harald, this happens, for example, when dogs eat the carcasses of infected birds. Do you suspect that your pet is infected? Then contact the vet,” says Harald.
The NVWA advises that it is best to keep dogs on a lead as a precaution in places where dead birds are lying. According to the government body, dogs and cats can suffer from fever, panting, tightness, lethargy or an eye infection. Nerve symptoms can also occur, such as trembling or unsteady walking. It is not known how many dogs and cats have become infected with the virus.
Bird flu in humans
Although the advice is to wash your hands, for example, if you have accidentally touched bird droppings, bird flu is generally not dangerous for humans. Also, according to Harald, the chance that you will become infected is small at all. If it does happen, you may experience a mild fever, muscle aches and cough. Harald: “In general, the virus is not dangerous for humans, but there are also variants that cause more serious complaints, such as pneumonia.”
Do you want to know more about bird flu? Then view this overview page from the government.
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