Avian influenza, known scientifically as H5N1, is raising growing concern in the scientific world over its ability to infect and kill domestic cats. A recent study from the University of Maryland, conducted by researchers Kristen K. Coleman and Ian G. Bemis, revealed that 67% of infected cats do not survive, marking an alarming increase in reports starting in 2023. While this phenomenon is not new, its spread among domestic cats has become particularly worrying.
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Avian flu, contagion mechanisms
According to the study, cats contract the virus mainly through predatory activity, hunting infected birds and rodents. This natural behavior of felines amplifies the risk of infection. Furthermore, there is the possibility of contagion through the consumption of raw milk and contaminated canned foods. Infected raw cow’s milk has also been observed to cause fatal infections in several cats.
Avian flu, symptoms and prevention
Symptoms in infected cats include eye and nasal discharge, apathy, loss of coordination and blindness. To prevent the risk of infection, it is essential to take strict preventive measures: Keep cats indoors: Limit time spent outdoors without supervision to reduce exposure to potential carriers of the virus.
Avoid raw foods: Do not feed raw meat or raw milk to cats. Monitor the health of cats: Watch for any respiratory or neurological symptoms.
Avian flu, 2-year-old Australian girl infected (perhaps) in India. «She had fever, cough and vomiting»
Risks for Humans
Although the risk of direct transmission of the virus from cats to humans is currently considered low, it cannot be ruled out. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn that the virus could evolve, increasing the risk of interspecies transmission. According to Dr. Robert Redfield, former director of the CDC, five mutations in the pathogen’s amino acids would be needed to make it easily transmissible to humans, which could lead to a pandemic.
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