New Delhi, March 12 -- Recently, the emergence of avian influenza or bird flu in feline populations has raised concerns among veterinarians and cat owners. While bird flu primarily affects avian species, certain strains have crossed species barriers, leading to infections in mammals, including domestic cats.

Avian influenza is caused by influenza A viruses. Among the various subtypes, H5N1 has been notably pathogenic in birds and has sporadically infected mammals. Cats can contract avian influenza through direct contact with infected birds, consumption of contaminated raw poultry or bird carcasses or exposure to environments contaminated with the virus. In the US, instances have been reported of domestic cats becoming ill after consuming...