In a worrying first for India, cases of avian influenza (H5N1) have been detected in domestic cats, with Chhindwara district in Madhya Pradesh emerging as the epicentre. Scientists are now raising concerns about the virus mutating in mammals and its potential risk to humans.
How Did the Virus Spread to Cats?
According to a TOI report, scientists from ICAR-NIHSAD and the Union government’s animal husbandry department documented these cases in January. Chhindwara, which borders Nagpur, had already seen big cats succumbing to bird flu in December last year.
H5N1 is primarily an avian virus, but experts warn that mutations can allow it to infect and replicate in mammals. “This adaptability raises concerns because influenza viruses have the potential to trigger pandemics, as seen in past outbreaks like Covid-19,” a scientist told TOI.
What Symptoms Did the Infected Cats Show?
The affected cats showed high fever, loss of appetite, and extreme lethargy before dying within one to three days of showing symptoms. The scientific team identified the virus as belonging to the 2.3.2.1a lineage, a strain responsible for poultry outbreaks in India.
The study further revealed 27 mutations in the virus detected in cats, leading experts to call for enhanced surveillance across poultry, wild birds, and other mammals, including pets and humans.
Is There a Risk to Humans?
While human infections remain rare, virologist Jacob John warned that the possibility of human-to-human transmission cannot be ruled out. “H5N1 is new for humans. We do not have immunity against it. If human-to-human transmission becomes efficient, as an extension of the present pattern of mammalian transmission, it is going to be a concern,” he told TOI.
Website: International Conference on Infectious Diseases
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