As birds migrate this spring, a serious health concern is emerging: bird flu, specifically the H5N1 strain, is now infecting cats and could pose a risk to humans. Researchers from the University of Maryland have published a study highlighting this urgent issue, suggesting that we need to monitor cat populations closely to prevent any chance of the virus spreading between humans.
According to the inputs,Dr. Kristen Coleman, a leading researcher in the study, explains that the virus has changed in ways that make it easier to jump from birds to cats and even from cats to other animals. With the arrival of warmer weather, experts expect more cases to appear, especially on farms.
The research reviewed over two decades’ worth of data from around the world, identifying 607 cases of bird flu in cats across 18 countries. Alarmingly, 302 of these cases resulted in death. The study indicates that the actual number of infected cats could be much higher because testing often occurs postmortem, and cats are not regularly monitored for the virus.
Cats can catch bird flu by eating infected birds, consuming contaminated food, or even through contact with other infected animals. The H5N1 strain is particularly dangerous, with a death rate of about 90% in domestic cats. While bird flu is less deadly to humans, it has still resulted in around 50% fatalities among those infected globally.
Between April 2022 and January 2025, the United States reported 66 confirmed human cases of bird flu, with one death. Experts warn that if the virus continues to spread and mutate, it could eventually lead to human-to-human transmission.
Dr. Coleman and her research team are especially worried about the risk of bird flu entering animal shelters, which could lead to large outbreaks affecting both cats and humans. The last outbreak involved a different strain of bird flu in New York City back in 2016, demonstrating how serious these infections can be.
To better understand the situation, the researchers plan to study high-risk groups, like outdoor cats in dairy barns, to assess the prevalence of the virus. The goal is to protect both people and pets from this growing threat.
As this research continues, experts encourage pet owners to remain vigilant and to seek information about bird flu, making sure to keep their animals safe from potential infection.
