In Poland, at least nine cats have died from H5N1 bird flu, authorities have confirmed as they continue to investigate the unusual group of illnesses. according to printed reports.
Of 11 samples tested so far, nine tested positive for H5N1 avian flu, according to a statement from the General Veterinary Inspectorate. The cats lived in different regions of the country.
“More detailed testing of the viruses’ genetic material is underway,” the agency said.
Poland’s chief veterinarian said cat owners should keep their cats indoors, to avoid contact with wild animals, including birds, and feed their cats only food from sources known.
Concerns were first raised on June 18 when a veterinarian in western Poland reported the death of a cat suffering from neurological and respiratory symptoms. Since then, dozens of similar cases have been reported across the country.
At least 70 suspected cases have been identified across Poland, according to figures released last week.
It’s not just Poland, it’s happening in the United States too
Since bird flu is incredibly rare in cats, no one knows why it is showing up now. It is also unclear whether any cases are the result of cat-to-cat transmission. And it’s not just Poland.
In December, a cat living near a duck farm in the south of France was euthanized after falling seriously ill with H5N1 bird flu. It was the first time that a cat was infected with the new H5N1 strain, which appeared at the end of 2021 and which has spread throughout the world. In the United States, at least six cats have also died from H5N1..
The next big question is whether this strain can transmit to humans. For now, the answer is no, as far as we know.
According to the American Veterinary Medical AssociationBird owners should immediately contact their veterinarian or call the USDA toll-free hotline (866-536-7593) to report sick birds, including backyard flocks and migratory birds like ducks. and the geese.
There are many arguments in favor of keeping cats indoors. Here’s another one. It is likely that at least some of these affected cats ingested sick birds. It’s also not a bad idea to prevent dogs from nibbling or even sniffing dead or dying birds. Also be sure to disinfect yourself before coming home to your pets if you are handling a sick bird (always suggested but now more than ever). The good news is that British researchers seem to have discovered a gene which protects almost all humans from bird flu.
To be clear, whatever is happening, it’s not widespread, so there’s no reason to panic. Preventing pet exposure to birds can’t hurt.