Update on H5N1 in cats in Poland - July 17
NRI in Puławy received samples from 56 cats and 1 caracal (29 cats and 1 caracal tested positive).
The Jagiellonian University in Kraków received a sample from 1 cat, which tested positive.
AM Warsaw received a sample from 1 cat, which tested positive.
Scientists from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) examined 2 cats, both of which tested positive.
Overall, out of the 61 animals examined in Poland, 34 tested positive.
Epizootic investigations were carried out by the Veterinary Inspection for 31 animals with the consent of the owners (as of July 17, 2023). However, three individuals did not agree to share their personal data with the veterinary inspection. The collected data is currently being analyzed. Additionally, PIWET in Puławy conducted genetic sequencing studies on 19 samples, while 5 samples are still being studied. The analyses conducted indicate that the cats were infected with the H5N1 virus of Genotype CH. Previously, the CH genotype virus was detected in a white stork in early June in the Tarnów district (outbreak No. 119/2023). In the past week, the number of reported cases has significantly decreased compared to the initial stage, and fewer samples are being submitted for testing to NRI-NRI in Puławy.
