How to Protect Your Cats (and Backyard Chickens) From Bird Flu

A nationwide egg shortage has sent prices soaring at your local grocery store—and the culprit is H5N1 bird flu. The virus has infected poultry flocks in every US state, with more than 166 million chickens having been killed by the virus or culled to contain it. H5N1 is also spreading among cattle, with close to 1,000 US dairy herds affected, and is suspected to be widespread among wild birds. But these aren’t the only animals at risk. Domestic cats are particularly susceptible to catching the virus, which can be fatal in felines, while the rising trend of keeping backyard chickens—partly in response to the egg shortage—risks driving up cases further. Pets and backyard flocks can catch the virus from infected birds, alive or dead, as well as from droppings, contaminated surfaces, and contaminated food. The reported number of US pets impacted by bird flu is relatively low, but cases of H5N1 in domestic cats are rising across the country. As of March 12, there have been 115 cases record ... Read full article.