Bird virus is killing cats in Poland. General Veterinary Inspectorate releases test results

Reports of a mysterious disease killing cats across Poland started to appear last week. Information about the disease has been spread thanks to warning posts shared on social media by veterinarians, employees of animal shelters and foundations as well as breeders and private pet owners. A special investigative group was created on Facebook, which had approx. 4,300 members as of Monday afternoon.

Chief Veterinary Officer informed on Friday (June 23) that the influenza virus was causing the disease. At that stage of tests, however, it still was not confirmed that bird flu killed the cats. It was confirmed on Monday.

"The result of further tested samples taken from cats from Lublin and Poznań are now available," the General Veterinary Inspectorate (GIW) said in a statement.

"By 11 a.m. on June 26, the State Veterinary Institute in Puławy tested 11 samples, 9 of which proved positive for H5N1 influenza. The positive samples come from Poznań, Tricity, and Lublin. More detailed of the genetic material of the viruses are under way," GIW added.

Furthermore, the statement added that preliminary tests had ruled out the origin of the influenza virus which had caused disease in seagulls in recent weeks. "At the moment, it was not possible to determine the source of infections."

The inspectorate also said that it was working on a disease monitoring protocol that would help gather more detailed data regarding its course and incidence.

The General Veterinary Inspectorate advised cat owners follow all safety measures and not let their pets outside. Experts also urge owners not to allow their cats to have any contact with wild birds, to thoroughly disinfect their hands and shoes after coming home, and feed their animals with food from known sources.

The veterinary doctor and feature writer Dorota Sumińska commented on the issue in TVN24. She stressed bird flu viruses have been long present in the environment. "We are not certain if the death of dozens of cats was caused by a virus. We know that out of 11 samples, 9 were positive. We know too little to issue a diagnosis that a bird flu virus is killing cats," she added. "I hope that these are viruses present in the environment, so that at least some cats should know them. For sure there will be a large group of cats immune to this disease. We must wait for more detailed test results. Not to get crazy, just wait," Sumińska said.

"I would wait with conclusions and for more detailed and more substantial genetic tests. Only then will we be able to issue a diagnosis on the exact of cause of deaht of cats," Sumińska advised. She also urged veterinary clinics to send samples taken from cats whenever there is any uncertainty. "This will certainly help us to much quicker determine what caused the disease."

The veterinarian also urged cat owners not to panic. "Let's maintain hygiene standards," she said.

The disease has a severe course and it progresses very rapidly. The symptoms include high temperature, labored breathing and neurological disfunction. Animals in all age groups can be affected, including purebred and mixed-breed cats, both house and outdoor cats, vaccinated and not vaccinated.

"Animals die very quickly. Blood tests show increased liver parameters, thrombocytopenia. But those are very unspecific symptoms and we are unable to help them. ... We are trying to implement various treatment schemes, but, as of now, none of them has been effective," said Paulina Grzelakowska, director of the Tricity Veterinary Clinic in Gdańsk.