Emergence and potential transmission route of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in domestic cats in Poland, June 2023

In June 2023, a fatal disease outbreak in cats occurred in Poland. Most cases tested in Poland (29 of 47) were positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1) virus. Genetic analyses revealed clade 2.3.4.4b with point mutations indicative of initial mammalian hosts adaptations. Cat viral sequences were highly similar (n = 21), suggesting a potential common infection source. To investigate possible infection routes, our group tested food samples from affected households. HPAI H5N1 virus was detected in one poultry meat sample.

Source: Eurosurveillance - August 3, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Lukasz Rabalski, Aleksandra Milewska, Anne Pohlmann, Karolina Gackowska, Tomasz Lepionka, Klaudiusz Szczepaniak, Agnieszka Swiatalska, Izabela Sieminska, Zbigniew Arent, Martin Beer, Marion Koopmans, Maciej Grzybek and Krzysztof Pyrc Source Type: research