Chicago Sun-Times (Feb. 5) – The current strain of avian influenza has mutated to transmit among mammals, including cows, cats and zoo animals. The current risk to household pets is from raw or undercooked pet food, said Dr. Will Sander, a professor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Pet-grade meat isn’t screened for viruses the way human-grade meat is, Sander said. Backyard chicken coops are also getting hit when wild birds defecate on open enclosures.
Bird Flu Risk to Other Species
