Experts Urge Inclusion of Pets in Disease Surveillance Amid Rising H5N1 Cases in Cats

Veterinarians, influenza researchers, and biosecurity specialists are raising alarms over the increasing prevalence of H5N1 avian influenza in domestic cats. The experts emphasize the urgent need to incorporate pets into global disease surveillance systems to better monitor potential transmission risks.

The call for action comes as cases of H5N1 infections among cats continue to climb, sparking concerns about the virus’s ability to spread between animals and potentially affect humans. While avian influenza has historically been associated with birds, recent developments highlight its capacity to infect companion animals like cats, underscoring gaps in current monitoring frameworks.

Experts argue that pets play a significant role in human-animal interactions and could serve as critical indicators for emerging zoonotic diseases. By including companion animals in disease tracking efforts, authorities can enhance early detection capabilities and mitigate risks before outbreaks escalate.

This growing concern aligns with broader discussions on improving biosecurity measures and adapting surveillance strategies to address evolving threats posed by infectious diseases. As H5N1 continues to impact diverse species, experts stress that proactive measures are essential for safeguarding both public health and animal welfare.

Date: March 4, 2025

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Author

Mark Chiang

Ph.D in Biomedical Informatics Head of AI at GeneOnline