Bird flu, or avian influenza, threatens backyard poultry and some domestic pets, particularly cats. Precautions against safety can help reduce the threat of infection and ensure animal health.
Preventive Measures for Backyard Poultry
Reduced access to flocks is a must in order not to get in contact with wild birds who may carry the virus. Creating proper biosecurity, such as restricted visitors and no common equipment, reduces contact. Cleaning the coops regularly and disinfecting feeding and watering areas often also avoids contact with the virus.
Poultry health must be checked regularly to identify early signs of infection. Lethargy, loss of appetite, or breathing problems require immediate attention. Microchipping backyard chickens is recommended in certain places to assist in tracing and containment in case of disease outbreaks.
Safety Guidelines for Pets
Domestic cats, in particular, ought to be confined indoors to avert contact with birds that might have the disease. Pet animals should not consume raw chicken or unpasteurized animal foods because contaminated feeds have been attributed to causing outbreaks of the disease in some places.
Pet owners must keep an eye out for abnormal activity or illness signs in their pets. Fever, difficulty breathing, or extreme lethargy demand immediate veterinary care. Asepsis of the environment and restricted outdoor contact for susceptible animals can also lower the risk of infection.
Other Precautions
Compliance with proper hygiene practices, such as washing hands thoroughly after handling birds or after cage cleaning, helps to limit the virus spread. Staying informed on local health updates on avian influenza can also provide insight into what needs to be done to protect animals.
Following these preventive steps, pet owners and poultry keepers can reduce risks associated with bird flu and provide a safe environment for their pets.
Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/