New York, April 30: Farm cats in Texas are suffering from blindness and death after catching bird flu by drinking raw cow milk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a significant outbreak of H5N1 bird flu among cats on a Texas dairy farm. At least 24 cats exhibited severe symptoms, including depressed mental state, stiffness, loss of coordination, blindness, and excessive mucous discharge. The outbreak has resulted in the death of more than half of the affected felines.

According to a Daily Mail report, a detailed investigation revealed that the cats contracted the virus after consuming milk from infected cows. Necropsy results indicated that the virus had aggressively spread to multiple organs, including the lungs, brains, hearts, and eyes of the deceased animals. Bird Flu in US: Three More Dairy Farms Report Cases of H5N1.

Bird Flu Spillover Causes Concern

The CDC's findings have heightened concerns about the adaptability and transmission of the H5N1 virus across different mammalian species. While human infection through contact with these animals is considered unlikely, the CDC warns that prolonged and unprotected exposure could pose a risk.

Presence of 2.3.4.4b Strain of H5N1 Virus

Further examinations conducted by the agency on two deceased cats and milk samples from the farm's cows confirmed the presence of the 2.3.4.4b strain of the H5N1 virus. This highly pathogenic variant is the same one responsible for the recent death of a dolphin in Florida. In addition to the cats, the CDC also observed unusual symptoms in the cows, including the production of normal milk before succumbing to the illness and the presence of tiny lesions in their mammary glands. Bird Flu Pandemic To Be Deadlier Than Coronavirus Outbreak? Experts Issue Warning, Say H5N1 Pandemic Could Be ‘100 Times Worse’ Than COVID-19.

The spread of H5N1 has been noted among cattle and chickens across the United States, affecting animals on 29 farms in eight states. In a related incident, a Texas dairy farm worker contracted a mild form of bird flu, marking the second human infection in the country. The CDC reports that the individual is isolated and recovering well, with only eye inflammation as a symptom.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 30, 2024 11:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).