Avian influenza in domestic cats in india

The first cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) virus clade 2.3.2.1a infection in domestic cats in India has been reported from Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh in January 2025. The cases were linked to a live bird market and involved three pet cats suggesting a potential source of infection. H5N1 is classically an avian virus, but certain mutations allow it to replicate in mammalian hosts. The discovery of H5N1 in cats, especially with 27 mutations identified in the Chhindwara strain, raises concerns about the virus's potential to adapt and potentially infect humans as seen in past outbreaks like Covid.