Increased WHO fears as cats catch bird flu

BIRD flu has killed three house cats in Thailand, a development the World Health Organisation described as “very dangerous” because of pets’ close contact with people.

Thai vets urged pet owners to stay away from their cats if their neighbourhoods are also home to chickens, which, together with ducks, have been the main victims of bird flu as it sweeps through Asia killing millions of birds and 22 people.

House cats are the latest in a string of species found to be infected with bird flu. Khao Khiew Zoo, near Thailand's capital, Bangkok, discovered one of their white tigers had the virus, but the animal recovered and is in good health.