URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — On Wednesday, WCIA reported that doctors said not to worry too much after Bird Flu killed the first American. But should you be worried for your animals?

The University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic Director, Stephany Lewis, said right now, you should be cautious when letting your cats roam outside, and to monitor your dogs closely.

Lewis also said should stay away from feeding your pets raw food. She said the virus can be transmitted through raw meat and even raw milk.

Cats that catch the disease get sicker than dogs and vets are still trying to figure out why. Lewis said ducks, geese, and swans have the highest number of cases and can spread the disease without showing any signs of being sick.

“The concern is just that we’re seeing it in more and more different species and more commonly in domestic animals. And so, it always has a spike in the wintertime. That’s not unusual,” Lewis said. “So, you know, last the last winter, we did see more cases in the wintertime and it kind of goes away in the summer.”

She said this is because in the summer, it’s hard for the virus to survive.

When it comes to pet symptoms, vets are seeing respiratory problems like sneezing, weakness and difficulty breathing.

Lewis said if you think your pet has encountered Bird Flu, you should mask and glove up and call your vet so they can properly isolate the animal.