Just a few months ago, for cats, receiving a positive diagnosis for H5N1 avian influenza meant death sentence. No feline has survived the infection. That’s why the recent announcement that some cats were able to survive the disease after early veterinary follow-up studies shocked both the scientific and veterinary communities.
This study, conducted by a team at the University of Maryland, demonstrated for the first time that: Cats can recover if bird flu is caught and managed in its early stages. “Our results show that cats can survive avian influenza if treated early; euthanasia is not necessary in all cases,” explained lead researcher Kristen K. Coleman, a veterinarian who specializes in epidemiology and disease surveillance. In an outbreak recorded among four domestic cats, two managed to survive. The research team found that the animals that survived the infection not only regained their health; developed an immune response It can prevent the possibility of reinfection for several months.
The researchers’ words indicate a paradigm shift. Until now, the main strategy against infectious diseases in felines has been containment through elimination, given the highly lethal nature of the virus and the lack of specific treatments. But this study opens up another path to the possibility that with early detection and proper veterinary care, an almost always fatal disease can be turned into a controllable infection.
Influenza is no longer just for birds
H5N1 avian influenza belongs to the following categories: highly pathogenic virusknown for its ability to spread and have devastating effects among wild birds and domestic poultry. However, since 2023, an alarming phenomenon has been observed. Viruses are starting to jump into mammals more frequentlyfox, mink, seal, sea lion, bear, domestic cat, etc.
a international meta-analysis A paper published this year confirms a significant increase in the number of feline infections, particularly over the past two years, coinciding with the expansion of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strains. According to the data collected, Mortality rate in infected cats reaches 84%with severe neurological and respiratory symptoms. Although the global proportion of cat infections remains low (about 0.7% of cases analyzed), scientists warn that patterns are changing. The virus not only remains active; learn to adapt to new host.
This seems to be the key to this development. Mutations identified in North American strainsThis makes mammalian replication more efficient. Recent studies point to two specific mutations that are responsible for this more potent toxicity. So far, these variants have not been detected in Europe, but the discovery highlights the need for increased molecular surveillance and surveillance. international cooperation To prevent the possibility of evolution towards increased transmission between species.
Europe on alert, Spain under constant surveillance
In recent months, there have been a number of outbreaks in wild and domestic birds in Europe. Cases have been confirmed in Ireland, Finland, Portugal, France, Germany, Poland, Belgium and Iceland.the virus was also detected in autopsies of young kittens. In total, 15 out of 27 countries Countries that make up the European Union have recorded cases of bird flu so far this season. European authorities have managed to largely contain the outbreak, but the fact that the virus has appeared in pets has sparked everyone’s alarm.
Until now in Spain No infections have been confirmed in domestic or stray cats.However, the country maintains a high level of surveillance. Due to confirmed outbreaks in wild birds and poultry since 2024, and a large number of recent cases, the Ministry of Agriculture and Autonomous Communities have strengthened control measures, including: Restrictions on outdoor breeding In certain areas.
It is important to note that just because there are no officially documented cases of cats does not mean they do not exist. many Semi-wild or rural colony cat They live near poultry farms and livestock facilities where they may come into contact with infected birds and contaminated surfaces. Without veterinary care and health monitoring, mild or fatal infections can go unnoticed. For this very reason, experts advocate the need to include both domestic and feral cats in epidemiological surveillance programs based on this strategy. one healthintegrating human, animal, and environmental health.
In the absence of specific recommendations from health or veterinary authorities, some foreign experts (American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA) agree that basic precautions are prudent, especially in rural areas and near poultry farms. Prevent cats from freely entering and exiting Evacuating around farms and other areas where they may come into contact with wild birds or their carcasses is currently the most prudent way to reduce risk.
For observation symptoms It is recommended if you have a respiratory infection, such as fever, sneezing, fatigue, difficulty breathing, or loss of appetite. go to the vet immediately Assess the situation and rule out the possibility of infection. Do not confuse caution with alarm. It is about increasing surveillance and protecting both the animals and the people who live with them.
Discoveries that redefine veterinarian response
In addition to being reassuring to know that some cats survive, the University of Maryland study focuses on: The importance of early diagnosis and prompt veterinarian response. The scientific community agrees that the H5N1 virus remains a potential threat to public health, but also agrees that these surviving cases provide a valuable opportunity to study how mammals respond to infection and how subsequent immunity develops.
Researchers observed that cats that survived the disease remained healthy. High levels of neutralizing antibodies last for several monthssuggesting durable protection against reinfection. Although this data is preliminary, it could help design better prevention strategies in livestock and improve predictive models of virus jumps between species.
This progress also calls into question the systematic practice of euthanasia as the only solution in the face of positive situations. Early diagnosis and proper management can save your cat’s life. Ethical and clinical approaches to H5N1 need to be updated. In the words of the study authors, these results “reinforce the need for closer monitoring, rapid diagnosis, and treatment focused on animal health.”
concept One Health: One Health, One Planet
Birds infect mammals, mammals coexist with humans, and humans share a changed ecosystem where viruses find new opportunities to adapt. That’s why the answer cannot be piecemeal.
concept one healthadopted by the World Health Organization, of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and world animal health organizationstarts from that very premise. Human health is closely related to animal health and environmental balance..
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