The World Health Organization (WHO) reports unusual deaths in po catsr bird flu (H5N1) in Poland. 47 samples have been carried out in cats, of which 29 have tested positive for influenza A (H5N1). Have been 14 cats euthanized, and 11 others died. This is the first report with a large number of infected cats in a wide geographic area within a country.
The current outbreaks of avian influenza have caused devastation in some animal populations, including poultry, wild birds and some mammals (mink), and have damaged the livelihoods of farmers and the food trade. Although they greatly affect animals, these outbreaks pose ongoing risks to humans.
At the moment, no symptoms reported in humans who have had contact with infected cats. The national authorities in Poland have implemented a series of measures: they have asked owners of infected cats to monitor themselves and complete a self-assessment questionnaire for 10 days from the last contact with the mammal.
Of the 70 people who had contact and completed the screening process, none reported symptoms. Therefore, the risk of infection in the general population from exposure to infected cats is low according to the WHO, and low to moderate for cat owners and those who work unprotected with them, such as veterinarians. Due to uncertainties related to this event, including the source of the infection, the risk assessment may change.
Some cats developed severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing, bloody diarrhea, and neurological signs, with rapid deterioration and death in some cases. In total, 20 cats had neurological signs, 19 had respiratory signs, and 17 had neurological and respiratory signs.