Ohio leads nation in bird flu cases, raising pet safety concerns

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Ohio has emerged as the state with the highest number of bird flu cases, according to new data from the United States Department of Agriculture.

The rising number of cases, along with reports of dead birds, has sparked new concerns about pet safety.

A local veterinarian emphasized the importance of monitoring bird flu annually, noting its particularly deadly impact on cats.

“There was a story that cats were drinking unpasteurized milk from dairy cattle up north, and a large number of them actually passed away,” said Dr. Nicholas Ballaban Prather, of Middendorf Animal Hospital in Florence, Ky. “The idea of a cat being exposed to all the geese that we have here, respiratory tract is trying to hunt them or even if one is deceased and then consuming the carcass, that would be a risk for contracting HPAI.”

Dogs don't seem to be affected the way cats and other birds are. But it only takes a few mutations for that to potentially change, Prather said, adding that the safest option right now is to keep your dogs and cats indoors.

Experts advise isolating any sick animals or pets as quickly as possible. Additionally, it is recommended to remove bird feeders and bird baths temporarily to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.