The Pima Animal Care Shelter is taking preventative action to protect against bird flu, which is a low public health risk - but has caused some recent outbreaks according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There are no cases of bird flu at the shelter right now, but shelter officials warn that cats are more prone to bird flu, so they are being cautious.
“We’re screening cats coming into the shelter from any source, but we’re particularly screening through our admissions program, through our animal protective services,” Veterinary Services Director Dr. Jennifer Wilcox said.
Bird flu symptoms in cats include fever and lethargy, and unfortunately, it can be fatal.
Wilcox says pet owners are encouraged to keep their pets away from raw milk and to make sure they’re eating homogenized food.
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An extreme heat warning is in effect now through Tuesday night as temperatures in the Valley reach over 100 degrees. The National Weather Service says heat-related illnesses increase significantly during this period. -
K-12 students in Maricopa County may have easier access to mental healthcare next school year. The county has contracted with a company called Cartwheel to provide telehealth services for schools. -
Officials from the Arizona Department of Health Services confirmed one passenger on board an cruise ship where three passengers died from hantavirus has returned home to Arizona. That person is being monitored by local health officials. -
Among the many provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are new rules around Medicaid. In states that expanded the program, like Arizona, enrollees will have new work requirements. -
The list includes a Latter Day Saints church, a Fry’s, a Target and several restaurants. Anyone who may have been exposed to measles should watch for symptoms for three weeks.
