The Animal Protection Society in France is concerned that some pet owners are starting to abandon their cats in fear of catching bird flu from them. This is after a bird flu infected dead cat was found in an island off northern Germany. The German cat was infected with the lethal H5N1 bird flu virus strain.
The Animal Protection Society (France) is being inundated with calls from cat owners, wondering what to do with their pets. A spokesman for the society said the panic has started.
In France, bird flu was found in a Turkey farm near Lyon.
Cat owners worry more than dog owners because you can keep a dog on a lead (leash) when you go out – therefore, you have more control on what it touches or eats when outside. Cats, on the other hand, are enthusiastic bird hunters and eaters, that roam their neighbourhoods on their own.
Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today