A recent study has raised alarm about the potential for pet cats to become unexpected carriers of the deadly bird flu strain, H5N1, which has devastated poultry farms across the U.S. for the past two and a half years. While H5N1, a highly contagious avian influenza, has already led to the death of more than 100 million birds, scientists are now concerned that cats could play a role in transmitting the virus to humans. The study, published in the journal Taylor and Francis, suggests that just a few mutations in cats could enable the virus to easily spread to humans.
The investigation began after 10 cats were found dead at a South Dakota residence in April. These cats had shown signs of respiratory and neurological issues. Upon analyzing the cats’ bodies, researchers discovered that the virus they carried closely resembled a strain found in cattle on a dairy farm located about 80 kilometers away. The presence of bird feathers near the bodies of the cats suggested they had likely consumed wild birds, which could have carried the virus from the farm.
The study revealed that, unlike many other animals, cats possess two types of receptors that make it easier for both the bird flu and seasonal flu viruses to bind to their cells. This raises concerns that, as the flu season intensifies, cats could simultaneously become infected with both the H5N1 strain and the seasonal flu virus. If this happens, it could create a mutation that might allow cats—who are frequently in contact with humans—to pass the bird flu virus on to people.
“Infected cats develop systemic infections and shed the virus through both respiratory and digestive tracts, potentially creating multiple routes of exposure to humans,” the study noted. “The virus’s ability to persist and adapt in mammalian hosts increases the risk of it evolving into more transmissible strains, posing an emerging zoonotic threat with significant public health implications.”
Although there is no evidence yet that cats have transmitted H5N1 to humans, the researchers stressed the need for urgent surveillance to monitor the situation, which they believe may already be worsening “in plain sight.”
Dr. Suresh Kuchipudi, one of the study’s authors, emphasized, “In addressing the immediate concerns around dairy farms and milk safety, as well as human surveillance, we may be overlooking a much larger and evolving issue. It may already be happening without us realizing it.”
Additionally, a recent study from the Scripps Research Institute in California indicated that the bird flu virus could adapt faster than anticipated, increasing fears about the potential for a future pandemic.
Related Topics
