The study identified antibodies to the H5N1 avian influenza virus in domestic cats near dairy farms.
In a study published in the journal "Emerging Infectious Diseases", experts analyzed 73 serum samples from cats living near dairy farms in a region described as the epicenter of H5N1 outbreaks among cattle in California. Testing revealed the presence of antibodies in three animals, which accounted for 4.1% of the total sample size. Among cats living within a two-kilometer zone from the farms, the proportion of seropositive animals reached 25%.
An important feature of the study was the fact that two out of the three animals with detected antibodies were strictly indoor pets and had no access to the outdoors. Furthermore, none of the indoor cats in this group were fed raw meat or dairy products. The researchers note that since antibodies indicate a past immune response rather than an active infection, all tested cats were healthy at the time of sampling.
The results indicate that proximity to livestock facilities is a key risk factor, unlike diet. The authors of the study suggest that the virus could have entered homes via clothing, footwear, or equipment used by personnel working with infected animals. The distance to the nearest farm proved statistically significant: for animals with positive results, it averaged 1.34 kilometers, while for the others, it was 4.83 kilometers.
Experts emphasize that these findings do not establish the national level of seroprevalence among cats and do not prove the possibility of virus transmission between cats or from cats to humans. Nevertheless, pet owners working on dairy or poultry farms are advised to take precautionary measures, such as changing clothes and footwear before interacting with their pets. General recommendations to avoid feeding cats raw milk or meat also remain in effect. If animals show signs of neurological disorders, such as seizures, tremors, or coordination impairment, owners are advised to consult a veterinarian, necessarily reporting any possible contact with livestock animals.