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Monika Z Ballmann1 
, Luca Bordes1 , Kim M Bouwman1 , Marc Y Engelsma1 , Sandra Venema-Kemper1 , Sylvia BE Pritz-Verschuren1 , Rene Heutink1 , Marit Roose1 , Marcel AH Spierenburg2 , Arco van der Spek2 , Hendrik IJ Roest3 , Evelien A Germeraad1
Abstract
In December 2025, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b genotype DI.2.1 virus was detected in a cat living on a dairy cattle farm. Milk and serum samples from the dairy cattle were tested for avian influenza virus. No viral RNA was detected; however, H5N1-specific antibodies were identified in serum samples from 34 (47.2%) of 72 lactating dairy cows and 24 (63.2%) of 38 youngstock. These demonstrate expansion of the mammalian host range of HPAI H5N1 in Europe.
, Luca Bordes1 , Kim M Bouwman1 , Marc Y Engelsma1 , Sandra Venema-Kemper1 , Sylvia BE Pritz-Verschuren1 , Rene Heutink1 , Marit Roose1 , Marcel AH Spierenburg2 , Arco van der Spek2 , Hendrik IJ Roest3 , Evelien A Germeraad1 Abstract
In December 2025, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b genotype DI.2.1 virus was detected in a cat living on a dairy cattle farm. Milk and serum samples from the dairy cattle were tested for avian influenza virus. No viral RNA was detected; however, H5N1-specific antibodies were identified in serum samples from 34 (47.2%) of 72 lactating dairy cows and 24 (63.2%) of 38 youngstock. These demonstrate expansion of the mammalian host range of HPAI H5N1 in Europe.