An outbreak of avian flu in cats in Poland places the WHO on alert


The demise of dozens of cats in 13 areas of Poland in latest weeks, on account of H5N1 avian flu, places the World Health Organization on alert The WHO warns that it might be the biggest outbreak of avian flu in cats and that might result in a pandemic, within the occasion of efficient human-to-human transmission At the second, no circumstances of people contaminated with this virus have been reported and the chance to house owners of affected cats is low or average

Today, the World Health Organization has reported the demise of dozens of cats in numerous areas of Poland in latest weeks, on account of an H5N1 avian flu an infection.

This is the primary WHO report on what might be the biggest outbreak of chicken flu in cats up to now. In addition, they warn that there isn’t any human immunity to this illness, which might set off a pandemic within the occasion of transmission between people.

The threat of an infection, after having been in touch with an contaminated feline, is low for the final inhabitants. In the case of homeowners of contaminated cats or veterinarians who’ve cared for cats with out ample safety, the chance is classed as “low or average”. So far no circumstances of contaminated individuals have been reported.

Anomalous deaths in cats from totally different areas of Poland

The alert arises after Poland’s discover of a number of anomalous deaths of cats in several areas of the nation on June 27. For this purpose, 47 cats had been screened, of which 29 examined optimistic for the H5N1 virus, with sturdy signs, together with neurological issues, respiratory misery and diarrhea. The virus would have unfold all through the nation, having already been detected in 13 geographical areas, with which the variety of cats carrying the virus might be larger.

The virus is thought to have been circulating in wild birds in Poland, inflicting outbreaks in poultry farms. Hence, the cats might have been contaminated by direct contact with these birds, though, for the second, the precise route of contact is unknown and all potentialities stay open. It can also be not identified if the virus is being transmitted between cats.

Most of the cats on report, 23 of 25, had been home and the opposite two lived outdoor. Of the home cats, 5 of them haven’t had contact with the surface world, which might reinforce, in these circumstances, the consumption of meals contaminated with the virus.

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