ETIDIOH - NEW

  Key points   -- At the present time , based on available information, FAO-WHO-WOAH assess the global public health risk of influenza A(H5) viruses to be low , while the risk of infection for occupationally or frequently exposed (e.g., with backyard poultry) persons is low to moderate depending on the risk mitigation and hygiene measures in place and the local avian influenza epidemiological situation.  -- Transmission between animals continues to occur and, to date, a growing yet still limited number of human infections are being reported. Although additional human infections associated with exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments are expected to occur, the overall public health impact of such infections at a global level , at the present time, is considered minor . The assessment could change if and when additional epidemiological or virological information becomes available.  -- This risk assessment from FAO, WHO and WOAH updates the assessment ...

Abstract Influenza D virus infects primarily cattle , but infrequent reports of infections in cats occur. We detected influenza D virus antibodies in 8 of 360 cats in northern China . Domestic cats showed higher susceptibility than strays. Our results suggest a previously overlooked aspect of epidemiology of this virus in companion animals. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/25-0042_article ____

  Summary -- What is known about this topic? -  Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis , which is transmitted primarily through fleas from rodents . This case highlights an off-season transmission of plague. Plague is most often identified during May–August. -- What is added by this report? - An Oregon man sought care at an emergency department for signs and symptoms of plague on January 30, 2024, the earliest calendar date of plague recorded in the state’s history, possibly indicating a shift in the seasonality of plague incidence . The patient did not have direct contact with rodents, but did have contact with his infected cat after cutting his finger. -- What are the implications for public health practice? -  Public health messaging and diagnostic efforts regarding plague are warranted year-round in areas with endemic disease. Abstract Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis . Y. pestis is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected rode...

Abstract In 2024, 3 domestic cats in California, USA consumed raw milk contaminated with highly pathogenic avian influenza A( H5N1 ) virus. Fever and neurologic signs developed; 2 cats died. The surviving cat’s urine tested positive for H5N1 virus by reverse transcription PCR. Raw dairy products pose a risk to both animal and human health. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/25-0309_article ____

Abstract Recently, cats have emerged as potential incidental hosts for avian and human influenza A viruses (IAVs), including the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus. Following an unprecedented outbreak of H5N1 HPAI in cats in Poland in June 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional epidemiological study to assess the seroprevalence of IAV, especially H5Nx , infections in domestic cats. Eight hundred thirty-five serum samples collected in June 2023 were tested using a competitive ELISA for antibodies to IAV nucleoprotein. Positive or doubtful samples were further screened for H5-specific antibodies. The overall seropositivity for IAV was 8.5% (CI 95%: 6.8%, 10.6%; 71/835 cats), and 23/68 IAV-seropositive cats (33.8%) were also seropositive for H5 antigen . Multivariable analysis identified young age (≤8 years) and male sex as significant risk factors for H5 seropositivity, while non-H5-IAV seropositivity was more common in cats aged ≥12 years. These findings suggest different...

ABSTRACT The outbreak of H5N1 in dairy cattle in United States revealed challenges in identification and management of a novel disease . The virus showed an exceptional ability to spread between farms and among cows within a farm. The impact of the virus on dairy cattle varied from nonclinical to severe clinical signs and death. Many dairy producers did not report clinical signs in their cows or test for the virus. Cats and peridomestic birds on many affected dairies died from viral exposure . Dairy workers showed signs of conjunctivitis , which was confirmed to be due to H5N1. With the disease affecting multiple species and showing efficient cow-to-cow transmission , the situation only worsened. There was a negative impact on the relationships among dairy producers, dairy workers, poultry producers, and veterinarians, in which professional and personal relationships were severed and some experienced loss of employment. The regulatory response varied by geographic location, and in some...

Two wild cats, two European Polecats, Forty-four Domestic Mustelidae, Twenty-two foxes in various Regions. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/4971?reportId=172740&fromPage=event-dashboard-url ____

TRENTON, NJ - The first feline case of H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI or “bird flu”) in New Jersey has been confirmed in a feral cat from Hunterdon County .  The case was confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory, and follows previous national reports of confirmed feline cases in other states.   The cat developed severe disease, including neurologic signs , and was humanely euthanized.  Other cats on the same property were also reported ill , and one additional indoor-outdoor cat was subsequently confirmed positive for H5 HPAI. Other tests are still pending, and the investigation is ongoing. The overall public health risk remains low at this time. While H5 HPAI has been detected in humans in the U.S. – primarily in individuals with close contact with infected poultry or dairy cattle – there have been no human cases reported in New Jersey, and none of the cases across the country are known to h...

Abstract In January 2025, the highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.2.1a infection was detected in domestic cats and whole-genome sequencing of two cat H5N1 isolates was performed using the Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing platform. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the circulation of triple reassortant viruses in cats. Although cat viruses lacked classic mammalian adaptation markers they carried mutations associated with enhanced polymerase activity in mammalian cells and increased affinity for α2-6 sialic acid receptor suggesting their potential role in facilitating infection in cats. The identification of reassortant HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1a viruses in domestic cats in India highlights the urgent need for enhanced surveillance in domestic poultry, wild birds, and mammals, including humans, to track genomic diversity and molecular evolution of circulating strains. Source: BioRxIV,  https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.23.638954v1 ____

Note 20/02/2025 : this immediate notification is linked to the avian influenza cases detected in cats and reported in event 6276. HPAI - H5N1 virus was detected in poultry droppings, poultry waste swab, meat cutting table swab, and knife swab collected from the live bird market {in Madhya Pradesh}. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6277 ____

Summary -- What is already known about this topic? -  Outdoor cats on U.S. dairy farms have been infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus; infection has not been reported in indoor cats. -- What is added by this report? -  HPAI A(H5N1) virus was detected in two indoor domestic cats with respiratory and neurologic illness that lived in homes of dairy workers but had no known direct exposure to HPAI A(H5N1)–affected farms. Both dairy workers declined testing ; other household members received negative test results for influenza A. -- What are the implications for public health practice? -  Veterinarians in states with confirmed HPAI A(H5N1) in livestock should consider obtaining household occupational information , testing for influenza A viruses , and wearing personal protective equipment when evaluating companion cats with respiratory or neurologic illness . Suspected cases should be reported to public and animal health officials. Abstract High...

Redwood City — State veterinary and health officials have confirmed a case of H5N1 (bird flu) in a domestic stray cat in San Mateo County.  The infection, which is not related to the recent instance of bird flu in a backyard flock , was found in a stray cat in Half Moon Bay that had been taken in by a family .  When it showed symptoms, they took it to Peninsula Humane Society, whose veterinarians examined it and requested testing. Lab results confirmed H5N1.  It is not known how the cat was infected and it was euthanized due to its condition. Cats may be exposed to bird flu by consuming infected bird , being in environments contaminated with the virus and consuming unpasteurized milk from infected cows or raw food. Inside domestic animals, such as cats and dogs, that go outside are also at risk of infection.​​​​​​​ According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of cats spreading H5N1 to people is extremely low, though it is possible for cats to spre...

WASHINGTON, January 17, 2025—As part of its ongoing, multi-faceted efforts to combat the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today is updating its policy for pre-slaughter surveillance to enhance testing of turkey flocks in affected states .  In late December 2024, APHIS became aware of a genetic link between turkeys potentially infected with HPAI H5N1, virus detected in raw pet food, and an infected household cat . Out of an abundance of caution, and to remove a potential avenue for ongoing disease spread as well as to bolster consumer and trading partner confidence, APHIS collaborated with state animal health officials and the poultry industry to update its guidance for existing pre-slaughter surveillance steps to further ensure that affected poultry does not enter the food system. APHIS will continue to report confirmed HPAI detections to the World Organisation for Animal Health and on the APHIS website (m...

January 17, 2025 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that it is necessary for manufacturers of cat and dog foods who are covered by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Preventive Controls for Animal Food (PCAF) rule and using uncooked or unpasteurized materials derived from poultry or cattle (e.g., uncooked meat, unpasteurized milk or unpasteurized eggs) to reanalyze their food safety plans to include Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus (specifically H5N1) as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard .  Furthermore, the FDA is issuing this update to ensure that cat and dog food manufacturers are aware of information about the new H5N1 hazard associated with their pet food products, which is an additional reason that manufacturers must conduct a reanalysis of their food safety plans. The FDA is tracking cases of H5N1 in domestic and wild cats in California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington State that are associated with eating contaminated food products.  S...