Cats and avian flu news

Susceptibility of animal species to the H5N1 Asian strain
Joint statement by the OIE and the FAO
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The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and FAO confirm that
the animal species playing a role in the transmission and spread of
highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza virus are essentially domestic
and wild birds.

Although some 50 non-domestic bird species have proved susceptible to
infection with the virus, it would appear from the epidemiological
data currently available that, among the wild birds implicated in the
transboundary spread of the virus, aquatic birds play a major role.

Epidemiological findings and experimental studies have demonstrated
that some mammal species, particularly cats, may be susceptible to
the virus. However, from the data that have accumulated since the
start of the current avian influenza crisis (end of 2003), cats do
not appear to play any discernible role in the transmission of the
virus in the natural setting.

The OIE and the FAO can thus confirm the statement issued by the
World Health Organization (WHO) on 28 Feb 2006 that "there is no
present evidence that domestic cats can play a role in the
transmission cycle of H5N1 viruses".

Nevertheless, in view of the susceptibility of certain individuals of
this species, it is recommended that cats in infected zones and
surveillance zones set up around avian influenza outbreaks be kept indoors.

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