Concerns about the bird flu evolving and infecting people were raised when the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh reported the first instances of avian influenza virus (H5N1) in domestic cats in India.

“H5N1 is classically an avian virus, but certain mutations allow it to replicate in mammalian hosts. This adaptability raises concerns because influenza viruses have the potential to trigger pandemics, as seen in past outbreaks like COVID-19," a scientist was quoted as saying by [italics] Times of India [end italics].

Notably, the cases were documented by scientists from ICAR-NIHSAD and the Union government’s animal husbandry department this January in Chhindwara, which borders Nagpur – where several big cats died of bird flu in December last year.

As per the study, these cases represent the first documented instances of the virus belonging to the 2.3.2.1a lineage, a variant of H5N1 that has caused outbreaks in poultry across India.

According to the reports, it was found that all infected cats exhibited symptoms such as high fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy before succumbing to the illness within one to three days after sample collection.

At least 27 mutations in the virus were identified in the cats. Following this, scientists called for enhanced surveillance in domestic poultry, wild birds, and mammals, including pets and humans, since the virus can jump between species.

Experts are raising concerns over the spread of the virus since it can be transmitted to and between humans. On the virus’s potential to cause a global outbreak, virologist Jacob John said, “H5N1 is new for humans. We do not have immunity against it. If human-to-human transmission becomes efficient, as an extension of the present pattern of mammalian transmission, it is going to be a concern."