India has confirmed its first case of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in domestic cats.
The case was detected in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district and has raised concerns about the possibility of the bird flu virus evolving and spreading to humans.
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Could bird flu trigger another pandemic?
Avian influenza mainly affects birds, but human infections, though uncommon, can occur through direct exposure to infected animals or contaminated surfaces, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Researchers from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD) and the Union government’s animal husbandry department recorded the cases in Chhindwara this January. The district shares a border with Nagpur, where several big cats succumbed to bird flu in December last year.
Should you be concerned about contact with domestic cats? What did the research reveal? How does bird flu spread, and what precautions can be taken?
We will answer these questions.
Bird flu in domestic cats: What happened?
Through their research, scientists determined that the
H5N1 avian influenza virus found in domestic cats belongs to the 2.3.2.1a lineage, which has been responsible for poultry outbreaks across India.
“These cases represent the first documented instances of this particular strain infecting domestic cats in India,” the study stated, according to The Times of India.
Amid concerns in the
poultry sector, Telangana has intensified efforts to safeguard its poultry industry. With cases emerging in neighbouring states and the central government issuing advisories, state authorities are focusing on strengthening biosecurity measures, raising awareness among poultry farmers, and reassuring the public about poultry consumption safety, The Hindu reported.
Now that infections have been identified in domestic cats, scientists are urging improved monitoring of domestic poultry, wild birds, and mammals, including pets and humans, due to the virus’ capacity to jump between species.
All infected cats showed symptoms such as high fever, appetite loss, and lethargy before succumbing within one to three days of sample collection. Researchers identified 27 mutations in the virus found in these cases.
The study examined samples from seven cats in the same locality, though from different households, in Chhindwara in January 2025. It confirmed the presence of the virus in three cats, successfully isolating it from blood samples and conducting whole-genome sequencing to gain further insights into its evolution in the region.
Analysis revealed that the virus in cats was a reassortant strain, carrying genetic material from multiple H5N1 lineages – one linked to wild birds in Bangladesh and another circulating in South Korea.
Genetic sequencing also showed a 99.2% similarity to an H5N1 strain detected in a traveller returning to Australia from India in 2024, suggesting a possible epidemiological link. This indicates that similar viruses may already be spreading in India and adapting to mammalian hosts, TOI reported.
Speaking on the increase in H5N1 infections among mammals, a scientist outside the study said, “H5N1 is classically an avian virus, but certain mutations allow it to replicate in mammalian hosts. This adaptability raises concerns because influenza viruses have the potential to trigger pandemics, as seen in past outbreaks like COVID-19.”
Can it be transmitted to humans? Should you be worried?
Scientists have warned that human-to-human transmission of the virus cannot be ruled out.
Virologist Jacob John told The Times of India that the
bird flu virus, which has been evolving since 1996, is now spreading from birds to mammals.
He said, “Although human infections have been rare, we must anticipate the virus adapting to efficient transmission to and between humans. While human-to-human transmission is still not efficient, ongoing changes in the virus signal that we must remain vigilant and prepared for a potential pandemic.”
“We do not have immunity against it,” he added.
John further stated that the pandemic potential of H5N1 was a concern since it was new to humans, and they lacked immunity against it. He explained that if
human-to-human transmission became possible, following the current pattern of mammalian transmission, it would be a serious concern.
A study published in the journal Taylor & Francis suggested that just one or two mutations in cats could enable the virus to spread more easily to humans.
Dr Suresh Kuchipudi, one of the study’s authors, warned, “In the process of addressing the immediate problem which is dairy farms and the milk as a food safety problem, and then human surveillance – we might be missing a much bigger, evolving story. It may already have been happening in plain sight.”
He added that the more species the virus infects, the higher the likelihood of mutations. “With each new host, the chances of it acquiring the necessary mutations for human-to-human transmission increase significantly,” he said.
William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert and professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, told Prevention.com, “It’s possible that the dairy workers came home with the virus on their hands, and that the pet cat licked their hands.”
What are the signs of bird flu in cats?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), symptoms of infection may include:
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Sneezing
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Loss of appetite
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Neurological issues such as circling, tremors, seizures, or blindness
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Severe depression
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Lethargy
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Coughing
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Fever
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Rapid or laboured breathing
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Heavy discharge from the nose and eyes
How to protect your cat from bird flu: Explained in 7 points
According to the AVMA, the following measures can help protect cats from bird flu:
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Avoid feeding cats unpasteurised dairy products or colostrum unless thoroughly cooked to eliminate the virus.
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Prevent contact with sick or dead birds and other wildlife.
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Keep cats away from livestock, poultry, and their surroundings, especially in areas with known H5N1 outbreaks.
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Ensure meat is fully cooked before feeding; avoid raw meat-based diets or treats.
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Wash hands thoroughly after handling cats or coming into contact with poultry, livestock, or wild animals.
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If you feed birds or walk near bird feeders or poultry areas, disinfect or change shoes before entering your home.
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Keep cats indoors to reduce the risk of exposure to birds and other wildlife.
With inputs from agencies
