Questions on Pets (Dogs, Cats, Birds)

Q: Can West Nile virus cause illness in dogs or cats?

A: Yes. A serosurvey of dogs and cats in the epidemic area showed a low infection rate. However, symptoms, if any, are mild and rarely fatal.

Q: If my pet (dog or cat) eats a dead bird, will it become infected?

A: To date, there is no indication that a pet having any type of contact with a dead bird, including eating it, will develop West Nile virus.

Q: Can infected dogs or cats be carriers (i.e., reservoirs) for and transmit West Nile virus to humans?

A: West Nile virus is transmitted by infectious mosquitoes. There is no documented evidence of person-to-person, animal-to-animal, or animal-to-person transmission of West Nile virus.

Q: How do dogs or cats become infected with West Nile virus?

A: The same way humans become infected - by the bite of infectious mosquitoes. The virus is located in the mosquito's salivary glands. During blood feeding, the virus is injected into the animal. The virus then multiplies and may cause illness. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which may circulate the virus in their blood for a few days.

Q: Can a dog or cat infected with West Nile virus infect other dogs or cats?

A: No. There is no documented evidence that West Nile virus is transmitted from animal-to-animal.

Q: How long can a dog or cat be infected with West Nile virus ?

A: The answer is not known at this time.

Q: Should a dog or cat infected with West Nile virus be destroyed? What is the treatment for an animal infected with West Nile virus?

A: No. There is no reason to destroy an animal just because it has been infected with West Nile virus. Full recovery from the infection is likely. Treatment would be supportive and consistent with standard veterinary practices for animals infected with a viral agent.

Frequently Asked Questions About West Nile Virus

General Questions
Questions on Illness
Questions on Birds and Reporting
Questions on Pets (Dogs, Cats, Birds)
Questions on Horses
Questions on Mosquitoes
Questions on Prevention (Mosquitoes, Environment)
Questions on DEET