A recent study has raised alarms about pet cats potentially becoming carriers of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus, which has devastated poultry farms in the U.S. over the past two and a half years. Published in the journal Taylor and Francis, the study warns that just one or two mutations in cats could allow the virus to jump to humans, posing significant public health risks.
Bird Flu’s Hidden Threat
H5N1, responsible for the deaths of over 100 million birds, has remained a limited threat to humans due to its difficulty in transmitting between people. However, scientists fear cats common household pets could serve as a bridge for the virus to evolve and spread more easily.
The warning comes after the deaths of 10 cats in South Dakota earlier this year. Researchers found that the cats exhibited respiratory and neurological symptoms, and the virus strain closely resembled one found in cattle on a nearby dairy farm. Bird feathers discovered near the cats’ remains suggest they may have consumed infected wild birds carrying the virus from the farm.
Why Cats Are a Concern
Unlike most animals, cats possess two types of receptors that allow both the bird flu virus and the seasonal flu virus to bind. This raises the possibility of co-infection, which could lead to mutations making the virus more transmissible to humans.
“Infected cats develop systemic infections and shed the virus through both respiratory and digestive tracts,” the study notes. “This creates multiple routes of exposure to humans, heightening the risk of a mutation with increased transmissibility.”
Though there is no confirmed case of cats transmitting H5N1 to humans, researchers stress the need for close monitoring. Dr. Suresh Kuchipudi, a co-author of the study, cautioned against ignoring the evolving threat.
“In addressing immediate concerns like dairy farm infections and food safety, we might be missing a much bigger story unfolding in plain sight,” he said.
The study coincides with findings from the Scripps Research Institute in California, which suggest the bird flu virus is adapting faster than anticipated, intensifying fears of a global pandemic.
As flu season accelerates, experts emphasize the need for heightened surveillance of cats, poultry, and other animals in close proximity to humans to prevent a potential public health crisis.