(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — An animal shelter in Chicago is raising awareness about the spread of bird flu in local cat populations.
"We should definitely begin to be pretty concerned," Medical Director at Anti-Cruelty in Chicago Dr. Emily Swiniarski said.
Dr. Swiniarski cases of Avian influenza, or bird flu, have been increasing in cats.
"We have confirmed at least 56 cases in the country in cats, specifically in domestic cats, meaning the pet cats that we have at home."
She said the virus appears to be especially severe in cats.
"They're going to be really low activity, lethargic, not wanting to eat much, not wanting to do much, laying around. They might vomit, they might have diarrhea. And we'll start to see neurologic symptoms, And we'll start to kind of see the kitties stumble. They can't walk straight."
Dr. Swiniarski says though outdoor cats are at the highest risk of contracting the virus, cat owners should keep an eye on their pets, too.
"Indoor cats have a risk if they're eating raw dairy products or raw poultry products, or chicken in those kind of meats, because without cooking the meat or pasteurizing the dairy products, the virus can survive all the way from cattle or birds to our dinner plate for our kitty cat."
Along with feeding cats cooked food, she recommends keeping cats indoors.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Bluesky