Illinois doctor warns pet owners about bird flu risks

CHICAGO - With cases of the H5N1 bird flu rising among animals in Illinois, experts are urging pet owners to take extra precautions to protect their pets from the virus.

While rare in humans, the virus poses a significant threat to cats and other animals.

To safeguard pets, Dr. Stephany Lewis — director of the Wildlife Clinic at the University of Illinois — advises keeping cats indoors or on a leash when outside to prevent them from accessing dead birds or animal carcasses.

For dogs, while the risk is lower, owners should still exercise caution.

Zoos are also stepping up precautions, limiting visitor access to enclosures and carefully monitoring the food sources for their animals, especially big cats.

Pet owners should also be cautious with pet diets.

"There have been cases with eating raw commercial pet diets. Cats getting sick and dying from raw food," Lewis said, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly cooking food for pets.

Bird owners are advised to keep their birds fully enclosed with solid roof coverings to prevent contact with wild birds or their droppings. Supplies like feed and drinking water should be securely stored to avoid contamination by wildlife or rodents, which can carry the disease.

While there have been no human cases of H5N1 reported in Illinois, Dr. Lewis encourages the public to avoid contact with waterfowl or any sick or dead wildlife to minimize risk.