The threat of the avian flu continues to increase as household cats are experiencing increased levels of infections and deaths. Researchers at Colorado State University are helping Colorado and other states study the virus, also known as bird flu, in animals. “We are doing the testing in our bio safety level three laboratory,” said Kristy Pabilonia, executive director of veterinary diagnostic laboratories at CSU.
Avian flu, scientifically identified as H5N1, has been growing in concern throughout the United States for years now.
Initially, it predominantly threatened poultry and dairy farms, as the infection was being transmitted by wild bird to the farms. Some farmers have been forced to destroy their entire flock of chickens and hens as a result of infections, and dairy farms have been able to track the virus through cattle and their milk.
However, in recent months, researchers have seen the virus spreading toward the everyday American household.