Domestic cats may serve as an unexpected vector for the evolution of the H5N1 bird flu virus, potentially posing increased risks for public health if mutations allow human transmission.
The recent findings indicate that while cats are not currently major vectors for the H5N1 virus, their interaction with both wild animals and humans warrants increased surveillance efforts.
Experts highlight a crucial concern: if a cat were infected with both H5N1 and a seasonal flu virus, the potential for the H5N1 virus to evolve and spread among humans increases significantly.
The study underscores deficiencies in current surveillance, as limited testing for H5N1 in dairy cattle and people has hindered understanding of the outbreak's true extent.
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