February 27, 2025: For the first time in India, cases of avian influenza (H5N1) have been detected in domestic cats, raising serious concerns about the virus’s ability to mutate and infect mammals, including humans. The cases were reported from Chhindwara district in Madhya Pradesh, a region bordering Nagpur, where several big cats had succumbed to bird flu in December last year.

Scientists from the ICAR-NIHSAD and the Union government's animal husbandry department confirmed the infections during their surveillance in January. They identified the virus as belonging to the 2.3.2.1a lineage, a variant of H5N1 that has been responsible for multiple poultry outbreaks across India. This marks the first documented instance of this strain infecting domestic cats in the country.

The infected cats exhibited severe symptoms, including high fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Within one to three days of showing symptoms, all of them succumbed to the illness. Researchers also found 27 mutations in the virus strain detected in the felines, further fueling concerns about its adaptability.

Experts warn that while human infections with H5N1 remain rare, the virus’s ability to infect mammals indicates a potential risk of future transmission to humans. Virologist Jacob John emphasized the need for vigilance, stating that although human-to-human transmission is not yet efficient, ongoing mutations in the virus could eventually make it more contagious. He cautioned that since H5N1 is new to humans, there is no existing immunity against it, which could lead to a significant public health challenge if the virus adapts further.

Given the increasing risk, scientists are urging heightened surveillance across poultry farms, wild bird populations, and mammalian hosts, including pets and humans. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and advising the public, especially pet owners and poultry farmers, to report any unusual symptoms in animals to prevent further spread of the virus.