The deadly H5N1 bird flu has claimed the lives of domestic cats and dogs. According to a news release from Canada’s Food Inspection Agency, a dog recently died after “chewing on a wild goose.” The dog died not long after developing clinical signs of the deadly virus. A necropsy on the dog confirmed that H5N1 was the canine’s cause of death.

And in the United States, three domestic cats have tested positive for bird flu. As reported by BNO News, the cat cases happened in Nebraska and Wyoming and officials believe the cats were infected after eating wild birds. All of the cats who contracted the virus died.

Dr. Sarah Sillman, from the University of Nebraska’s Veterinary Diagnostic Center, said that two domestic cats died in January after contracting the virus. Dr. Sillman suggests keeping cats indoors to keep them safe:

“Keeping cats indoors to prevent wild bird contact – particularly given the context of the current HPAI outbreak – and avoiding feeding uncooked poultry are recommendations to minimize risk of H5N1 infection.”

Dr. Sylvie Briand, a WHO official, said:

“The global H5N1 situation is worrying given the wide spread of the virus in birds around the world and the increasing reports of cases in mammals, including in humans.”

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