High risk of bird flu spreading from cats to humans; new study warns

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – Recent research has shown that the bird flu virus (H5N1) could rapidly become a serious threat to human health. According to a new analysis by scientists from the University of Maryland School of Public Health in the United States, this virus, which has been spreading aggressively among cats, now poses a potential risk of transmission to humans.

The study is based on data and statistics collected between 2004 and 2024, which recorded 607 infected cases in 12 species of cats across 18 countries. Among these cases, nearly 50 percent of the cats were found to have died.

According to the research, the virus spread to cats through sources like infected bird meat or contaminated milk. Pet cats, in particular, are considered to be at high risk, which increases the chances of the virus spilling over into human communities, researchers have stated.

The study notes that infected cats typically exhibit symptoms such as brain inflammation (encephalitis), which are often mistaken for rabies. What is especially concerning is that the mortality rate among these infected cats is over 90 percent.

Some of the recent cases have shown that cats became infected after consuming raw milk from infected cows. However, in most cases, infections are only being identified after the cat has died, making the containment of the virus more challenging.

Experts warn that if the virus evolves the ability to spread through the air, it could develop into a human pandemic. There are growing concerns that if the virus begins to spread in animal shelters, it could affect large numbers of people.

The researchers recommend continuous monitoring and testing of cat populations that are at the highest risk. Without timely awareness and surveillance, this virus could pose a serious public health crisis in the future.