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Dec 15, 2025 - Foods
Several cats in Brandenburg infected with bird flu – Authorities and experts urge caution
As reported by the German Press Agency (dpa), several outdoor cats in Neuruppin, Brandenburg, have been infected with the avian flu virus. According to the Ostprignitz-Ruppin district, the H5N1 subtype of the avian influenza virus was detected in the affected animals. Numerous media outlets picked up the report, including the Süddeutsche Zeitung (dpa report). It is suspected that the cats contracted the virus through contact with infected or deceased wild birds.
This current case is not the first of its kind. As early as June 2023, the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health based on the island of Riems, evaluated similar reports from Poland. There, too, outdoor cats were affected, having contact with infected poultry or wild birds. The FLI published the relevant information in an official statement (FLI: H5N1-infected cats in Poland). The institute points out that cats are susceptible to the H5N1 virus and can develop severe disease courses.
In the scientific community, the so-called species jump of influenza viruses is generally known. Given the close contacts between species and the increasing globalization of travel and trade, transmission to other species—and potentially to humans—is considered possible. Some experts warn in this context of the risk of future pandemics. The FLI regularly provides information on this and has updated its frequently asked questions about avian influenza (FLI: FAQ on Avian Influenza).
The current cases also highlight the importance of early monitoring of pathogens along the entire production and supply chain. Accredited testing laboratories make an important contribution to preventive consumer protection by regularly microbiologically examining food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, thus identifying and assessing potential risks at an early stage.
Authorities and professional institutes urgently advise pet owners to take precautions. In particular, direct contact of pets with dead or visibly ill wild birds should be strictly avoided. Discoveries of dead animals should be reported to the relevant authorities and not handled without protection. This significantly reduces the risk of infection for animals and humans.
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