Cats, Dogs and Bird Flu?

[theelziebub]

Hi guys,

Does anyone know if cats and dogs are at risk of bird flu? I guessed that dogs would be safe, as you can control them while out on a walk and what not, but what about cats?

I'm considering keeping my cat indoors until it all blows over, but I'm not sure if its necessary.

Can anyone help?

Thanks everyone! xox

[Why??]

Hi, this is from the BBC news website:

Last Updated: Thursday, 6 April 2006, 16:31 GMT 17:31 UK

CAN THE VIRUS BE PASSED ONTO OTHER ANIMALS SUCH AS DOGS AND CATS?
Asked by Claire Hall, Leeds
Professor Oxford: Yes it can. But I would only recommend keeping cats indoors and dogs on leashes if there was an outbreak among chickens.

But overall, the general public shouldn't worry about dogs, or about feeding garden birds.

You have got to get up-close and snuggly with a bird to get ill.

[simsfreq]

I'd say unless you live really close to where the bird was found there's no need to keep your cat indoors.

[Toureman]

No, there more likely to be killed in a road accident!