The Expanding Host Range of H۵N۱: A Review of Cross-Species Transmission with Focus on Feline Cases

Influenza A viruses are the leading cause of global pandemics in humans. The H۵N۱ pathotype of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) poses a significant risk, having recently led to a pandemic among wild birds due to rapid spread to South America and Antarctica, quick evolution, and spillover into mammals including cats. Since ۲۰۲۰, the H۵Nx clade ۲.۳.۴.۴b has significantly impacted wild and domestic bird populations worldwide, causing high mortality rates. The virus has also spilled over into various terrestrial and marine mammal species, notably affecting captive big cats, such as lions and tigers, along with feral and domestic cats. This outbreak highlights the urgent need for ongoing monitoring and intervention to safeguard animal health and biodiversity. Mammal-to-mammal transmission has been observed in fur farms, marine mammals, and dairy cattle and cats, raising concerns about potential human infections. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) announced that there have been three additional confirmed cases of H۵ avian flu in domestic cats. These infections were linked to the cats' consumption of raw food or raw milk, which may have served as the source of exposure. This review discusses more details about the transmission of H۵ to domestic cats and the sources that can cause infections. Health officials are emphasizing the importance of safe feeding practices to protect both pets and their owners from potential transmission of this virus.

کلیدواژه ها:

Influenza A Viruses ، Raw Pet Food ، Domestic Cats ، Zoonosis ، Public Health ، mammals ، Cattle