Local veterinarians are keeping a close eye on the bird flu after the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that 21 cats in nine states have tested positive.
Rock County Public Health Supervisor Kelsey Cordova says fortunately H5N1 doesn’t appear to be as fatal for mammals as it is for poultry.
Cordova says if you’re concerned that your dog or cat my have contracted the bird flu, you should contact your veterinarian before bringing them in.
As a general precaution, people should avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe wild birds only from a distance, whenever possible. People should also avoid contact between their pets with wild birds.
