Different strain -H1N1 which is around and comes and goes and is obviously a big issue in a poultry farm. It spreads like the flu and my understanding is that if melbcat is not out catching birds the odd bit of dirt from outside is not going to be an issue.

H5N1 is the strain that’s decimating birds worldwide currently but not yet here. There have been a few cases of it transmitting to mammals (like pigs and cows and seals I think). It’s effects in mammals are not really well known but worrying. If that starts doing the rounds then yeah it’s time to watch and act, mainly because we don’t know if, how, and how badly it might spread if it does get a grip in mammals.

But for now, I’d say a small group of maggies on your side is probably safer than some of the other shite in your neighbourhood! I would enjoy it.