**Potential New Pathways for H5N1: Cats and Bird Flu Surveillance**

Experts urge increased monitoring of cats in light of new research indicating their potential role in the transmission of bird flu.

A recent study highlights the alarming possibility that domestic cats could become an unforeseen vector for the bird flu virus H5N1, raising concerns among public health officials. Since H5N1 began spreading among dairy cattle, it has led to the deaths of numerous cats, particularly those residing on infected farms. In addition, the virus has sickened over 60 individuals, most of whom had direct contact with infected livestock or birds, showcasing a concerning trend.

Currently, H5N1 does not transmit easily among humans, yet zoologists suggest that the virus may only need a few critical mutations to facilitate efficient human-to-human spread. At present, there is no direct evidence indicating that cats serve as a significant transmission route for H5N1 to humans. However, experts warn that should a cat become co-infected with both H5N1 and a seasonal flu strain, it could present a worrying scenario where the H5N1 virus mutates into a more transmissible strain.

In light of these findings, researchers, including veterinary microbiologist Dr. Suresh Kuchipudi from the University of Pittsburgh, stress the importance of enhancing bird flu surveillance in domestic cats, which frequently interact with both wildlife and human populations. Compounding the issue, limitations on testing for cows and people suspected to be infected have left experts uncertain about the full implications of the outbreak impacting dairy farms. In response to these ongoing challenges, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced plans to begin testing the national milk supply for potential H5N1 contamination, a necessary step to prevent a broader public health crisis.