South Korea: H5N1 in cats
The South Korean agriculture ministry confirmed the identification of H5N1 avian influenza in two cats at a shelter in Seoul. The cats displayed symptoms of respiratory infection, leading to their testing and subsequent confirmation of H5N1. The shelter has been witnessing a concerning trend of one or two cat deaths daily since June. In response to these findings, the authorities at the shelter have taken necessary actions, and there is increased monitoring of individuals who had contact with the infected cats. So far, no symptoms have been observed in any of these contacts.
These recent cases in cats, following the unusual outbreak among Polish cats over a wide geographic area, raise concerns about the potential risk of transmission of the virus from pets to humans.
