Bhopal, February 27, 2025 – In a first for India, domestic cats in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district have tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus. However, officials confirmed that their owners remain unaffected.
The virus was detected in three to four cats whose samples were sent to the ICAR-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal in January. Following the positive results, health authorities quarantined and monitored the owners, but all tested negative for the virus. While this ensures that human transmission has not yet been detected, experts remain cautious about potential risks.
Scientists from NIHSAD and the Union government’s animal husbandry department identified 27 mutations in the H5N1 strain affecting the cats. This raises concerns about the virus’s ability to adapt and potentially spread to humans. The study revealed that the infected cats succumbed to the virus within one to three days, showing symptoms such as high fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. The variant responsible, identified as 2.3.2.1a, has previously been found in birds.
Chhindwara borders Maharashtra’s Nagpur, where big cats have previously contracted avian flu. This geographic link has prompted officials to intensify surveillance in both states. Experts emphasize that while no human cases have been reported, continuous monitoring of poultry, wild birds, and mammals is crucial to understanding the virus’s evolving nature.
MP Animal Husbandry Director PS Patel assured the public that there is no immediate cause for panic. However, he confirmed that authorities are not lowering their guard and are conducting periodic sample testing to track the virus. Scientists stress that while the current cases are confined to animals, the situation underscores the importance of vigilance in preventing future outbreaks.
This development marks a critical moment in India’s battle against zoonotic diseases, as researchers closely monitor the virus’s evolution and its potential implications for public health.
