Bird flu causing cat deaths across Poland
In June 2023, Polish authorities notified the WHO of unusual deaths in cats across the country. Out of 46 cats, 29 tested positive for the bird flu virus H5N1, which has been spreading around the world in unprecedented numbers among poultry and wild birds since the end of 2021. Sporadic H5N1 infection of cats, following close contact with infected birds or from eating infected meat, has occurred but this is the first report of a high number of infected cats over a wide area within a single country.
WHO says the risk to humans is low but because of the uncertainties surrounding this particular event, including the unknown source of infection, the risk assessment may change.
World Health Organisation news release: Influenza A (H5N1) in cats – Poland. July 23, 2023. Available from: who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON476
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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