Domestic cats could be carriers of the bird flu, suggests a new study. The study published in the journal Emerging Microbes & Infections on Dec. 9, said that cats could open an unexpected route for the bird flu virus H5N1 to transform into a dangerous form.
Ever since the virus began circulating last year, in dairy cattle, it has killed many cats, especially those on farms with the affected herds. The virus has also sickened at least 60 people, who have been in close contact with the infected dairy cows or poultry. Though H5N1 does not spread easily from person to person, the studies suggest that one or two key mutations in the virus could make it possible.
Though there is no evidence that the cats have transmitted the disease to humans, the experts suggest that the risk cannot be eliminated.
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“In April 2024, ten cats died in a rural South Dakota (SD) residence, showing respiratory and neurological symptoms. Necropsy and laboratory testing of two cats confirmed H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b infection. The viral genome sequences are closely related to recent SD cattle H5N1 sequences. Cat H5N1 genomes had unique mutations, including T143A in haemagglutinin, known to affect infectivity and immune evasion, and two novel mutations in PA protein (F314L, L342Q) that may affect polymerase activity and virulence, suggesting potential virus adaptation,” the study said.
Meanwhile, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), has recently announced a National Milk Testing strategy to address H5N1 in dairy herds. “Since the first HPAI detection in livestock, USDA has collaborated with our federal, state, and industry partners to swiftly and diligently identify affected herds and respond accordingly. This new milk testing strategy will build on those steps to date and will provide a roadmap for states to protect the health of their dairy herds,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement.
Dr. Suresh Kuchipudi, a veterinary microbiologist at the University of Pittsburgh and an author of the paper, stated that the new study stresses the need for public health officials to ramp up bird flu surveillance in cats, as they often interact with both wild animals and humans.
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