Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Avian flu H5N1 infection signs and risks in cats
By Marschall, Julia & Hartmann, Katrin·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2008·Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Avian influenza A H5N1 infections in cats.
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
A domestic cat can get sick from the avian influenza virus H5N1, which is usually spread by eating raw poultry or coming into contact with infected birds. Symptoms in cats include fever, depression, breathing problems, and even neurological issues. While some cats may show no signs of illness, the virus can still affect their lungs and liver. It's important for pet owners to be aware of this risk, especially if their cat has been around birds. If a cat shows these symptoms, a veterinarian can provide care and treatment options.
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Abstract
Although cats had been considered resistant to disease from influenza virus infection, domestic cats and large felids are now known to be naturally und experimentally susceptible to infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 (HPAIV H5N1). The virus causes systemic infection, lung and liver being the mainly affected organs. Infected cats show fever, depression, dyspnoea, and neurological signs, but subclinical infections have also occurred. Mostly, cats have been infected by direct contact with affected birds, especially by eating raw poultry; transmission from cat to cat may also occur. Little is known about the role of cats in the epidemiology of the virus. So far, no reassortment between avian and mammalian influenza viruses has occurred in cats, but experts fear that cats might give the virus an opportunity to adapt to mammals. This publication gives a review on avian influenza in cats with a focus on practical aspects for veterinarians.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18619884/