Pet owners in Southeast Wisconsin are growing increasingly concerned about the spread of bird flu, especially after reports of dead birds along the shores of Lake Michigan near Chicago.

The Milwaukee County Zoo has even taken precautionary measures by closing its aviary to protect birds from possible infection. While officials say the risk to dogs and cats remains low, veterinarians warn that pets could still contract the virus through contact with infected birds or their droppings.

Dead Birds in Public Areas Raise Alarms

Residents walking their pets in parks and public spaces have started noticing dead birds, raising fears that bird flu might be spreading in the region. Vidal Martinez, a regular visitor to South Shore Park with his dog Thor, said he has seen more dead birds than usual.

“I’ve noticed dead birds around. It’s a big concern,” he said. “I love bringing my dog to the park, but now I have to be extra careful.”

Similar reports have come from pet owners at Bradford Beach and other local parks. This has made many people rethink their usual outdoor activities with their pets.

Veterinarians Issue Warnings

Although the risk of transmission to pets is considered low, veterinarians caution that bird flu can still be dangerous. Pets, especially dogs and cats, may get infected if they come into contact with sick birds or contaminated water sources.

Dr. Sarah Thompson, a Milwaukee-based veterinarian, explained that certain animals, like outdoor cats, face a higher risk.

“Cats are more vulnerable if they eat infected birds,” she said. “There have been cases where felines developed severe illness after consuming birds that carried the virus.”

Dogs, while less likely to get infected, are still at risk if they touch or sniff dead birds.

Pet Owners Taking Extra Precautions

Local pet owners are taking precautions to keep their furry companions safe. Some have started keeping their dogs on tighter leashes, while others are avoiding parks and lakes where dead birds have been found.

Eileen Laffey, another pet owner, always keeps her dogs close and ensures her cats stay indoors.

“Some pets are real explorers, and they do like to get into everything, so I think it’s better to be aware and cautious,” she said.

Experts recommend that pet owners take the following steps to reduce risk:

Keep dogs on a leash while walking in areas where birds gather.

Avoid letting pets sniff, touch, or eat dead birds.

Keep cats indoors to prevent them from hunting potentially infected birds.

Clean pet paws after outdoor walks.

Contact a veterinarian if a pet shows signs of illness.

Signs of Bird Flu in Pets

Veterinarians advise pet owners to watch out for symptoms of bird flu, which can include:

Fever

Lethargy

Loss of appetite

Difficulty breathing

Eye or nose discharge

Neurological symptoms like tremors or seizures

“Knowing those signs can make all the difference,” Laffey said. “To know that it’s in our everyday environment, it’s something I want to be aware of and look into.”

Ongoing Monitoring and Public Awareness

Authorities and veterinary experts are monitoring the situation to prevent further spread. Wildlife officials have been collecting and testing dead birds to confirm the cause of death. They are also urging people to report any unusual bird activity or mass die-offs.

For now, pet owners in Southeast Wisconsin remain cautious, hoping that their awareness and preventive measures will keep their animals safe. While the full impact of bird flu in the region is still unclear, experts stress that vigilance and proper pet care can help reduce risks.