Protecting Your Pets from Bird Flu

Bird flu, caused by the H5N1 virus, has been spreading across various animal species, including wild birds, poultry, and now cats. Recently, an Oregon house cat died from bird flu after ingesting raw turkey from a recalled pet food.

Pet owners should avoid feeding cats raw meat or unpasteurized dairy, as these can carry the virus. Keeping cats indoors and away from wild birds and livestock reduces the risk of exposure. Though rare, symptoms of bird flu in cats include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and respiratory distress. Pet owners should contact a vet if their cat shows unusual symptoms. Read more from the AP here.