The Nébih confirmed a bird flu infection in a cat

(Photo: Pixabay)

The risk of human infection remains negligible. The H5N1 subtype of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus was detected by Nébih specialists from the dead domestic cat that came to the agency’s laboratory for diagnostic testing from Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County. The animals kept together with the infected cat are currently symptom-free, and their examination is in progress. The epidemiological investigation is also underway, but it is likely that the infection occurred through direct or indirect contact with wild birds.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza found in mammals does not entail the same strict epidemiological measures as confirmed infection in poultry

The owner’s other cats will be examined and monitored by the animal health authority, and no other measures will be taken, such as creating a restricted area or euthanizing the animals. The disease has not been detected in other mammals in our country. The pathogen has only been identified sporadically in mammals across Europe, large-scale disease is typical only in poultry species. Based on the risk assessment of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the chance of the virus infecting humans is still negligible.

Nébih