Pet owners should take measures to ensure they are keeping their cats and dogs away from sick or deceased wild birds and animals. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) made the announcement on Wednesday due to the ongoing threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza that is circulating within wild and migratory birds. Pet owners should also take steps to not allow pets to kill or eat wildlife. In addition, do not feed pets raw, undercooked, or unpasteurized frozen or freeze-dried milk, eggs, meat or organs. Pets should also be kept away from poultry and dairy cattle. People are encouraged to wash hands and change clothes after interacting with livestock and before interacting with pets.

If your pet exhibits signs of HPAI, contact your veterinarian. Clinical signs may include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, red eyes, eye or nose discharge, respiratory signs, neurological signs like tremors and incoordination, and sudden death.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been found in Iowa in a raccoon, opossum, wild canines, a backyard flock, and wild birds in the last 30 days.

The Centers for Disease Control states the threat to the general public remains low with 67 total confirmed reported human cases in the United States, and one death associated with infection.