H5N1-News-As-H5N1-now-targets-domestic-cats-across-the-United-States-data-shows-that-67-percent-of-infected-felines-do-not-survive
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 21, 2024 3 months, 3 weeks, 16 hours, 48 minutes ago
H5N1 News: The ongoing H5N1 avian influenza outbreak, which has devastated poultry farms and dairy herds across the United States, is now making its way into American homes, threatening one of the country's most beloved pets: domestic cats. This
H5N1 News report delves into the alarming spread of the virus among felines, shedding light on the potential risks it poses to both pets and humans.
As H5N1 now targets domestic cats across the United States, data shows
that 67 percent of infected felines do not survive! Image- AI Generated by TMN
The Unseen Spread: From Birds to Cats
For over two and a half years, the H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been wreaking havoc on U.S. farms, leading to the deaths of over 100 million birds and the culling of 191 dairy herds. According to the University of California, Davis, at least 13 farm workers have contracted the virus, though all cases were mild, and transmission was believed to have occurred directly from infected animals. However, the virus has now jumped from its primary avian hosts to a new, unexpected victim: domestic cats.
Recent reports have confirmed that at least 21 domestic cats across the United States have been infected with H5N1, with cases concentrated in states like Colorado.
The Colorado Department of Public Health has identified six infections in cats this year alone, raising significant concerns about the virus’s spread beyond farms and into urban areas.
https://www.colovma.org/cvma-news/influenza-a-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-h5n1-in-domestic-cats/
Scientists are now exploring how this virus, once thought to be contained within agricultural settings, is now infiltrating households, putting indoor pets at risk.
Indoor Cats at Risk: A New Vector for the Virus?
The infection of indoor cats with H5N1 is particularly troubling. Of the six cases reported in Colorado, two involved cats that had no direct exposure to infected birds or dairy farms. This has left experts questioning how these indoor animals contracted the virus. The most likely explanation, according to veterinary experts, is that the virus is being transmitted through intermediary hosts, such as mice, which can carry the virus into homes.
Dr Kristen Coleman, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, notes that the rise in feline infections, particularly among domestic cats, coincides with the rapid spread of H5N1 among mammals. “We looked at the global distribution and spread of bird flu infections in feline species between 2004 and 2024 and found a drastic rise in reports of feline infections starting in 2023, with a spike in infections reported among domestic cats, as opposed to wild or zoo-kept animals,” Coleman states.
These new occurrences underscore the importance of monitoring indoor cats as potential v
ectors for the virus, especially as the disease becomes more entrenched in the environment.
Understanding the Threat: What Cat Owners Need to Know
The fatality rate for cats infected with the current H5N1 strain is alarmingly high, with estimates suggesting that around 67% of infected cats do not survive. While it is more common for cats associated with infected dairy farms to contract the illness, the spread to indoor cats without any known exposure to the virus is a clear sign that the virus is spreading in ways previously unanticipated.
Experts like Coleman advise keeping cats indoors and away from potential carriers such as birds and mice. “The virus is going to sneak up in more places, just like it did in dairy farms. We know cats are being infected, so let’s get ahead of it,” she warns. This article emphasizes the need for pet owners to be vigilant in preventing their cats from coming into contact with potential sources of the virus, including raw milk or meat, which could be contaminated.
The Larger Implications: A Broader Threat to Public Health
The spread of H5N1 to domestic cats is not just a concern for pet owners - it also poses broader public health risks. As the virus infects more animals, the likelihood of it mutating and adapting to new hosts increases. This could potentially lead to the virus becoming more transmissible to humans, a scenario that health experts are keen to avoid.
Dr Michelle Barron, an epidemiologist at the University of Colorado Denver and UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, points out that each new infection represents an opportunity for the virus to acquire mutations that could make it more dangerous to humans. “Flu viruses are notorious for developing mutations or taking genes from other viruses. At what point is there risk that the virus changes and now makes people severely ill?” Dr Barron questions.
The discovery of H5N1 infecting domestic cats highlight the importance of continued surveillance and monitoring of the virus, especially as it spreads to more diverse animal populations.
Taking Action: Preventing a Potential Pandemic
As the H5N1 virus continues to spread among various animal species, experts are calling for increased surveillance and a more coordinated response from both state and federal agencies. The current efforts to contain the virus have largely been left to individual states, but as the situation becomes more critical, a national strategy may be necessary to prevent a potential pandemic.
Dr Seema Lakdawala, a molecular virologist at Emory University, stresses the importance of taking decisive action now. “I think we are at an inflection point right now in the outbreak,” she says. Lakdawala advocates for a federal push to enhance surveillance and reduce transmission between animals and humans, a task that has so far been under-addressed.
Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance
The recent spread of H5N1 to domestic cats is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of viruses and the need for constant vigilance in monitoring emerging threats. While the virus currently poses a low risk to humans, the situation could change rapidly if the virus continues to spread and mutate. Pet owners are urged to take precautions to protect their animals, and public health officials must remain vigilant to prevent a potential escalation.
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H5N1 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/study-shows-human-infections-of-h5n1-bird-flu-in-america-is-far-more-than-what-is-being-officially-reported
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