BREAKING! Reported Death Of Domestic Cat In Yellowstone County-Montana Sparks Concerns That H5N1 Could Now Be Evolving To Target Cats!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 11, 2024 2 months, 2 weeks, 2 days, 47 minutes ago
H5N1 News: The reported death of a domestic cat in Yellowstone County, Montana, due to H5N1 bird flu but was not linked to any dairy cows has sparked significant concerns about the evolution of the virus to target cats specifically. This incident is part of a larger trend where three more cats have succumbed to the H5N1 bird flu in the United States, bringing the total known feline deaths to 10 since the virus spread to dairy cows earlier this year. With lack of testing, some scientists are concerned that H5N1 could also be spreading among the cat population silently and helping its continued evolution.
Reported Death Of Domestic Cat In Yellowstone County-Montana
Sparks Concerns That H5N1 Could Now Be Evolving To Target Cats
The Recent Cases and Their Significance
Health officials have confirmed that two of the recent cases were found in cats at a dairy farm in Curry County, New Mexico, where cows also tested positive for the virus. However, a third case occurred in Yellowstone County, Montana, involving a domestic cat that showed neurological signs after the owner discovered a dead skunk on the property. What sets this case apart is the lack of direct links to farms or dairy cows, highlighting a potential shift in the virus's behavior.
The
H5N1 News report on this particular H5N1 infection involving a domestic cat was released by BNO News.
https://bnonews.com/index.php/2024/05/3-more-cats-die-of-h5n1-bird-flu-in-the-u-s/
Global Concerns About H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b and Its Impact on Mammals
The global spread of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, particularly its recent transmission to a growing number of mammals, has raised alarm about potential human-to-human transmission in the future. While human cases have been limited thus far and mostly linked to contact with infected birds or cattle, the evolving nature of the virus warrants close monitoring and preventive measures.
The Spread of H5N1 in Cattle and Dairy Farms
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the presence of bird flu in unpasteurized milk from sick cows in Kansas and Texas in late March, marking the first-ever cases in cattle. Subsequently, outbreaks in dairy farms have increased to 42 across nine states, with a farm worker in Texas also testing positive. In response, the government allocated nearly $200 million for efforts to combat the spread of H5N1 in dairy cows, including funding for testing, vaccine development, surveillance, and milk safety measures.
Vulnerability of Cats to H5N1 Bird Flu: Global Perspective
Cats have shown high vulnerability to this new strain of H5N1 bird flu, as evidenced by cases in France, South Korea, Poland, and now the United States. The first case in a cat with this variant was reported near a duck farm in southern France in December
2022, leading to the cat's euthanasia. Subsequent incidents in South Korea and Poland highlighted the risks associated with contaminated food sources.
Experts warn that because cats are extremely susceptible to the lethal neurological effects of the H5N1 virus, should the virus evolve to facilitate easier transmission and spread to cats and among cats, the whole feline population could possibly be wiped out!
Clinical Manifestations and Susceptibility in Cats
HPAI A(H5N1) infections in cats have been documented globally, resulting in varying degrees of clinical manifestations, including respiratory and neurological signs, often with fatal outcomes. Domestic cats are particularly susceptible to HPAI H5N1, with infection typically occurring through the consumption of infected wild birds or contaminated poultry products.
Conclusion: Urgent Action and Vigilance Needed
The recent cases of H5N1 bird flu in domestic cats in the United States underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the evolving threat. Enhanced surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and support for veterinary interventions are crucial to mitigating the risk posed by this virus to both animal and human health. As research continues to unravel the complexities of H5N1 transmission and evolution, vigilance remains paramount in safeguarding against potential pandemics.
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H5N1 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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