The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that bird flu has caused the deaths of many cats in Poland, marking the first instance of a high number of infected cats across a widespread area within a country. The WHO was informed by Polish authorities on June 27 about unusual deaths among cats throughout the country. Upon investigation, the WHO found that 29 out of 47 samples tested positive for bird flu as of July 11.
Since the end of 2021, there has been an unprecedented increase in bird flu outbreaks among poultry and wild birds worldwide. The WHO notes that besides wild birds and domestic poultry, there have been more cases of bird flu detected in other species such as wild animals, marine mammals, and sometimes farmed or captive animals.
The source of cat exposure to bird flu in Poland is currently unknown. However, the WHO suggests various possibilities, including direct or indirect contact with infected birds or their environments, consumption of infected birds, or ingestion of food that contains the virus. It is known that seven cats had the opportunity to come into contact with wild birds. Out of the 25 cats with available information, two were outdoor cats, 18 were indoor cats with access to a balcony, terrace, or backyard, and five were indoor cats with no access to the outside.
Out of the infected cats, 14 were euthanized, while 11 died naturally, with the most recent death occurring on June 30. Autopsies on a small number of cats indicated pneumonia as a possible cause of death. The positive samples were reported from 13 different areas within Poland. While isolated cases of bird flu infection in cats have been reported before, this is the first time a large number of infected cats within a widespread area in a country has been documented, according to the WHO.
Some cats experienced severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, bloody diarrhea, and neurological signs, which led to rapid deterioration and death in certain cases. Out of the infected cats, 20 displayed neurological signs, 19 showed respiratory signs, and 17 exhibited both neurological and respiratory symptoms.
The WHO stated that to date, there have been no documented cases of human infection resulting from contact with infected cats. Therefore, the risk of human infection after exposure to infected cats is believed to be low for the general population and low to moderate for cat owners and those exposed to infected cats without appropriate personal protective equipment.
In recent developments, the WHO and its partners have raised concerns about the increasing number of mammal species infected with bird flu. Experts have warned that pigs, which are susceptible to both avian and human flu viruses, could potentially act as a “mixing vessel” for the emergence of mutated viruses that could pose a threat to human health. While there have been isolated cases of bird flu in humans in countries like Cambodia, they remain rare.
The WHO’s findings in Poland have raised alarm among experts, who view the development as highly concerning. There is growing concern about the adaptability and success rate of the virus in infecting mammals. The ultimate question is whether the virus will gain the ability to infect humans on a sustained transmission level.
Experts advise pet owners to be vigilant and observant of their animals. Symptoms of avian influenza in pets, dogs, and cats include lethargy, diarrhea, and neurological signs such as tremors and seizures. Pet owners should minimize their pets’ exposure to potential sources of infection, such as dead birds or objects contaminated with bird secretions or feces.