For several days, various media outlets have been reporting on a disease that is causing cats to die. Here is the latest statement from the Chief Veterinary Officer on the matter:

The results of additional samples collected from cats in Lublin and Poznań are available.

By June 26 at 11:00 a.m., 11 samples had been examined at the State Veterinary Institute in Puławy, of which 9 tested positive for H5N1 influenza. The positive samples came from Poznań, the Tri-City area and Lublin. Further detailed testing of the viruses’ genetic material is underway. Preliminary tests rule out the influenza virus that caused illness among seagulls in recent weeks. (…)

The office adds: – Work is underway to establish a protocol for monitoring the disease in cats in order to collect more detailed data on its course and occurrence.

It also adds:

At present, it has not been possible to determine the source of the infections.

How can you protect your pet?

After analyzing data from other countries, inspectors determined that the rules for preventing possible contact between cats and the virus should include:

  • keeping cats indoors whenever possible. (If the animal is allowed onto a balcony or terrace, the surfaces should first be washed using standard detergents);
  • preventing cats from coming into contact with other wild animals, including birds;
  • preventing cats from coming into contact with footwear worn outside the home;
    • feeding cats food obtained exclusively from known sources;
  • washing hands after contact with animals (following standard hygiene practices after returning from outside).