2023-07-16 12:04:50
It is recommended strengthen the surveillance of avian influenza cases in mammals, because it is feared that the disease may spread to humans through pets such as dogs and cats. Two alerts were issued in the space of two days. The WHO and EFSA have warned once morest an increase in the circulation of the bird flu virus. The WHO has expressed concern that the increase in cases of avian influenza in mammals is facilitating the spread of the virus. virus to humans. EFSA, for its part, recommended strengthen monitoring of possible contamination cats and dogs with avian flu in areas where the virus is circulating.
Cases of poultry and wild birds infected with the avian influenza virus in several regions have been identified, ranging from Norway to the Mediterranean coast, between the end of April and the end of May. Additionally, several mammals have also been infected around the world, including foxes, polecats, black bears, raccoons, red foxes, sea lions and coatis. EFSA stresses that most wild mammals affected by avian influenza are carnivores that hunt wild birds, feed on dead wild birds, or do both (source 1).
A risk for pets
Where it gets worrying is that the virus appears to be spreading to pets. Poland, 24 domestic cats and a caracal in captivity have been tested positive for avian influenza highly pathogenic (HPAI). The cats showed respiratory and neurological symptoms, and some died. In Italy, antibodies were also detected in one cat and five dogs on a farm affected by HPAI in poultry. Nevertheless, the mode of transmission remains unknown and no cat-to-cat or cat-to-human transmission has been demonstrated so far, according to EFSA.
The WHO warns once morest the possibility ofan adaptation of the virus to humans, as avian flu viruses normally spread among birds, but the growing number of cases in mammals raises concerns regarding the possible ease of infection of humans. WHO, FAO and OIE are also concerned that some mammals might become “mixing tanks” for influenza viruseswhich might lead to theemergence of new viruses even more dangerous for animals and humans.
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