According to officials, India has confirmed its first case of H5N1 Avian Influenza in domestic cats in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh. Samples of at least seven cats from the same area were taken from separate houses in January this year, which confirmed the presence of the virus.

At least three cats were found infected with bird flu virus, indicating a detailed investigation. According to the analysis, the virus in cats is a revaluation stress, which carries genetic material from several H5N1 lineage – one is connected to wild birds in Bangladesh and another circulating in South Korea.

Genetic sequencing showed 99.2 percent similarity for the H5N1 tension found in a passenger returning to Australia from India in 2024, suggests a potential epidemology link. Reports say that it indicates that similar viruses may already be spreading in India and mammals can adopt hosts.

Can bird flu spread to humans?

According to scientists, the avian flu virus has several mutations that allow it to be repeated in mammals hosts. Experts consider this adaptability a major cause of anxiety as the influenza virus has the ability to trigger epidemic, as seen in previous outbreaks such as Kovid -19.

Experts have warned that the human-human transmission of the virus cannot be rejected.

According to the Times of India, virologist Jacob John said that bird flu virus has been developing in India since 1996, but is spreading from birds to mammals. “Although human infections are rare, we should estimate the virus for efficient transmission between humans and in the middle. While the human-human transmission is still not efficient, the changes in the virus signal that we should be cautious and be ready for a possible epidemic, ”he said.

Humans lack immunity against avian influenza

Experts believe that avian influenza has an epidemic capacity as humans lack immunity against viruses.

According to studies, one or two mutations in cats can also enable the virus to spread more easily to humans. In the US, bird flu was also recently found among cats. Experts say that the more species infected the virus, the greater the possibility of mutation.

William Sheffar, an infectious pathologist and Professor at the Vendorbult University School of Medicine, was cited by Prevent “It is possible that dairy workers came home with a virus on their hands, and that the pet cat licked his hands.”

Bird flu signs in cats

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the symptoms of infection may be involved:

• Sneeze
• loss of appetite
• Neurological issues such as shocks, seizures, or blindness
• severe depression
• Sluggishness
• Cough
• Fever
• Rapid breathing
• Heavy discharge from nose and eyes

Ways to protect your cats from bird flu virus

Experts say that you can take the following measures to protect cats from bird flu:

• Avoid feeding cats
• Prevent contact with sick or dead birds and other wildlife
• Keep cats away from livestock, chicken and their surroundings
• Ensure that the meat is fully cooked before feeding; Avoid raw meat -based diet or behavior.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling cats or exposed to poultry, livestock or wild animals.
• Keep cats indoors to reduce the risk of exposure to birds and other wildlife.

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