Cats and dogs will have to be kept indoors or on leash in bird flu-hit areas in Germany, a government- appointed panel announced Wednesday.

The measure came one day after a cat was found dead of the killing strain of H5N1 on the northern island of Ruegen, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, where more than 130 cases of bird flu were reported.

The dead cat, which experts believe died after eating dead infected birds, was the first mammal victim of H5N1 in Europe.

The measure applies to pet owners in restricted areas of five German states, which have been affected by the flu. Any one who violates the order will face a fine, the panel said.

Source: Xinhua