Two more cats died from bird flu in Germany

[Kirsten]

Now two more cats were tested positive for the H5N1-virus in Germany. The dead cats (apparently strays) have been found near the Wittow ferry on the island Ruegen (Baltic sea), where also the body of the first infected cat was found. This is the area where of the swans have died in February this year.

Our agriculture minister said yesterday that the virus has definitely made a big step forward towards mammals, but he also warned not to panic. (and he's right with that; as according to a new report I read today, animal shelters in Germany complain about people dumping their cats already).

One of the articles I read today said that two of the infected cats in an Austrian shelter have obviously recovered from the bird flu, which is good news.

BTW, I'm constantly updating my bird flu info page (http://www.catmom.de/engl/birdflu.html) and try to collect as much information as possible.

Kirsten

[Laura's Babies]

Well written Kristen, now lets hope a lot read it and DON'T panic!

[kb2yjx]

Well done Kirsten!!! I will let Barry see this so he can show it to his boss at the "farm." THANK YOU!!

[Kirsten]

Thank you! :) (Well, I hope I didn't make too many mistakes; you know, I always have my struggles with the English language! LOL)

Today, I checked the page of the German Humane Society ("Deutscher Tierschutzbund", an animal welfare organization). They are disgusted by all the killings (of poultry) in the name of precaution, and they also started a campaign with the name "Respect" and which speaks out against the dumping of cats at the animal shelters.

I joined their organization today.

Kirsten

[TopCat3]

You know sometimes I miss Europe and feel very far away from the rest of civilisation "down here" (I migrated from England some years ago).

But at times like this I am very glad I live on a very large and somewhat isolated island far away from other countries and with strict quarantine laws.

Of course I know the world is becoming a smaller and smaller place with travel etc. but it still affords us some protection. I just hope we don't start losing our beautiful parrot population if it does reach here. We have some amazingly beautiful birds here. I've lived here 20 years and I still marvel when I am driving along a main urban highway and see sulphur-crested cockatoos flying across the road in front of me, screeching, or a kookaburra sitting on a telephone line. Along one road up at the Northern Beaches area, beside a lagoon, pelicans sit on top of the lamp-posts.

I get homesick sometimes, well, more nostalgic really, but I can still marvel at the vibrancy and colours of our birds and flowers here, and thank God and the government for shielding and protecting our beautiful wildlife as best they can.

I heard about the cats in Germany on the radio driving to work earlier this week Kirsten, and I did think of you.

Take care of your babies.
TC

[Kirsten]

It would be such a tragedy if the virus would eliminate all these beautiful birds that you have in Australia! My sister has been there for vacation a couple of years ago, and she took beautiful photos of all these animals in Australia.

It's so sad about the cats here, and now the virus was found in a stone marten as well. :( He lived in the same area like the cats, btw. The agriculture minister of that specific federal state has now instructed to catch all the outdoor cats there. Things are getting crueler for the animals here with each passing day, and I fear it is just the beginning! :(

Kirsten