HPAI Testing Protocols for Felines
Since the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak began affecting dairy cows in 2024, numerous cats have also contracted the virus. Although it’s important to note that there have been no reported cases of HPAI in cattle or cats in Tennessee, we know that animal owners have concerns.
Felines that are most susceptible to the virus include cats exposed to poultry, raw diets, raw milk, contact with affected farms, and contact with other affected livestock or animals, including wild birds. Symptoms can include loss of appetite, lethargy, and fever that quickly progresses with cats exhibiting neurologic, respiratory, and depressive symptoms with heavy discharge from the nose and eyes.
Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Lab (KAHDL) and the State Veterinarian’s Office have received permission from USDA’s / National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) to allow testing at KAHDL for cats on a fee basis ($50 per sample) under the following conditions:
- Samples are submitted by a veterinarian.
- All other common causes of disease have been ruled out.
- The case has not been epidemiologically linked to a known infection of H5N1 in livestock or birds.
- Samples from cats not considered to be at-risk based on the guidance of USDA and the decision by the State Veterinarians Office.
Potential high-risk cases must be communicated with the State Veterinarian’s Office prior to submitting samples.
Deceased cats that are submitted to KAHDL for necropsy services will be tested for HPAI if they have relevant clinical signs or a history of possible exposure, all common causes of disease have been ruled out, and they test negative for rabies. Normal necropsy and disposal fees apply.
Samples submitted to the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) Lab for rabies testing will be submitted by TDH to the KAHDL once a week for HPAI testing if they test negative for rabies and have clinical signs or a history of possible exposure. It will be at the discretion of TDH to recommend HPAI testing.
Submission Requirements:
- Live cats: Please submit a nasal swab in Viral Transport Media, Brain-Heart Infusion (BHI), or sterile saline. Do not pool swabs from multiple animals. Please be as detailed as possible when documenting the history of the cat and use the HPAI Mammal Submission form.
- Deceased cats: Please submit the body for a necropsy. Include all relevant history including clinical signs and any possible exposure to HPAI. HPAI testing will be completed at the discretion of the pathologist. Normal necropsy and disposal fees apply.
If you have questions, please reach out to the State Veterinarian’s Office at 615- 837-5120 or KAHDL at 615-837-5125.
FDA guidance: FDA Outlines Ways to Reduce Risk of HPAI in Cats | FDA