Authorities in South Korea reported the death of 38 cats in the country’s shelters, two of which tested positive for the H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu. Faced with this situation, the Seoul government chose to quarantine the facilities that house these animals.
Avian flu is caused by the influenza A virus and has mainly affected birds in the past, but its detection in cats has raised concerns that other animals, including pets, may also be affected. A comprehensive investigation has been launched to determine the origin and spread of the disease in cats.
South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs mentioned that this is the first time the disease has been found in cats since 2016.
To date, there have been multiple reports of cats showing symptoms of avian influenza, such as fever, lethargy, difficulty breathing and loss of appetite. Unfortunately, a large number of these animals died from the infection.
Health department strongly advises pet owners Keep an eye on your cat’s health And watch out for any suspicious symptoms. If it is suspected that the cat may be infected, it is recommended to contact a veterinary clinic immediately for evaluation and diagnostic testing.
Within the framework of biosecurity, poultry farmers and pet owners are urged to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of H5N1 virus transmission. These measures include avoiding direct contact between birds and cats, Keep cats indoors and avoid wild or sick birds.
To date, South Korea has reported no cases of bird flu transmission from cats to humans.However, the authorities are taking aggressive measures to curb the spread of the disease Protect animal and human populations.
People are urged to stay informed through official channels and to follow the guidelines issued by health authorities to mitigate the risks associated with avian influenza in cats and to take necessary precautions to safeguard the health of pets and the community as a whole.