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Investigations say the virus in cats is a reassortant strain, which carries genetic material from multiple H5N1 lineages
India has confirmed its first case of H5N1 avian influenza in domestic cats in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district, according to authorities. Samples from at least seven cats from the same locality were taken from different households in January this year, which confirmed the presence of the virus.
At least three cats were found to be infected with the bird flu virus, prompting a detailed investigation. According to the analysis, the virus in cats is a reassortant strain, which carries genetic material from multiple H5N1 lineages—one linked to wild birds in Bangladesh and another circulating in South Korea.
Genetic sequencing also showed a 99.2 per cent similarity to an H5N1 strain detected in a traveller returning to Australia from India in 2024, suggesting a possible epidemiological link. Reports say it indicates that similar viruses may already be spreading in India and adapting to mammalian hosts.
Can bird flu spread to humans?
According to scientists, there are many mutations in the avian flu virus that allow it to replicate in mammalian hosts. Experts see this adaptability as a huge cause of concern because influenza viruses have the potential to trigger pandemics, as seen in past outbreaks like COVID-19.
Experts warn that human-to-human transmission of the virus cannot be ruled out.
According to the Times of India, virologist Jacob John said that the bird flu virus in India has been evolving since 1996 but is spreading from birds to mammals. “Although human infections have been rare, we must anticipate the virus adapting to efficient transmission to and between humans. While human-to-human transmission is still not efficient, ongoing changes in the virus signal that we must remain vigilant and prepared for a potential pandemic,” he said.
Humans lack immunity against avian influenza
Experts believe that avian influenza does have pandemic potential since humans lack immunity against the virus.
According to studies, even one or two mutations in cats could enable the virus to spread more easily to humans. In the US, bird flu was recently detected among cats as well. Experts say the more species the virus infects, the higher the likelihood of mutations.
William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert and professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, was quoted by Preven “It’s possible that the dairy workers came home with the virus on their hands, and that the pet cat licked their hands.”
Signs of bird flu in cats
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, symptoms of infection may include:
- Sneezing
- Loss of appetite
- Neurological issues like tremors, seizures, or blindness
- Severe depression
- Lethargy
- Coughing
- Fever
- Rapid or laboured breathing
- Heavy discharge from the nose and eyes
Ways to protect your cats from bird flu virus
Experts say you can take the following measures to protect cats from bird flu:
- Avoid feeding cats unpasteurized dairy products
- Prevent contact with sick or dead birds and other wildlife
- Keep cats away from livestock, poultry, and their surroundings
- Ensure meat is fully cooked before feeding; avoid raw meat-based diets or treats.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling cats or coming into contact with poultry, livestock, or wild animals.
- Keep cats indoors to reduce the risk of exposure to birds and other wildlife.
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