Cats became infected with H5N1 in the most unexpected way: they drank cow’s milk
At the end of 2021, a serious and unusual infection was identified in various mammals., including cats. It is the H5N1 virus, known as avian influenza, that has again become a concern for authorities after its presence was detected in raw cow’s milk, especially from cattle in regions of the United States such as Kansas, Texas or New Mexico.
Since February this year cases of H5N1 infection observed in cows, characterized by decreased milk production and abnormal appearance of milk., with a viscosity different from normal, with intense yellow tones. Everything indicates that this virus infects various organs and tissues of animals.
Cats and cows as the first direction of research
According to an article published in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The emergence of H5N1 in dairy cattle led to infection of domestic cats. In addition, serious cases of the disease have been identified in humans, for example in Ecuador and Chile. This has heightened international concern about a disease that could spread directly to our species.
Returning to the cows, pathological patterns were found to include mild neutrophilic mastitis and gastrointestinal lesions. Mastitis causes inflammation of the mammary glands and is a common disease in dairy animals.
And relationships with domestic cats, who usually drink raw cow’s milk on farms, serious injuries were observed, like meningoencephalitis, interstitial pneumonia and myocarditis. Meningoencephalitis causes inflammation in brain tissue, and the membranes surrounding this organ can cause intense neurological effects. As for interstitial pneumonia, it is a type of inflammation that affects the lungs internally, while myocarditis affects the heart, impairing cardiac function.
The effects on cats are extremely concerning because they show that the H5N1 virus incubates not only in the lungs, but also in the brain and heart, with cases that also include the eyes.
And in another article published in the magazine National Institutes of Health, also found evidence of the disease in tigers and leopards, although these cats are considered highly resistant to influenza. This shows how contagious and flexible the bird flu virus is.
Presence in a large number of mammals.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, more than 200 mammals have been confirmed as carriers of H5N1., including seals, cougars, raccoons, skunks, polar bears and even dolphins. According to the cited study, the problem lies in the rapid adaptation of the virus to different environments and hosts.
“The recurring nature of global outbreaks of HPAI H5N1 virus and the discovery of infections in a wide range of hosts are concerning and suggest increased adaptation of the virus in mammals. (…) Surveillance of HPAI viruses in domestically acquired animals, including livestock, is necessary to elucidate the evolution and ecology of influenza virus and prevent interspecies transmission.”
As it were, The H5N1 influenza virus poses a potential threat to human health.. Its detection in raw cow’s milk can be alarming, so raising awareness about the dangers of consuming it is recommended. Even in the absence of evidence of H5N1 in cows, drinking raw milk can always be risky because it can carry bacteria harmful to humans.