Golke A, Dzieci?tkowski T, Szalu?-Jordanow O, Czop. The Seroprevalence of Influenza A Virus Infections in Polish Cats During a Feline H5N1 Influenza Outbreak in 2023. Viruses. 2025; 17(6):855
Recently, cats have emerged as potential incidental hosts for avian and human influenza A viruses (IAVs), including the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus. Following an unprecedented outbreak of H5N1 HPAI in cats in Poland in June 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional epidemiological study to assess the seroprevalence of IAV, especially H5Nx, infections in domestic cats. Eight hundred thirty-five serum samples collected in June 2023 were tested using a competitive ELISA for antibodies to IAV nucleoprotein. Positive or doubtful samples were further screened for H5-specific antibodies. The overall seropositivity for IAV was 8.5% (CI 95%: 6.8%, 10.6%; 71/835 cats), and 23/68 IAV-seropositive cats (33.8%) were also seropositive for H5 antigen. Multivariable analysis identified young age (≤8 years) and male sex as significant risk factors for H5 seropositivity, while non-H5-IAV seropositivity was more common in cats aged ≥12 years. These findings suggest different exposure pathways and host risk profiles for H5 and non-H5 IAVs and underscore the importance of enhanced surveillance in cats, particularly in regions affected by HPAI outbreaks. Given the susceptibility of cats to both avian and human IAVs, including subclinical infections, there is a theoretical risk for viral reassortment. Preventive measures, including vaccinating humans and restricting outdoor access for cats, should be considered in endemic areas.
See Also:
Latest articles in those days:
- Phylogenetic Analysis of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H7 Viruses in Australia and New Zealand Suggests Local Viral Evolution 5 hours ago
- AI-Powered Identification of Human Cell Surface Protein Interactors of the Hemagglutinin Glycoprotein of High-Pandemic-Risk H5N1 Influenza Virus 5 hours ago
- Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Uptake and Intentions Among Nursing Students in Hong Kong 5 hours ago
- Intranasal Mosaic H1N1 Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine Elicits Broad Cross-Reactive Immunity and Protection Against Group 1 and 2 Influenza A Viruses 5 hours ago
- Changing Landscape of Pediatric Influenza in Northern Mexico: A Comparative Clinical and Virological Study 5 hours ago
[Go Top] [Close Window]


