Large Number of Cats Contract Mysterious Disease in Poland
Introduction
Polish media are reporting that a large number of cats have contracted the mysterious disease in Poland over the past few weeks.
Wave of Bird Flu
Initial tests have shown that some of the dead animals were victims of a wave of bird flu that has spread throughout the country, according to the Notes From Poland news site.
Preventive Measures
Poland’s General Veterinary Inspectorate emphasizes that cat owners must now keep their pets indoors and prevent their contact with other cats, birds, or other wild animals.
Symptoms of the Disease
Infected cats have been reported to have suffered neurological and respiratory symptoms, including high fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, seizures, and shortness of breath.
Spread of Infectious Disease
Experts believe the symptoms indicate a type of infectious disease that is spreading throughout the country.
Rapid Progression of the Illness
Polina Grzylakoska, director of the Tri-City veterinary clinic in Gdansk in northern Poland, said the illness started suddenly and progressed rapidly. “Animals die in short order,” she told TVN24, noting that cats of all ages have become sick, whether they were indoors, outdoors, or vaccinated against infectious diseases.
Ineffectiveness of Treatment Plans
She added that none of the various treatment plans applied to cats had any effect.
High Mortality Rate
Meanwhile, the Pomeranian General Veterinary Office in Poland reported that out of 28 cats admitted to clinics in the Gdansk region over the past two weeks, 25 have died.
Twitter Announcement
Veterinary authorities investigate reports of big numbers of cats in Poland dying from unknown sickness, and warned owners to keep their pets at home.
Initial Tests found It is something of animals have bird flu https://t.co/qIrJuFVvW6
Testing Positive for H5N1 Influenza
The head of the National Veterinary Inspectorate said that of the 11 cats that have been tested nationwide so far, nine have tested positive for H5N1 influenza, a type of bird flu, but authorities have been unable to determine the source of the infection. He indicated that he would continue “to conduct more detailed tests on the genetic material of viruses.”
Unknown Number of Cases
The exact number of cats that have contracted or died from the disease is still unknown, as it is believed that not all cases have been reported. However, on June 19, the SpecVet clinic in western Poland reported that there were more than 70 reports of feline illness across the country.
Similar Incident in the UK
A similar spike in cat deaths occurred in the United Kingdom in 2021, when more than 350 cats died from a mysterious illness that researchers later discovered was linked to cat food that was later withdrawn from sale.
Source: RT
