Poland - Media Reports Of Unusual Cat Deaths - June 21, 2023 - reportedly "influenza", ECDC RIsk Assessment & OFFLU Statement - Food Chain Concerns -

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google​

Avian influenza A/H5N1 in cats. Prof. Pyrć: worried that there are numerous infections among animals that accompany humans

EWA KURZYŃSKA SPOKE published: today, 01-07-2023, 11:36

A/H5N1 in cats in Poland: "We have made the first sequence of the virus public and we are currently making efforts to characterize it as soon as possible" - says in an interview for "Puls Medycyny" prof. Krzysztof Pyrć, virologist, leader of the Virology Laboratory at the Małopolska Center of Biotechnology of the Jagiellonian University.

Will A/H5N1, isolated from cats in Poland, be sequenced and checked for possible mutations and their significance for the potential transmission or virulence of the virus?

We have already made the first sequence of the virus public and we are currently making efforts to characterize it as soon as possible. We work together with colleagues from Gdańsk - dr. hab. Maciej Grzybek and Dr. Łukasz Rąbalski. This significantly increases efficiency, especially since our experiences are complementary.

Since when is avian influenza A/H5N1 a threat?

It's been over 23 years, because this virus was identified at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. Even then we realized that influenza A/H5N1 could be a problem. Until recently, it was seen as a potential danger that was worrying, but after so long, it was no longer of concern. Why? The range of occurrence of influenza A/H5N1 has long been limited: it appeared either in very small outbreaks or isolated cases. In the fall of 2021, however, something changed. The virus began to spread much better between birds, which resulted in the spread of influenza A/H5N1 worldwide. As a result, we have been dealing with a pandemic among birds for almost 2 years. Information about this reached a wider audience through images of dead wild birds and stories about the liquidation of infected poultry farms.

The good news is that influenza A/H5N1 has poor transmission between mammals, and the bad news is that it causes deadly disease in many species. There are constantly reports that there are infections among wild animals in Europe, e.g. foxes. In March this year, it was reported that sea lions in South America were dying en masse due to A/H5N1. Thousands of deaths have been recorded among these animals. These wild animal infections have been worrying, but another factor has emerged - mammal-to-mammal transmission is on the rise. In the fall of 2022, mink infections were reported in Spain, where infection of the herd and transmission between them took place. This may mean that the virus has started to evolve and is gaining the ability to be more transmissible between mammals.

So this virus is becoming more transmissible?

Not yet, but there are signs that this may happen. Nobody wants a "repeat of entertainment" from the last three years, when a new, dangerous respiratory virus appeared and paralyzed reality. However, I have the impression that we are all so tired of the topic of COVID that we are reluctant to hear about another potential threat.

What is happening now in cats is a consequence of the events of the last 20 years. It is worrying that for the first time there are numerous infections among animals that accompany humans. Because while we do not hug sea lions, we do not have close contact with them, in the case of cats this close contact is guaranteed. At the same time, I want to make it clear that the risk is not high, but also not zero; it's worth keeping common sense.

How can cats get avian flu?

This is currently the most important task for veterinary services to determine the transmission routes of the virus. It needs to be identified for several reasons. Firstly, to minimize the number of sick cats and limit the evolution of the virus, but also to check that humans cannot fall victim to the same source.

There are several possibilities. Or cats get infected directly from birds, which is relatively unlikely, considering that cats who did not leave the house at all were also affected. The A/H5N1 virus can be transmitted through contact, i.e. in the mud that we bring into the house, there can be feces of sick animals. Then the fecal-oral route of infection is possible. A third possibility is that the source of the virus was food, possibly contaminated feed, such as meat.

Heat treatment of meat or eggs effectively kills the virus we are talking about?

Yes. This is a virus that is relatively sensitive to external factors, just like the coronavirus. It is an RNA virus, i.e. its genetic material is in the form of less stable nucleic acid. In addition, it is an enveloped virus, which means that it is covered with a protein-lipid membrane that is sensitive to detergents, but also to chemical and physical factors. All this makes influenza viruses easy to neutralize with simple methods. In the case of meat, heat treatment is effective. I would like to make it clear here that we should behave adequately to the situation and not fall into paranoia. Let's wash our hands if the pet is sick or we are dealing with raw meat, but let's not spill hectoliters of disinfectants on ourselves.

Do we have the tools to fight the A/H5N1 virus should it appear in humans?

Here, the situation is favorable because in the case of influenza virus, diagnostic tests are available, even quick ones. Second, there is a targeted vaccine that should theoretically work. Third, there are antivirals that should work. Why am I repeating the word "should" several times? Because the flu virus changes very quickly. And if someone thinks that SARS-CoV-2 mutated quickly, that it was impossible to keep up with it, the flu virus in this competition wins with it in the pre-runs. The rate of evolution of the influenza virus is much faster. We see this very clearly every year when attention is drawn to use the vaccine for the season, because last year's vaccine may not be effective. It can be assumed that the vaccine that was developed against influenza A/H5N1 many years ago may be ineffective. Second, we don't have enough that everyone should be vaccinated immediately if necessary. New preparations will not be manufactured and delivered overnight. The technology and concept of a vaccine against influenza, including avian influenza, is ready. However, it is necessary to start production and test whether the vaccine works. It needs time. As for diagnostic tests, the principle is the same. Yes, we have them, but you need to verify whether they are effective in a given season, with certain types of virus. The variability of nature is so great that they can lose sensitivity or selectivity. As for diagnostic tests, the principle is the same. Yes, we have them, but you need to verify whether they are effective in a given season, with certain types of virus. The variability of nature is so great that they can lose sensitivity or selectivity. As for diagnostic tests, the principle is the same. Yes, we have them, but you need to verify whether they are effective in a given season, with certain types of virus. The variability of nature is so great that they can lose sensitivity or selectivity.

When it comes to drugs, the situation is again similar. In general, influenza A/H5N1 viruses are susceptible to treatment with oseltamivir, but we cannot assume that future strains will be 100 percent. susceptible and drug-resistant strains will not emerge. At this point, I want to emphasize that drugs that are harmless in humans can kill an animal. And as far as I know, anti-flu drugs have not been tested in cats, they are not registered and should not be given to these animals without consulting a veterinarian.

What is the course of bird flu in humans?

The original bird flu virus, which has been around for more than 20 years, causes human disease with a mortality rate of 60%. But this virus has changed, it has started to transmit better among birds. If it comes to a situation where it gains the ability to move between people, it has to change again. Probably, as was the case with the omicron, the A/H5N1 virus would then have to gain the ability to multiply better in the upper parts of the respiratory tract, which will most likely lead to a worse performance in the lower respiratory tract, i.e. the lungs. And let's hope this death rate continues to decline. However, it must also be assumed that even if A/H5N1 gets better, it will still cause a very dangerous, severe disease.

Can this virus cause a pandemic among humans?

If we have a virus pandemic among animals that can be transmitted to humans, then unfortunately it has the potential to cause a pandemic among humans as well. The only question is when and how seriously it threatens us.
...


https://pulsmedycyny.pl/ptasia-gryp...zwierzat-ktore-towarzysza-czlowiekowi-1189517

 

[Michael Coston]

Poland's National Veterinary Institute Genome Sequence Analysis Of H5N1 Viruses Detected In Cats

#17,527

After a weekend offering little official news, this morning we have a brief, initial analysis of the H5N1 virus that has been detected in sick and dying cats in numerous cities across poland for the past 2 weeks.

This report finds the (n=9) viruses sampled thus far are closely related, have previously appeared in poultry and wild birds in Poland, all belong to genotype CH, and are most closely related to a sample detected in a White Stork in June.​

Missing from this report is any mention of amino acid changes (mutations) that might signal increased adaptation to mammals. Something that has been reported in other feline infections (see EID Journal: HPAI A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus in Domestic Cat, France, 2022).

This possibility was mentioned in last Friday's ECDC Risk Assessment (see excerpt below).

Media sources from Poland cite the director of the National Veterinary Institute in Puławy stating that "they have detected two mutations that indicate that the A(H5N1) virus is evolving to multiply more easily in mammals".​

I expect we'll get a more detailed analysis in the next couple of days. In the meantime, while a single source has been implicated, it still isn't clear how both indoor and outdoor cats from across a wide swath of Poland are contracting the virus.

The translated Statement follows.

Results of genome sequence analysis of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses, H5N1 subtype, detected in nine cats from Poznań, Tri-City and Lublin

All analyzed feline viruses are very closely related to each other and, according to the nomenclature used by the EU Reference Laboratory (EURL) in Padua, belong to the CH genotype. This genotype dominated at the peak of the current avian influenza season (2022/23) and was found mainly in poultry in the province of Wielkopolska, as well as in wild birds in various regions of the country. Recently, a virus belonging to the CH genotype was detected in a white stork at the beginning of June in the Tarnów district (outbreak No. 119/2023) and it is to it that the strains derived from cats are most closely related.


This indicates that the feline H5N1 avian influenza viruses analyzed so far originate from a single, unidentified source, related to the H5N1 viruses circulating in wild birds in recent weeks in Poland. In addition,National Veterinary Institute - National Research Institute cooperates with EURL, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in the field of more detailed molecular analysis of detected viruses and assessment of zoonotic potential.​

​

 

[sharon sanders]

Krzysztof Pyrc

@k_pyrc
7 nowych sekwencji H5N1 od chorych kotów z Państwowego Instytutu Weterynaryjnego w Puławach. Świetna robota
@PIWet_PIB
& gratulacje dla zespołu! Na szybko - wszystkie sekwencje prawie identyczne - włączając w to naszą, co sugeruje jedno źródło zakażenia.
@rabalski
@GrzybekMaciej
Dla osób w temacie - sekwencje można ściągnąć z GISAID https://gisaid.org, gdzie znajdują się pod numerami: EPI_ISL_17951056, EPI_ISL_17951055, EPI_ISL_17951054, EPI_ISL_17951053, EPI_ISL_17951052, EPI_ISL_17951051, EPI_ISL_17950995


Translated from Polish by
7 new H5N1 sequences from sick cats from the National Veterinary Institute in Puławy. Great job
@PIWet_PIB
& congratulations to the team! Quickly - all sequences are almost identical - including ours, suggesting a single source of infection.
@rabalski
@GrzybekMaciej
For those interested in the topic - sequences can be downloaded from GISAID https://gisaid.org , where they can be found under the numbers: EPI_ISL_17951056, EPI_ISL_17951055, EPI_ISL_17951054, EPI_ISL_17951053, EPI_ISL_17951052, EPI_ISL_17951051, EPI_IS L_17950995​

 

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google

Can a dog get cat disease? We asked the vet

David Piatkowski
2023-07-02
15:15

Cat flu attacks. Many shelters, clinics and veterinarians have already informed about the threat on social media. A mysterious disease - probably caused by a mutation of bird flu - affecting cats is supposed to be harmless to humans. But what about other animals? Can the virus spread to dogs? Our readers ask. We asked the vets. Details below.
...
We managed to talk to one of Bydgoszcz veterinarians. As we heard, the National Veterinary Institute in Puławy is still conducting research on the disease of cats. To date, no cases of infection in dogs have been reported. We obtained the same information from another veterinary clinic in the province of Kuyavian-Pomeranian.

- Yesterday we had another meeting on this matter in our hospital, during which the subject of cat disease was discussed. The current situation was discussed. It said there have been no cases or reports of transmission from cat to dog at this time. We are constantly monitoring and controlling the situation. Both us in the clinic and state authorities - says Rafał Kwiatkowski, manager of one of the veterinary clinics.
...
This is also confirmed by specific cases. As the reader informed us - the disease was caught by her neighbor's cat from Osowa Góra in Bydgoszcz. The pet died. There was also a dog in the house. Nothing happened to him.

A similar situation took place in one of the towns in the Wielkopolskie Voivodship. In a detached house, all the cats died of the disease, and there were several of them. The family also has two dogs. They are safe.

https://www.eska.pl/bydgoszcz/czy-p...smy-weterynarza-30-06-aa-tu7s-RAf9-KRFg.html​

 

[tetano]

This is the most likely way cats become infected with avian flu


In theory, the H5N1 virus can infect cats by droplet or ingestion. The latter is definitely more likely. Animals can become infected as a result of eating wild bird meat, raw poultry meat served at home, but also by licking the faeces of infected birds, says Dr. Piotr Rzymski from the Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, professor of this university.

In an interview with PAP, the scientist commented on the growing number of bird flu cases among cats living in Poland. At the beginning of the week, the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate announced that the H5N1 influenza virus was detected in samples taken from cats suffering from a 'mysterious disease'. This is an unusual situation because, as the expert emphasized, it was very rare in the past to infect cats with avian influenza viruses.

According to Dr. Cats are particularly at risk of H5N1 infection during the three-year epidemic in Europe, due to the fact that they often come into contact with bird meat. Outgoing and free-living individuals often hunt birds, and besides, many owners feed their animals with raw food, also based on bird meat.

“Infection can occur both through the consumption of wild birds, which are hunted by cats that are freely released outside the house, and poultry, which are obtained by animals fed with raw meat or looking for food leftovers in garbage cans. In addition, H5N1 is excreted with faeces, so contact with them can also lead to infection' - says the professor of UMP.

The expert emphasizes that for now there is no possibility of transmission of the virus from a cat to another cat, dog or human. “We have cases of infection in various places in Poland. So they are all independent introductions; there is no proven case of an infected cat spreading the virus further. These animals became infected independently of each other, but probably from a common source, given that we are talking about cases that occurred over a short period of time,” he explains.

In his opinion, it is important to determine as soon as possible whether the source is wild or farmed birds. 'The H5N1 virus can occur in both of them' - explains the scientist. 'Clarification of this issue is extremely important to slow the emergence of new cases and limit further risks to public health.'

'The information provided by the Department of Poultry Diseases of the National Veterinary Institute in Puławy shows that among the infected cats there are both pets: those leaving and those living only at home, as well as free-living. This, of course, complicates the determination of the cause' - says Dr. Rzymski.

“A detailed history of cats with confirmed H5N1 infection is also extremely important. Determining whether it is a free-roaming cat, going only to the garden, or staying only in the house. Determining what the sick cat has eaten recently, whether it was raw poultry meat or perhaps a dead bird. If there are any remnants of such food, it would be good to examine them. We know that the veterinary services are conducting an epidemiological investigation. We are waiting for new information' - concludes the scientist.

https://wmeritum.pl/koty-ptasia-grypa/400460

 

[tetano]

Bird flu in poultry meat from shops to dying cats

Poultry meat can be a source of the bird flu virus, which has recently affected and died many cats in Poland. - Our results show the presence of the virus in one of the five delivered meat samples that sick cats received. At the moment, we are unable to say where it came from in the meat and whether it was the source of infection in cats or whether it got there from sick animals. However, taking into account the risk associated with the transmission of the virus not only to animals, but also to humans, it is certainly a lead that requires a thorough check. This is a task for veterinary services and sanitary supervision - said in an interview with 'GW' virologist Prof. Krzysztof Pyrć, whose team dealt with meat testing.

As the expert explained, 'the H5N1 virus is poorly transmitted between mammals, so the risk of infection directly from cats is practically impossible'. 'To become infected, a person would have to eat raw or undercooked meat. But it can also pass to a human who touches meat with his bare hand. - The disease in humans can be extremely severe, and in the last 20 years, more than half of the more than 800 infected people have died,' the scientist explained in an interview with 'Wyborca'.​

https://www.tokfm.pl/Tokfm/7,103085...asia-grypa-w-miesie-drobiowym-ze-sklepow.html

 

[Michael Coston]

Poland: Concerns Over The Possibility Of H5N1 In The Food Chain


Credit Rosselkhoznadzor




#17,529

It's been nearly two weeks since the first reports of sick and dying cats in Poland began to emerge - and while initially it was assumed that cats were coming in contact with the virus from predation of birds, or from environmental exposures - we've seen reports of indoor cats from several cities testing positive as well.

Yesterday's announcement (see Poland's National Veterinary Institute Genome Sequence Analysis Of H5N1 Viruses Detected In Cats), stated early testing has suggested that the feline H5N1 avian influenza viruses analyzed so far originate from a single, unidentified source.​

While there may be more than one route of infection, with dozens of indoor and outdoor cats affected, H5N1 contamination from raw poultry has to be considered. For the past 20 years we've seen multiple outbreaks in zoos around the world which have fed large cats (tigers, lions, etc.) contaminated raw poultry.

This, of course, shouldn't happen in Europe, where there are strict laws to prevent the entry of H5N1 contaminated poultry into the food chain. But of course, no system is foolproof.​

Overnight the Polish press has embraced this new possibility as practically confirmed (see here, here, and here), igniting a firestorm in the poultry industry, raising public concern, and earning a rebuke from leading scientists.

To be clear, as of now the possibility has neither been confirmed or ruled out.​

We can get some badly needed clarity from the following joint statement, posted on Twitter, by Virologists Krzysztof Pyrć, Maciej Grzybek & Łukasz Rąbalski. I'll have more after the break.

Statement.​

Ladies and Gentlemen, in tomorrow's Gazeta Wyborcza @gazeta_wyborcza An article based in part on our work is to be published. Since the text contains an over-interpretation of the results of our research , which distorts the meaning of the results obtained and can lead to panic and losses, both economic and image-related, today we decided to make our position public and present the actual interpretation of the data . Sincerely, Krzysztof Pyrć, Maciej Grzybek, Łukasz Rąbalski
@GrzybekMaciej @rabalski

Possible transmission paths of the H5N1 virus. With regard to the transmission of influenza A H5N1 virus from birds to domestic cats, an assessment of the situation has shown that food is one of the likely routes of transmission of the pathogen. This is indicated by: (a) the sudden appearance of the virus in indoor and outdoor cats in different parts of the country; (b) no outbreaks of infection with cat-to-cat transmission; (c) analysis of the genome sequence of the virus collected from the cat showed no drastic changes compared to the reference sequences, suggesting the emergence of a new strain of influenza virus that effectively infects cats; (d)the sequence similarity of viruses that have been isolated from cats in different parts of Poland is very high, which suggests a single source of infection; (e) discussions with cat owners have suggested raw meat may be the source.​

To test this theory initially, we asked the owners of affected cats to submit samples of the meat they ate. As a result, we received five meat samples for testing and conducted molecular tests for the presence of the virus. The analysis showed that one of the 5 samples contained the virus. Further analysis showed that the meat contains not only the genetic material of the virus, but also the infectious virus – we were able to isolate the virus in cell cultures.While it cannot be ruled out that the virus found its way into the meat samples later, or even the meat was contaminated by the owners with the virus developing in the cat's body, it is also possible that the raw meat was the source of infection.​

It would not be surprising, because already in 2007, a case of contamination of frozen duck meat with the H5N1 virus was reported [1] which caused outbreaks of the disease in Germany. In view of the above, it seems reasonable to appeal to the veterinary services and sanitary inspection to examine the meat available in Poland and consider including meat testing for H5N1 influenza. This is crucial not only because of cats, but also because this virus is a threat to human life. In addition, the Polish poultry industry accounts for almost 20% of the EU market, and the estimated value of meat exports is over EUR 3 billion. It is worth imagining the consequences for this sector of the economy, if it actually turned out that contaminated meat ended up in France, Italy or Germany. The research is conducted by three teams led by prof. dr hab. Krzysztof Pyrć, dr hab. Maciej Grzybek and Dr. Łukasz Rąbalski. [1] Harder TC, Teuffert J, Starick E, et al. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (H5N1) in Frozen Duck Carcasses, Germany, 2007. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2009;15(2):272-279. doi:10.3201/eid1502.080949.​

Long time readers may recall that in 2017 tons of H5N8 contaminated poultry products were shipped from a single infected turkey farm in the Rostov region of Russia sparking a massive months-long operation to remove potentially tainted products from their food chain.

A few blogs on that incident include:

Rosselkhoznador Investigation Into HPAI Contaminated Meat Distribution & Sale

Rosselkhoznador: HPAI Contaminated Poultry Shipped To At Least 9 Regions Of Russia

Russia: Rosselkhoznadzor Finds More HPAI Contaminated Meat In Retail Stores​

The following year (2018) an outbreak of avian H5N8 led Bulgaria To Recall 1 Million Eggs Due To HPAI H5N8. Despite the theoretical risk of human infection, and the likelihood that many of these poultry products were consumed, no human infections were reported after these events.

We've also seen contaminated chicken sold in shops in Hong Kong (see Hong Kong FEHD Finds Another Shop Selling H5 Contaminated Poultry), and many outbreaks of H5 and H7 avian flu have been traced to wet markets in Asia.

Since there have been human infections with H5 viruses reported following the slaughter, preparation, or consumption of poultry in Asia - and there are studies suggesting that H5 viruses can remain viable in frozen meat for months (see Appl Environ Microbiol: Survival of HPAI H5N1 In Infected Poultry Tissues) - contamination of the food supply is a plausible, albeit uncommon, route of infection.​

Poland's National Poultry Council has angrily denounced the media reports (see excerpt below):

NATIONAL POULTRY COUNCIL CHAMBER OF Commerce

Warsaw, July 4, 2023​

STATEMENT

In connection with the publication by Gazeta Wyborcza of a material containing a number of unverified and unconfirmed information, from which even the authors of the research quoted in the text distance themselves:

1. We demand that you stop publishing information that is not reflected in the official announcements of state services. Current scientific knowledge does not allow for an unambiguous link between fed poultry meat and the occurrence of H5N1 avian influenza in domestic cats. The previous announcements of the Chief Veterinary Officer and the National Veterinary Institute - National Research Institute in Puławy indicate that at the moment the source of infection has not been determined;​

(Continue . . . )


We'll need more facts before this can be sorted out. Food chain contamination remains a plausible explanation, but that doesn't necessarily make it the right (or only) explanation.

Stay tuned.



​https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2023/07/poland-concerns-over-possibility-of.html

 

[Pathfinder]

Hat tip to tetano and Michael Coston for providing the link to this article :

Translation Google

"Gazeta Wyborcza": Avian flu in poultry meat from shops and dying cats

ed. AS tokfm.pl
04/07/2023 08:06

"Scientists from Kraków and Gdańsk have detected the bird flu virus H5N1, which is dangerous to humans, in a sample of poultry meat. Most likely, we would not have learned anything if not for the fatal cases among cats" - reported "Gazeta Wyborcza".
...
Bird flu kills cats. Infected meat

The research results of scientists from Krakow have been confirmed by a certified laboratory in Gdańsk . The Sanepid and the Veterinary Inspection were notified of the results. It is these institutions that can determine how the infected meat ended up in stores.

"The sample that showed the presence of the H5N1 virus belongs to Mrs. Magda (data for the editors). She lives in Chełmek (Lesser Poland Voivodeship), and she bought the chicken breast meat she gave the cat on June 9 in one of the stores of a large chain. She has preserved receipts - she bought two packages. The samples from each of them showed the virus. Lynx - Mrs. Magda's cat - was one of the first cats to die. On June 15, she was given raw breast for dinner. On June 17, the first symptoms occurred: the cat was drowsy and had no The next day, the owner went to the vet, who suspected a cold, "we read.

The day after the visit to the vet, the cat "began to lose her balance, fell off the chair, her hind legs were paralyzed, she stopped walking and eating completely". The doctors admitted that they did not know what was happening to the animal. "Then epileptic attacks began one after another. An antibiotic, a steroid did not help. Finally, there was nystagmus, loss of consciousness. At the end of her life, she was no longer able to swallow water. Rysia died on June 22 to 23," he says in an interview with "GW "Cat owner.
...
The daily reminds that Poland is a leader in poultry production in the EU. Meat from Poland accounts for nearly 20 percent. the EU market, and "the value of meat exports is over EUR 3 billion". - We can pretend that nothing is happening, but imagine the consequences of detecting the virus in such meat if some research institute outside Poland did it. Not only for health, but also for an important sector of the economy, it would be devastating - said prof. Pyrć in an interview with "Gazeta Wyborcza".

https://www.tokfm.pl/Tokfm/7,103085...asia-grypa-w-miesie-drobiowym-ze-sklepow.html
​

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://swiatrolnika.info/informacje/zwiazek-polskie-mieso-uspokaja-polski-drob-jest-bezpieczny.html

05-07-2023
Author: Farmer's World
The Polish Meat Association reassures: Polish poultry is safe

In the published statement, the Polish Meat Association referred to media publications on the transmission of the H5N1 virus to domestic cats.

As emphasized by the Association, so far no confirmations have been presented from authorized state services or scientists investigating this issue, which would clearly indicate poultry meat as a source of infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus in domestic cats.
The Polish Meat Association reacts to reports from Gazeta Wyborcza

In a statement, the Polish Meat Association referred to media publications that appeared on July 4, 2023 on the transmission of the H5N1 virus to domestic cats.

“We would like to emphasize that this information has not been confirmed by the research results published so far by the institutions authorized to do so. It is also worth noting that Prof. Krzysztof Pyrć, who is quoted in the Gazeta Wyborcza article, definitely distanced himself from this material. In his statement, he pointed out that the newspaper used an over-interpretation that presents the results of his team's research in a distorted way, causing unnecessary panic in society and potential image and economic damage.

The latest communiqué of the National Veterinary Institute - National Research Institute in Puławy points out:

“Recently, a virus belonging to the CH genotype was detected in a white stork in early June in the Tarnów district (outbreak No. 119/2023) and it is to it that the feline strains are most closely related. This indicates that the H5N1 avian influenza viruses from cats analyzed so far originate from a single, unidentified source, related to the H5N1 viruses circulating in wild birds in recent weeks in Poland.

The Chief Veterinary Inspectorate assures on its website that there is no risk of consumers becoming infected with avian influenza through the consumption of poultry meat and its products.

“It should be emphasized that the studies described in the press publications were carried out on samples taken by cat owners, without maintaining the standards necessary to obtain reliable results. According to prof. Krzysztof Pyrć, it cannot be ruled out that the virus was found in meat samples later or even the meat was contaminated by the owners with the virus developing in the cat's body.
ZPM: Polish poultry is safe

The Polish Meat Association emphasized that, like every institution operating in the industry, it is deeply involved in a reliable explanation of this situation.

“Our priority has always been the health of consumers and maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality in our industry. However, as one of the representatives of the largest poultry meat producer in Europe (the Polish poultry industry accounts for almost 20% of the European market, and the estimated value of meat exports is over EUR 4.7 billion), we cannot accept the dissemination of unverified, unreliable and scientifically unconfirmed information and opinions public,” the union said in a statement.

He also assured that Polish poultry meat is safe, thanks to maintaining high production standards at every stage and under constant supervision of authorized state institutions.​

 

[Michael Coston]

Poland : Ministry of Agriculture Statement On H5N1 & Food Safety

#17,530

Yesterday, in Poland: Concerns Over The Possibility Of H5N1 In The Food Chain, we looked at the possibility (unproven, as yet) that H5N1 has entered the food chain and that it may have infected some of the `indoor' cats recently sickened or killed by H5N1 across Poland.

Some media have represented this hypothesis as established fact, which has been refuted by the Polish National Poultry Council, and criticized as `premature' by leading scientists.​

The economic stakes here are enormous, as the poultry production in Poland is a multi-billion dollar industry, with 20% of their earnings coming from exports (mainly to EU nations). The government, and poultry industry, are understandably quick to react to any suggestion their products are unsafe.

While the jury is still out on whether H5N1 has actually entered the food chain, today Poland's Ministry of Agriculture held a press conference where they vigorously defended the safety of their poultry (excepts below).​

So far, the following statement only appears on the Polish language version of the MOA website. The following is a machine translation. I'll have more after the break.

Polish poultry is safe​

05.07.2023​

– There is no risk to consumers. Polish poultry is safe - stressed today Undersecretary of State Krzysztof Ciecióra

Conference participants pointed out that there is no risk to consumers. They emphasized that meat, especially poultry, is not eaten raw, and heat-treated is even safer.
Dangerous theses in a press article

Today, the Ministry of Agriculture held a special press conference devoted to H5N1 virus infections in cats, which was also attended by the chief veterinarian Paweł Niemczuk, director of the National Veterinary Institute - National Research Institute in Puławy, professor Stanisław Winiarczyk and the president of the Polish Meat Association Witold Choiński.

– The information given in the press article that the bird flu virus is found in raw poultry meat is absolutely unproven. No research confirms this. These are overinterpretations and manipulations made by the editors of Gazeta Wyborcza, the deputy minister firmly stated.

The undersecretary of state pointed out that the publication of the article hits the Polish poultry sector, which is the best in Europe. This is evidenced, among others, by the value of exports in the amount of EUR 3.2 billion.

– It is therefore not surprising that in various ways attempts are being made to undermine trust in this very important sector of our economy. This awakens our strong reactions and we will fight for the good name of our farmers, who make every effort to ensure that the quality of food is at the highest level. And that's who she is, said the deputy minister.

Statement by Professor Krzysztof Pyrć

Professor Krzysztof Pyrć from the Virology Laboratory at the Małopolska Center of Biotechnology, whose research the authors of the article referred to, sent a statement.

– A press material has been published which suggests that the results of research conducted by our scientific teams have shown that cats have been infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus in recent weeks through contaminated meat from Polish poultry. This is not true. We didn't prove it,' emphasized the professor.

PIWET position

Director of the National Veterinary Institute - National Research Institute in Puławy, Professor Stanisław Winiarczyk pointed out that only this institution, as the only one in Poland, has the status of a reference laboratory, accredited by the European laboratory in Padua. He also noted that none of the owners of a cat infected with the H5N1 virus became ill.

- Out of a thousand known cases of H5N1 virus in humans in the world, not a single case came from a cat - emphasized the professor.

GVI position

Chief veterinarian Paweł Niemczuk emphasized that only healthy meat can be placed on the market. He reminded that each time the meat is inspected before and after the slaughter.

The position of the Polish Meat Association

The president of the Polish Meat Association, Witold Choiński, appealed to media representatives for greater responsibility for their words. He pointed out that the Polish poultry sector occupies a very high position in Europe and in the world. Poland is the first poultry producer in Europe and the fourth in the world.

– This is the result of the hard work of the entire sector and it cannot be wasted – added President Choiński.
​​

A lot of this is obvious damage control, and while some of their assurances are pretty thin, the point remains that HPAI H5 has not yet been proven to have spread via the food chain in Poland.

As we saw yesterday, it has happened in other countries before (see here, here, and here), making it imperative that a full and immediate investigation be conducted.​

And it even happened in Poland, back in December of 2007. A story I covered nearly 16 years ago in a blog called `And This Little Virus Went To Market . . .', and that was also reported by CIDRAP (see H5N1 hits turkeys in Poland; stores sold tainted meat).

Whether it has happened again remains to be seen. But regardless, the spillover of H5N1 to cats in Poland should be a wake up call.​

H5N1 marches on.

https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2023/07/poland-ministry-of-agriculture.html
​
​

​

 

[tetano]

The ministry responds to media reports


We are in no danger. Information about the bird flu virus in poultry meat is untrue, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Krzysztof Ciecióra assured today, referring to media reports that the virus detected in raw meat was responsible for the recent cases of cat deaths.

- We are the largest poultry producer in Europe. We export poultry worldwide with great success. Polish plants producing poultry, processing poultry are the most modern in Europe - said Deputy Minister of Agriculture Krzysztof Ciecióra during the press conference.

It indicated that 20 percent of poultry meat production in Europe belongs to the Polish sector, and Polish poultry processing plants are the most modern in Europe.

According to him, 'we are not in any danger'.

- Information about the bird flu virus in poultry meat is untrue, no research confirms it. The media reports are misleading

- informed the deputy minister of agriculture.

- We will fight for the good name of our farmers, who make every effort to ensure that the quality of this food is at the highest level - assured the deputy minister.

During the conference, the recording of the virologist, prof. Laboratory of Virology at the Małopolska Center of Biotechnology of the Jagiellonian University Krzysztof Pyrć, in which he pointed out that the research has not shown that cats have been infected with the bird flu virus in recent weeks through infected meat from Polish poultry.​

https://filarybiznesu.pl/h5n1-ministerstwo-odpowiada-na-doniesienia-mediow/a21093

 

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google

Prof. Pyrć: We have not demonstrated that cats are infected with the H5N1 virus from Polish poultry

EH, ME 07/05/2023, 10:49 |update: 11:17

In the studies, we have not shown that cats have been infected with the bird flu virus in recent weeks through infected meat from Polish poultry, virologist Prof. Laboratory of Virology at the Małopolska Center of Biotechnology of the Jagiellonian University Krzysztof Pyrć.

– A press material has been published which suggests that the results of research conducted by our scientific teams have shown that cats have been infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus in recent weeks through contaminated meat from Polish poultry. I wanted to say that this is not true, we have not proven it - said prof. Pyrć from the reproduced recording during Wednesday's press conference at the Ministry of Agriculture.

He added that only one of the five food samples that have been tested has been shown to contain both nucleic acid and infectious H5N1 virus.

However, this does not mean that the poultry was the source of the infection. However, it actually indicates that this path should be very well examined by the relevant services, so as to ensure not only safety for animals and people in Poland, but also safety for the poultry industry, so as to avoid both image and economic losses in the future he stressed.

https://www.tvp.info/71061209/ptasi...-zakazaja-sie-wirusem-h5n1-z-polskiego-drobiu
​

 

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google​

Avian flu in cats. Prof. Krzysztof Pyrć: The risk of human infection from a cat is not zero

The data we have from the previous twenty-odd years speak of the mortality rate of people infected with avian flu at the level of 60%. - said in an interview with Jacek Nizinkiewicz, prof. Krzysztof Pyrć, a virologist from the Małopolska Center of Biotechnology of the Jagiellonian University.

Publication: 07/06/2023 09:26

- Avian flu is spreading all over the world, fortunately among birds for the time being. For two years we have had quite a big problem among these animals - said Prof. Pyrć when asked if we are currently facing an epidemic of bird flu.

Avian flu - do people have anything to be afraid of?
Is bird flu dangerous to humans?

"If we get infected, it's quite dangerous." The data we have from the previous twenty-odd years speaks of a mortality rate of 60%. But there is also good news - it is very difficult to get infected - explained the virologist.
...
"Fortunately, we don't have that effective cat-to-cat transmission yet, that would be bad news." On the other hand, a dozen or possibly several dozen cases of feline infections have been found. However, all the time, everything indicates that cats do not infect each other, so we cannot talk about cat flu in any way. They just get infected from birds, he said.
...
- Avian flu is not a problem for us, because it is a virus that feels great at higher temperatures, such as in the body of birds. ...when it infects mammals, it infects cells that are deep in our lungs, so a sick animal, a sick person doesn't really produce much of this virus outside, and secondly, for it to become infected, this virus must get in really deep. Mammal-to-mammal transmission is very inefficient and in most cases it is bird-to-mammal transmission, he explained.

There has not yet been a case of transmission (bird flu from a cat) to humans, but the risk is not zero

As prof. The more troubling question is "how does the virus get to cats". - In our opinion, it is necessary to check whether meat is not this carrier, meat to which humans also have access, because these paths may also be dangerous for humans in the future - he added.

Avian flu in cats. Can a sick cat infect a human?
And can a child get bird flu from an infected cat if it scratches it, for example?

- I wouldn't overdo it with this scratch. We have not recorded any infection in humans yet, despite the fact that cats are in close contact, so you can see that the risk is small, but it is not zero - said Prof. Pyrć, who advised to wash your hands after contact with a sick animal and keep your distance so that "the face should not be directly in the area of ​​its mouth".
...

https://www.rp.pl/ochrona-zdrowia/a...o-zakazenia-czlowieka-od-kota-nie-jest-zerowe

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Sanepid monitored the health of Gdańsk residents whose cats died of bird flu

Four owners of cats in Gdańsk, who lost their lives after falling ill with avian flu, have been preventively contacted by the Sanepid for the last two weeks. Fortunately, no symptoms of the disease were detected in them. The sanitary inspection reassures that the risk of transmission of infection from animal to human is negligible. Three scientists, including two from Gdańsk, who identified the virus that affects cats, suspect that the source of infection is food. They appealed to state services to test meat in Poland for H5N1 flu.

05.07.2023
​
...
What is the position of the Chief Sanitary Inspector?

On Monday, July 4 , the Chief Sanitary Inspector issued a communication regarding the recently increased number of cases of cat infection. The disease is characterized by respiratory and neurological symptoms and high mortality, and veterinary services indicate the virus of highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 as the cause of animal infection .

The Chief Sanitary Inspector informed that preventive measures have been taken to prevent the occurrence of this disease in humans, e.g. by extending epidemiological supervision to the owners or guardians of cats confirmed to be infected with the avian influenza virus.

What actions have been taken in Gdańsk?

- In Gdańsk, we knew much earlier about cases of bird flu in cats and took action faster - said on Wednesday, July 5 , Zbigniew Zawadzki , spokesman for the Provincial Sanitary and Epidemiological Station (WSSE) in Gdańsk.

Employees of the Pomeranian Sanepid received telephone numbers from the veterinary services to four owners of cats infected in Gdańsk.

What was the epidemiological surveillance of these people like in practice?

- Before there are no symptoms of the disease, it is enough to contact us by phone. Every day or every other day, an employee of the sanitary inspection called the owner whose cat had died. He asked about his health. In Gdańsk, this epidemiological supervision has already ended. For 2 weeks, we have not found any symptoms of bird flu in humans - added Zbigniew Zawadzki.

For 14 days, a person subject to epidemiological supervision is obliged to monitor their health and body temperature. There is no ban on leaving the house if you do not show symptoms, but it is recommended to "limit social contacts" and switch to remote work.

Who is most at risk of avian flu infection?

The spokesman of the WSEZ explains that, in principle, bird flu does not pose a threat to humans.

- Cases of a human contracting avian flu are extremely rare. However, if this happens, the course of the disease is severe and there is a high mortality rate . Hence, the sanitary inspection, as an institution guarding public health, takes preventive measures even in the event of a minimal threat - explains Zbigniew Zawadzki.

GIS indicates that human infection occurs only as a result of direct and prolonged contact with sick birds. Therefore, the possibility of infection mainly concerns people professionally in contact with poultry and wild birds.

The Chief Veterinary Inspectorate confirmed last week 16 outbreaks of bird flu in cats in the country. Such data come from tested samples, e.g. from Gdańsk, Gdynia, Pruszcz Gdański, Lublin, Bydgoszcz, Poznań and Warsaw.

What do scientists say about the origin of the virus?

A few days ago, thanks to the cooperation of three research groups led by Dr. Łukasz Rąbalski (University of Gdańsk and the Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology), Dr. hab. Maciej Grzybek (Medical University of Gdańsk) and prof. dr hab. Krzysztof Pyrcia (Jagiellonian University), managed to obtain the first sequence of the bird flu virus that infects cats in Poland.

These scientists stated that one of the likely routes of transmission of the pathogen to cats is via food .

- This is indicated by: (a) the sudden appearance of the virus in indoor and outdoor cats in different parts of the country; (b) no outbreaks of infection with cat-to-cat transmission; (c) analysis of the genome sequence of the virus collected from the cat showed no drastic changes compared to the reference sequences, suggesting the emergence of a new strain of influenza virus that effectively infects cats; (d) the sequence similarity of viruses that have been isolated from cats in different parts of Poland is very high, which suggests a single source of infection; (e) discussions with cat owners suggested raw meat may be the source, they assessed.

Dr. Łukasz Rąbalski, dr hab. Maciej Grzybek and prof. Krzysztof Pyrć explained that in order to initially verify this theory, they asked the owners of sick cats to send meat samples that the animals ate.

- As a result, we received five meat samples for testing and conducted molecular tests for the presence of the virus. The analysis showed that one of the 5 samples contained the virus . Further analysis showed that not only the genetic material of the virus is present in the meat, but also the infectious virus - we were able to isolate the virus in cell cultures, they explained.

According to the scientists, in this situation it seems reasonable to appeal to the veterinary services and sanitary inspection to examine the meat available in Poland and consider including meat testing for H5N1 influenza.

- This is crucial not only because of cats, but also because this virus is a threat to human life. In addition, the Polish poultry industry accounts for almost 20 percent. the EU market , and the estimated value of meat exports is over EUR 3 billion. It is worth imagining the consequences for this sector of the economy if it turned out that contaminated meat actually ended up in France , Italy or Germany , say three scientists.

What are the current recommendations of the Sanepid for cat owners?

avoid direct contact with sick poultry, dead wild birds and objects with traces of bird droppings
after coming home, immediately protect your shoes from access by cats
clean shoes each time you return home, after being in outdoor conditions where they could be contaminated with bird droppings
disinfect the surface where the shoes stood
practice good hygiene routines, such as washing your hands with soap and warm water, especially when you get home, before preparing a meal
maintain hygienic conditions when preparing meals for cats
If your pet shows signs of illness, contact your veterinarian immediately
in case of disturbing flu-like symptoms - contact your doctor
follow the announcements of the Chief Veterinary Officer published on the website of the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate .

Robert Pietrzak
robert.pietrzak@gdansk.pl



https://www.gdansk.pl/wiadomosci/Sa...epidemiologiczny-H5N1-naukowcy-mieso,a,246163

 

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google​

Prof. Pyrć and Dr. Grzesiowski for "Wprost". Experts fear that the avian influenza virus will spread between mammals

"Meat is the most likely vector that transferred the avian influenza virus to cats," said Professor Krzysztof Pyrć from the Małopolska Center of Biotechnology of the Jagiellonian University in an interview with "Wprost". The virologist, together with other specialists, conducted molecular tests for the presence of the A/H5N1 pathogen in meat eaten by sick animals.

Experts examined five samples of frozen poultry meat provided by owners of infected cats. In one of them, they found the bird flu virus. The pathogen was detected not only at the level of molecular detection (presence of genetic material). It was also possible to isolate it on cell cultures (infectious form). What does this mean in practice? As Professor Krzysztof Pyrć points out in an interview with "Wprost", this state of affairs "raises" one fundamental question: was the food analyzed the main source of infection in cats? Unfortunately, specialists do not have the knowledge and tools that would allow them to give a clear answer. It is not known when the meat was actually infected with the bird flu virus.

Raw meat is a possible source of avian flu infection

The thesis that raw meat is the main source of infection of cats with bird flu seems to be the most credible at present. To confirm or exclude it, you need to take further steps and examine the meat available on the Polish market. professor Krzysztof Pyrć emphasized in the conversation:

On our part, there was a great request to the veterinary services and the sanepid to investigate this topic. Because there are strong indications that raw meat is the source of these infections, which may pose a risk to cats and humans [...]. We urge you to check the meat sold in stores and supermarkets and verify these connections. Let's hope that the analysis would give negative results, but we definitely need to think about this issue.

The matter is worrying, so it should be clarified as soon as possible. What can cat owners do now to minimize the risk of infection? The recommendations issued so far have not changed. You should limit the release of pets outside and avoid raw meat. It is also important to ensure that animals do not come into contact with mud or other human-borne substances on shoes . It is worth noting that the transfer of the bird flu virus is far from effective, which means that the risk of infecting dogs or other pets by cats is minimal at the moment.

What are the first signs that a cat has contracted the virus? Owners should be concerned about sudden changes in the animal's behavior - lethargy, lack of appetite, malaise or drowsiness. In the later stage of the infection, symptoms from the nervous system appear, such as convulsions, clumsiness or muscle tremors.

The avian influenza virus is increasingly adapting to the mammalian organism

Humans can become infected with the bird flu virus . However, it should be noted that the transmission of the pathogen between mammals is currently very unlikely. It does not yet have the ability to transfer, for example from cat to human.

The biggest threat comes from the fact that the virus is constantly changing. It's not the same pathogen as it was two or three years ago. It adapts better and better to the organism of mammals, including humans, noted Professor Krzysztof Pyrć.

Therefore, as Dr. Paweł Grzesiowski, an expert of the Supreme Medical Council on epidemic threats, adds, everything should be done to prevent infections among animals other than birds. Each such "jump" can be a kind of stimulus for the virus to mutate further. It is worth noting that for two years we have been observing increased activity of the A/H5N1 pathogen, which is quite worrying. In an interview with "Wprost", Dr. Paweł Grzesiowski said:

It may happen that patients with symptoms of respiratory tract infection, which will be very difficult to diagnose, will be admitted to hospitals. At the moment, the first European recommendations for medical facilities have been published to take into account the possibility of avian influenza in humans. One of the indications is to conduct a very detailed interview with people who show flu-like symptoms. It should be emphasized that in humans, bird flu has a very severe course. So it's worth being vigilant.

...
https://zdrowie.wprost.pl/opinie-i-...grypy-najwiekszym-zagrozeniem-dla-ludzi.html​

 

[Michael Coston]

ECDC Update On H5N1 In Cats - Poland

#17,536

Official updates have been slow to come from Poland's Chief Veterinary Officer over the past 7 days, with apparently a lot of damage control going on. The GLW's first update in a week (see translation below) is mostly concerned with what they are calling `journalistic provocations' by the media, although they also confirm 3 more positive tests since June 30th.

Special Communiqué of the GLW on the disease of cats

Announcements 2023-07-07​

Out of concern for public trust in our institution, the Chief Veterinary Officer would like to inform you that in recent days there have been two attempts at journalistic provocations related to the intention to manipulate the determination of the source of the disease occurring among cats. According to the information provided by the local veterinary inspection bodies of the Lesser Poland Voivodship and the PIW in Puławy, food samples delivered for laboratory tests, e.g. to the laboratory in Krakow and Puławy were delivered by active journalists who did not disclose the source of the materials provided for testing.

Any attempts to manipulate the activities of state authorities may make it impossible to determine the actual cause of the disease. The Chief Veterinary Officer would like to emphasize that detecting the source of feline influenza requires calm analysis and investigation of the truth. At the same time, GLW would like to inform you that from June 30. 14 samples were tested at the National Reference Laboratory for avian influenza, of which 3 samples from sick cats were positive for the genetic material of the H5N1 virus.​

Poland is a major exporter of poultry to the EU, and anything that calls into question the safety of their products is an economic and political nightmare. A certain amount of bureaucratic push-back is to be expected.

While we've seen a lot of assurances on the safety of Poland's poultry, we've heard little else officially.​

The ECDC has published - for the second week running - a summary of what is known, and an updated risk assessment in today's Communicable Disease Threats Report. As we saw a week ago, there is too little presently known about the situation to make a full assessment.

1. Avian influenza in domestic cats - Poland -2023

Overview:

Update On 4 July 2023, media sources from Poland published the study of the Polish virologist Prof Krzysztof Pyrć and two other researchers in the country who tested five samples of meat collected from some owners of sick or dead cats. One of the samples tested positive for A(H5N1) influenza virus.

On 5 July 2023, Polish authorities informed ECDC that a total of 45 samples from sick or dead cats were tested, of which 24 were positive for influenza A(H5N1) virus. Furthermore, Polish authorities mentioned that 13 cats were fed with raw poultry meat.

On 6 July 2023, media sources reported that in Italy (Lombardy region) five dogs and one cat in a poultry farm tested positive for influenza A(H5N1) virus. The poultry farm is experiencing an outbreak of avian flu. In December 2022, one cat tested positive for influenza A(H5N1) virus in France according to the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety – ANSES (see link).

Summary

Since 23 June 2023, media sources reported on several deaths of domestic cats (at least 70) in Poland for which investigations are ongoing. On 26 June, the Polish Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) announced in a press release that nine samples tested in the National Veterinary Institute in Puławy, were positive for A(H5N1) influenza virus. Preliminary studies have ruled out a connection to the avian influenza outbreaks in seagulls, that Poland registered in recent weeks. No source of infection has been identified yet. An intersectoral meeting between animal and human public health services took place on 26 June.​

The press release by the Polish CVO included advice to the public to prevent the contact of pet cats with other animals, including keeping them inside homes and avoid contact with footwear used outside. Enhanced hand hygiene for all pet cat owners is also advised.

On 28 June 2023, the Polish CVO issued a press release notifying about a total of 16 cat samples which tested positive for influenza A(H5N1) in the country. The positive samples originated from many cities in Poland (Gdańsk, Gdynia, Pruszcz Gdański, Lublin, Bydgoszcz, Poznań and Warsaw).

On 30 June 2023, the Polish CVO updated in a press release that 29 samples were tested, of which 20 were from different cities in the country (Gdańsk, Gdynia, Poznań, Lublin, Pruszcz Gdański, Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, Bydgoszcz, Wrocław, Rzeszów County, and the vicinity of Zamość).

The genome of the detected virus from cats in Poland is available on GISAID (EPI_ISL_17949824) and exhibits two mutations, molecular markers to mammal adaptation. Genetic data suggest that the sick cats may have been exposed to the same source of infection.

Media sources from Poland cite the director of the National Veterinary Institute in Puławy stating that, 'they have detected two mutations that indicate that the A(H5N1) virus is evolving to multiply more easily in mammals'.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) issued a statement on the Polish cat outbreak mentioning that the severe and rapid course of the infection is consistent with reports of A(H5N1) infection in the Felidae family, and noting that several cases of infection in cats with influenza A(H5N1) have been reported from Europe and North America in the context of the ongoing panzootic.
​

WOAH stressed the need for more investigations and stated that since the cases include both stray and pet cats, exposure to sick wild birds is not considered a likely transmission mode. In addition, the wide geographical distribution of cases suggests that the primary mode of spread in these cases is not cat-to-cat transmission but rather some other kind of common source. The statement also mentions the need to isolate any suspected cases from other pets due to potential shedding from the gastrointestinal tract, and the need for appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the handlers of such animals.

ECDC assessment:

Several uncertainties currently exist regarding the source of infection, the potential of feline-to-feline and feline-to- human transmission of the particular A(H5N1) influenza virus strain, as well as regarding the severity of the disease. Taking into consideration the information and genomic data available until now and the fact that no human cases have been reported so far related to this event, ECDC assesses the current risk to the general public as low.

However, the risk is considered moderate for persons exposed to sick and/or dead cats confirmed with A(H5N1) infection, particularly if they belong to a vulnerable population group (e.g. immunocompromised people). Considering the existing uncertainties, this assessment is preliminary and will be reviewed as soon as more information becomes available.

Actions:https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2023/07/ecdc-update-on-h5n1-in-cats-poland.html

ECDC is monitoring this event and has contacted Polish public health authorities and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for further investigation.​

Hopefully we'll get some better answers in the days ahead.

https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2023/07/ecdc-update-on-h5n1-in-cats-poland.html

​

 

[JJackson]

Seven of the polish cat sequence have, eventually, made onto the Nextstrain tree. They all lie on the HA S530N sub-branch and are identical except .../h253/ which also has V11A. On NA they lie on S70G and are the same. There are also a few additional AA changes on NS and the RNP strands.

Edit:
I am not sure how to tie GISAID (EPI_ISL_17949824) submission number, quoted in Mike's post, to the A/domesticcat/Poland/xxxxx/2023 sequence so I am not sure which sequence they are talking about. Can anyone help me with this?

 

[Mary Wilson]

Jagiellonian University in Kraków

Kraków and Gdańsk researchers investigate the spread of bird flu in Poland

... The study was carried out by Prof. Krzysztof Pyrć from the Jagiellonian University Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Dr hab. Maciej Grzybek from the Medical University of Gdańsk and Dr Łukasz Rąbalski from the University of Gdańsk.

The assessment following numerous cases of transmission of the H5N1 virus from birds to cats shows that one of the probable ways of the virus’ spread is through food. This claim is based on the sudden increase in detection of the virus in both indoor and outdoor cats as well as lack of cat-to-cat transmission outbreaks. Additionally, an analysis of the genome sequence of the virus taken from a cat has not demonstrated significant changes in comparison to reference sequences, pointing away from the emergence of a new strain that is more effective in infecting cats. Moreover, the similarity in genome sequences of the viral samples collected in various parts of Poland is very high, suggesting a single source of contagion. The researchers also say their interviews with cat owners indicated that raw meat might be that source. ...
​
https://en.uj.edu.pl/en_GB/news/-/journal_content/56_INSTANCE_SxA5QO0R5BDs/81541894/153863982

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[Pathfinder]

​
/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caracal
----------------------------------------------------

Translation Google​

Cat flu in the Elbląg district. The test confirmed the infection

11.07.2023, 14:45:00Text size: A A A


Cat flu has reached the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. The first two cases of infection were recorded. One of them in the Elbląg district.

It is about a caracal bred by an inhabitant of the Elbląg poviat. The owner ordered a test when the animal died and they confirmed infection with the H5N1 virus. Further tests are being carried out to determine how this infection occurred. This is so far the first and only such case in the Elbląg region

- Alicja Czebiołko, District Veterinary Officer in Elbląg.


According to unofficial information, the cat was in a special enclosure and could have had contact with birds. The second case of cat flu in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodship, according to Radio Olsztyn, was reported in the Iława poviat. It's about the domestic cat.

So far, no human cases of influenza A/H5N1/ infection have been registered in Poland. The risk of transmission of infection from a sick cat to a human is negligible, argues the Chief Sanitary Inspector. Also in the case of caracal owners, the tests did not confirm the transmission. However, the health department in all confirmed cases of influenza in cats also supervises their owners.

We remind cat owners to observe hygiene rules. It is also recommended to give up letting cats outside or feeding animals with raw meat, especially from an unknown source.

https://www.info.elblag.pl/37,74310,Kocia-grypa-w-powiecie-elblaskim-Badanie-potwierdzilo-zakazenie.html​

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The first case of "cat flu" in the Elbląg region

2023-07-12
12:15

The first case of cat flu appeared in the Elbląg district, concerning a caracal belonging to a private person. The animal had no contact with other cats.
...
- Caracal was examined at the veterinary institute in Puławy, an investigation is underway to determine the causes of the disease - informs Alicja Czebiołko, the district veterinarian in Elbląg. He adds that the caracal had no contact with other cats.
...
https://www.portel.pl/wiadomosci/pierwszy-przypadek-kociej-grypy-w-regionie-elblaskim/135075​

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://gazetaolsztynska.pl/950828,...Odnotowano-pierwsze-przypadki-zachorowan.html

Cat flu has reached Warmia and Mazury. The first cases of the disease were recorded
2023-07-16 08:30:08 (last update: 2023-07-14 16:54:35)

Cat flu has reached our province. The first cases of disease in these animals have been confirmed.

— In the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodship, two cases of avian influenza were found in cats in the Elbląg and Iława poviats. The tasks of the Veterinary Inspection include monitoring zoonoses and zoonotic pathogens in animals. The State Sanitary Inspection covers persons exposed to contact with an animal infected with virus A (H5N1). The purpose of epidemiological supervision conducted by the State Sanitary Inspection authorities is to determine the possible occurrence of symptoms compatible with influenza in a person who has been in contact with a sick animal, Joanna Równiak from the Epidemiology Department of the Provincial Sanitary and Epidemiological Station in Olsztyn informed us.

She added that epidemiological supervision includes: conducting an interview by the PIS; obliging the exposed person to conduct self-observation for a period of 10 days from the date of the last contact with a sick animal; immediately inform the Poviat Sanitary and Epidemiological Station competent for the place of residence about the occurrence of symptoms.

— Symptoms that may occur in the event of possible illness after contact with a sick animal include fever or low-grade fever, malaise, headache, muscle and joint pain, rhinitis, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath. So far, no mammal-to-human or human-to-human transmission of the influenza A(H5N1) virus has been observed, emphasizes the representative of the Olsztyn Sanitary Inspectorate.
The announcement in connection with the detection of cases of infection among domestic cats caused by the A/H5N1/ flu virus was published by the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate:

“Recently, veterinary services have recorded an increased number of cases of infection of domestic cats. The disease is characterized by respiratory and neurological symptoms and high mortality. According to the Announcement of the Chief Veterinary Officer, the results of the tests indicate the virus of highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1/ as the cause of animal infection,” reads the publication.
The State Sanitary Inspection announced in a communiqué that it had taken preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of this disease in humans, i.a. by extending epidemiological supervision to the owners/guardians of cats confirmed to be infected with the avian influenza virus.

— Human infection is extremely rare and only as a result of direct and prolonged contact with sick birds. The possibility of infection mainly concerns people professionally in contact with poultry and wild birds. So far, no cases of human infection with influenza A/H5N1/ have been registered in Poland, GIS inspectors assure.

The health department has also published recommendations for cat owners.
1. Direct contact with sick poultry, dead wild birds and objects with traces of bird droppings should be avoided.
2. After coming home, you must immediately protect your shoes from access by cats; clean shoes, each time after returning home, after staying in outdoor conditions where they could be contaminated with bird droppings.
3. Practice good hygiene routines, such as washing your hands with soap and warm water, especially when you get home and before preparing a meal.
4. If your pet shows symptoms of the disease, you must immediately report it to the veterinarian.
5. In the event of disturbing flu-like symptoms, you should contact your doctor and follow the announcements of the Chief Veterinary Officer published on the website of the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate.

Health inspectors emphasize that the risk of transmission of infection from a sick cat to humans is negligible. The owners of dead cats with confirmed infection with A/H5N1/ are contacted preventively by employees of poviat sanitary and epidemiological stations.

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON476


Influenza A(H5N1) in cats – Poland
16 July 2023

Situation at a glance

On 27 June 2023, the IHR National Focal Point of Poland notified WHO of unusual deaths in cats across the country. As of 11 July, 47 samples have been tested from 46 cats and one captive caracal, of which 29 were found to be positive for influenza A (H5N1). Fourteen cats are reported to have been euthanized, and a further 11 died, with the last death reported on 30 June. The source of the exposure of cats to the virus is currently unknown and epizootic investigations are ongoing.

Sporadic infection of cats with A(H5N1) has previously been reported, but this is the first report of a high numbers of infected cats over a wide geographical area within a country.

As of 12 July, no human contacts of A(H5N1) positive cats have reported symptoms, and the surveillance period for all contacts is now complete.

The risk of human infections following exposure to infected cats at the national level is assessed as low for the general population, and low to moderate for cat owners and those occupationally exposed to H5N1-infected cats (such as veterinarians) without the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.

WHO continues to monitor the situation and work in close collaboration with the animal and public health sectors, regional agencies, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and other partner agencies in Poland.

Description of situation

On 27 June 2023, the IHR National Focal Point of Poland notified WHO of unusual deaths in cats across the country. As of 11 July 2023, a total of 47 samples have been tested from 46 cats and one caracal (Caracal caracal). Of these 47 samples, 29 (62%) were positive for influenza A(H5N1). Positive samples were reported from 13 geographical areas within the country.

Some cats developed severe symptoms including difficulty in breathing, bloody diarrhoea, and neurological signs, with rapid deterioration and death in some cases. In total, 20 cats had neurological signs, 19 had respiratory signs, and 17 had both neurological and respiratory signs.

Fourteen cats are reported to have been euthanized, and a further 11 died. Post-mortem exams on a small number of cats are suggestive of pneumonia. According to the information available, the last known death among cats was reported on 30 June .

Genomic analysis of 19 viruses sequenced from this outbreak showed that they all belonged to the H5 clade 2.3.4.4b and were highly related to each other. Also, the viruses are similar to influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses which have been circulating in wild birds and which caused outbreaks in poultry recently in Poland.

The source of exposure of cats to the virus is currently unknown and epizootic investigations are ongoing. There are several possibilities for the source of infection, among which the cats could have had direct or indirect contact with infected birds or their environments, ate infected birds, or ate food contaminated with the virus. Authorities are investigating all potential sources and to date have not ruled out any. Of the 25 cats for which the information is available, two were outdoor cats, 18 were indoor with access to a balcony, terrace, or backyard, and five were indoor cats with no access to the outside environment. Seven cats are reported to have had the opportunity for contact with wild birds.

This is the first report of high numbers of cats infected with avian influenza A(H5N1) spread over a wide geographical area within any country. Sporadic infections in domestic cats with A(H5N1) viruses, including A(H5N1) H5 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses, have been reported previously, following close contact of the cats with infected birds or from ingesting meat of infected birds.

Epidemiology of H5N1

Since the end of 2021, an unprecedented number of H5N1 outbreaks among poultry and wild birds has been reported worldwide. As of June 2023, the clade 2.3.4.4b viruses have become dominant in Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa. Alongside wild bird and domestic poultry infections, there have been increased detections in non-avian species, including wild terrestrial (often scavenging) and marine mammals and occasionally in farmed or captive mammalian species, likely through contact with infected live or dead birds or their environments.

Since 2020, 12 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus detections have been reported to WHO, four of which were severe cases and eight were mild or asymptomatic. It is unclear if the detection of the virus in these mild or asymptomatic cases resulted from infection or temporary contamination of the nasal passages. Most humans infected with A(H5N1) viruses have resulted from direct or indirect contact with infected live or dead poultry. Human infection with influenza A(H5N1) viruses can cause severe disease and is fatal in some cases.
Public health response

Response measures have been implemented by the national authorities in Poland. These include:

Under the guidance of the public health authorities in Poland, all owners of infected cats are provided with a health self-assessment questionnaire and requested to self-monitor for symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI) or acute respiratory illness (ARI) for 10 days since last contact with infected cat. As of 12 July, 70 individuals who had been in contact with confirmed cats have completed self-monitoring and none reported symptoms.
Providing regular updates on the situation and sharing information and updates with partners, including international organizations.
Epizootic investigations are underway to understand the epidemiological situation in cats and the likely source of exposure of cats to the virus.
Preventive measures have been taken to prevent the occurrence of disease in humans by issuing publicly available general precautions for cat owners and individuals who have contact with sick animals suspected of avian influenza infection.

WHO continues to monitor the situation and work in close collaboration with the animal and public health sectors, regional agencies, FAO, WOAH, and other partner agencies in Poland and globally.

WHO is evaluating the existing candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs) of A(H5N1) through the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) to ensure valid CVVs are developed and available for pandemic preparedness purposes.
WHO risk assessment

To date, human A(H5N1) infections following contact with an infected cat have not been documented. Avian Influenza A(H5N1) virus detections in humans remain unusual, and sustained human-to-human transmission has not been documented.

To date, no symptomatic human contact of infected cats has been reported in Poland despite potentially close contact between cats and owners, and the capacity to detect a human case in contact with an infected cat is adequate in the country.

Therefore, based on current information, the risk of human infections following exposure to infected cats at the national level is assessed as low for the general population, and low to moderate for cat owners and those occupationally exposed to A(H5N1)-infected cats (such as veterinarians) without the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.

Based on the current information, the risk for humans at the regional level is assessed as low, due to: i) avian influenza surveillance activities in animals in Europe being strengthened since September 2022, when the unprecedented geographical extent (37 European countries affected) resulted in 50 million poultry being culled in affected establishments; and (ii) Currently, there are no reported instances of human infection with the A(H5N1) virus acquired from cats, although A(H5N1) infection in domestic cats has been confirmed in Poland.

Due to the uncertainties related to this event, including the source of infection, the risk assessment may change.
WHO advice

The reports of these events do not change the current WHO recommendations on public health measures and surveillance of influenza.

Due to the constantly evolving nature of influenza viruses, WHO continues to stress the importance of global surveillance to detect and monitor virological, epidemiological and clinical changes associated with emerging or circulating influenza viruses that may affect human (or animal) health and timely virus-sharing for risk assessment.

All individuals exposed to animal influenza viruses, and all contacts of confirmed human cases, should monitor their health for the duration of the known exposure period with additional seven days at a minimum.

All those exposed to known infected poultry, wild birds or other animals, or to farms under suspicion, should be registered and placed under close monitoring by local health authorities. This will facilitate the early detection of illness and timely clinical case management. If a person is suspected of having zoonotic influenza, the health authorities must be notified, and appropriate clinical case management should be provided.

Public health and animal health authorities should collaborate closely in the areas of information sharing, joint risk assessment, and response to outbreaks of zoonotic influenza at the human-animal interface, adhering to the One Health approach.

FAO, WHO and WOAH have issued a joint situation analysis and advice to countries in relation to ongoing avian influenza outbreaks in animals and the risk posed to human health. FAO, WHO and WOAH continue to review the situation, monitoring the rapidly evolving nature of the virus, and updating recommendations for curbing its spread, in addition to working with countries in preparedness and response, and facilitating collaboration across countries and sectors. The spread of the virus to five continents speaks to the need for global cooperation and alertness to protect animals, people, and economies.

WHO does not recommend any restrictions on travel and/or trade with Poland based on available information on this event.
Further information

Situation analysis and advice to countries from FAO, WHO, WOAH https://www.who.int/news/item/12-07...enza-outbreaks-in-animals-pose-risk-to-humans
WHO Fact sheets, Influenza and other zoonotic: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(avian-and-other-zoonotic)
Influenza at the human-animal interface summary and assessment, 31 May 2023. https://www.who.int/publications/m/...interface-summary-and-assessment--31-may-2023
WHO Global influenza programme, human-animal interface: https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme/avian-influenza
WHO Monthly Risk Assessment Summary: Influenza at the human-animal interface: https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme/avian-influenza/monthly-risk-assessment-summary
Cumulative number of confirmed human cases for avian influenza A(H5N1) reported to WHO, 2003-2022, 31 May 2023. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/defa...may_tableh5n1.pdf?sfvrsn=934b4b02_3&download= true
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bird flu in pets and other animals https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-other-animals.htm
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) , Investigation into the risk to human health of avian influenza (influenza A H5N1) in England: technical briefing 5 https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...luenza-a-h5n1-in-england-technical-briefing-5
WOAH. WAHIS report for Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (H5N1) in Poland. https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/4063
Case definitions for the four diseases requiring notification in all circumstances under the International Health Regulations (2005): https://www.who.int/publications/m/...-who-in-all-circumstances-under-the-ihr-(2005)
Government of Poland. Chief Veterinary Inspectorate communication. 26 June 2023.https://www.wetgiw.gov.pl/main/komunikaty/Komunikat-III-GLW-w-sprawie-choroby-kotow/idn:2283
Government of Poland. Chief Veterinary Inspectorate communication. 28 June 2023. Komunikat IV GLW w sprawie choroby kotów | Główny Inspektorat Weterynarii (wetgiw.gov.pl)
WOAH Statement on avian influenza and mammals: https://www.woah.org/en/statement-on-avian-influenza-and-mammals/
OFFLU. First statement on infections with Avian Influenza A(H5N1) virus in cats in Poland. 28 June 2023. https://www.offlu.org/index.php/202...vian-influenza-ah5n1-virus-in-cats-in-poland/
Chief Sanitary inspectorate of Poland Announcement regarding the detection of cases of infection among domestic cats caused by the influenza A/H5N1 virus/ https://www.gov.pl/web/gis/komunika...ow-domowych-spowodowanych-wirusem-grypy-ah5n1
FAO - Avian Influenza A(H5N1) virus infections detected in cats in Poland https://www.fao.org/animal-health/news-and-events/news/detail/en/c/1643432/



References

Kuiken, T., Rimmelzwaan, G., van Riel, D., van Amerongen, G., Baars, M., Fouchier, R., & Osterhaus, A. (2004). Avian H5N1 influenza in cats. Science (New York, N.Y.), 306(5694), 241. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1102287. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15345779/



Citable reference: World Health Organization (16 July 2023). Disease Outbreak News;Influenza A(H5N1) in cats in Poland . Available at https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON476


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