Czy koty chorują na grypę?

SUMMARY

Do cats suffer from influenza?

Cats may be infected by low-pathogenic influenza viruses derived from humans or animals, especially birds. However, such infections are usually only subclinical or result in a mild, self-limiting fever. Very rarely, in overcrowded catteries, secondary bacterial infections may lead to pneumonia and fatalities. On the other hand, highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 transmitted from poultry or wild birds may induce in cats a severe, generalized disease with high mortality. Cat-to-human transmission of H5N1 influenza virus cannot be excluded.

Key words: influenza, cats, review