India has reported its first cases of H5N1 avian influenza infecting domestic cats, with instances recorded in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district. Scientists warn that mutations in the virus could heighten the risk of transmission to humans.
India Reports First H5N1 Cases in Domestic Cats, Raising Concerns
A joint study by ICAR-NIHSAD and the Union government’s animal husbandry department confirmed the cases in January, according to a Times of India report. Chhindwara shares a border with Nagpur, where several big cats succumbed to bird flu in December. Researchers identified the virus as the 2.3.2.1a lineage, a strain responsible for poultry outbreaks across India.
Infected cats exhibited symptoms such as high fever,
Infected cats exhibited symptoms such as high fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy before succumbing to the disease within one to three days of sample collection. Scientists detected 27 mutations in the virus, raising concerns over its ability to jump between species, including mammals and potentially humans.
“H5N1 is primarily an avian virus, but certain mutations enable it to infect mammals. Influenza viruses have a history of triggering pandemics, so we need to remain vigilant,” a scientist explained.
Renowned virologist Jacob John emphasized the need for surveillance, stating, “While human infections have been rare, the virus is adapting. If it achieves efficient human-to-human transmission, it could become a serious global threat.”
With H5N1 being new to humans and no existing immunity, scientists stress the importance of monitoring poultry, wild birds, pets, and humans to prevent a potential outbreak.
