2023-07-17 18:26:49
According to the World Health Organization, Poland has become the first country to record and declare a significant number of cats infected with the H5N1 virus, the bird flu virus.
An alarming situation for millions of animals. Poland has become the first country to record a “high number” of cats infected with bird flu over an extended area, the World Health Organization announced on Monday July 17.
Many positive tests identified
According to the latest figures from the WHO, 29 cats have tested positive for the H5N1 virus in the space of a few weeks. This follows the alarm signal triggered by the Polish authorities, following having noted an unusual number of cat deaths across the country.
These animals were among 46 cats and a caracal feline in captivity tested for this virus. Of the infected animals, 11 died from the virus and 14 were euthanized. In a press releasethe WHO indicates that it does not know the source of exposure of cats to the virus, and that “investigations are in progress”.
A low risk of transmission for humans
On the other hand, the organization wanted to be reassuring by indicating that the risk of transmission to humans was generally low. For cat owners, veterinarians, and anyone who may be exposed to felines on a daily basis, the risk is estimated to be low to moderate.
Cases of H5N1 in humans are generally the result of direct or indirect exposure with live or dead poultry, or with a contaminated environment.
The WHO said it is aware of 12 cases of human H5N1 infection since 2020 worldwide. Four were found to be severe, with the other eight being moderate or asymptomatic.
1689627124
#Avian #flu #cats #infected #Poland #warns
