Dozens of cats in Poland have died after contracting a highly pathogenic type of bird flu, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) on Sunday (July 16). This is the first time that “high numbers of infected cats over a wide geographical area within a country” have been reported, the WHO noted.
The bird flu virus, identified as a subtype of avian influenza A called H5N1, has sporadically infected cats in the past. However, it is known to cause severe disease and a high death rate in infected poultry and wild birds. It can also affect mammals, including mink, seals, sea lions, cats, and even humans.
The WHO was alerted on June 27 by Polish authorities about the unusual deaths of cats across the country. By early July, clinical samples had been collected from 46 affected cats and one caracal, a wild cat native to Africa. Out of these samples, 29 (62%) tested positive for H5N1. The positive samples came from 13 different geographical areas in Poland.
Further analysis of the viral samples revealed their similarity to H5N1 viruses found in wild birds and poultry in Poland. However, the source of the cats’ exposure to the virus remains unknown. Authorities are currently investigating all potential sources and have not ruled out any possibilities, such as direct or indirect contact with infected birds or their environments, or consumption of infected birds or contaminated food.
Out of the infected cats, 14 have been euthanized and 11 have died. Post-mortem examinations indicated that some of the cats developed pneumonia, while others exhibited severe symptoms including difficulty breathing, bloody diarrhea, and neurological signs.
Since 2020, the WHO has reported a dozen human cases of H5N1, but no new cases have been reported in connection with the recent outbreak among cats in Poland. As of July 12, no human contacts of the H5N1-positive cats have exhibited any symptoms, and the surveillance period for all contacts has now been completed. The risk of H5N1 exposure from cats is considered low for the general population in Poland, and low to moderate for cat owners and veterinarians without the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.