Four additional cats in the U.S. test positive for H5N1 bird flu virus

The bird flu outbreak in the United States has taken a concerning turn as four more cats have tested positive for the H5N1 virus, bringing the total number of cases in the current outbreak to seven. State and federal officials have confirmed the new cases, with three cats showing symptoms of rapid decline and neurologic issues before ultimately succumbing to the illness.

The cats affected were found at dairy farms in Curry County, New Mexico, and Wood County, Ohio. This development follows the deaths of three other cats at dairy farms in Texas. The global spread of the H5N1 virus, particularly in mammals, has raised fears of potential human-to-human transmission. While human cases remain rare and primarily linked to contact with infected birds or cattle, the recent detection of viral fragments in commercial milk has heightened concerns.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported 34 outbreaks at dairy farms in 9 states, with a farm worker in Texas also testing positive for the virus. Despite the presence of H5N1 in unpasteurized milk, experts believe that pasteurization renders the milk safe for consumption.

Cats, in particular, are vulnerable to the new strain of H5N1, with cases previously reported in other countries such as France, South Korea, and Poland. In the United States, a total of 20 cats have been infected, with 13 cases occurring last year in connection with infected poultry or wild birds.

As the situation continues to evolve, the World Health Organization has stressed the importance of real-time monitoring and information sharing to effectively combat the spread of the virus. With ongoing tests and research, efforts are being made to ensure public safety and prevent further outbreaks.