#BirdFluAlert 🚨 Cats Are Falling Under the Radar in #H5N1 Tracking—Scientists Urge Immediate Action

Scientists warn that cats infected with #AvianFlu are being overlooked in virus surveillance, posing a hidden risk to both animal and human health. A new study highlights the urgent need for better monitoring to prevent potential spillover.

🔬 Key Findings:

• High Fatality Rate: H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b has a 90% mortality rate in infected cats.

• Underreported Cases: Over 600 feline infections (including tigers & house cats) across 18 countries—likely a severe underestimate.

• Rising Threats: With spring bird migrations, experts predict a summer surge in cases on farms and in the wild.

⚠️ Who’s at Risk?

• Outdoor cats hunting infected birds/mammals

• Pets consuming raw milk or contaminated food

• Shelter workers, vets, & farm staff exposed to sick animals

🛡️ Protect Your Pets:

• Keep cats indoors to reduce exposure

• Avoid raw dairy/uncooked meat

• Monitor for symptoms (lethargy, respiratory distress)

🧪 The Bigger Picture:
While no confirmed cat-to-human transmissions of this strain exist yet, researchers stress vigilance—mutations could change that.

📖 Study Source: University of Maryland (@UMDRresearch)
#PublicHealth #PandemicPrevention #OneHealth #VirusResearch

Reference

Kristen K Coleman, Ian G Bemis, Avian Influenza Virus Infections in Felines: A Systematic Review of Two Decades of Literature, Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2025;, ofaf261, https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofaf261