UNAIR NEWS – A new variant of the Avian Influenza (AI) virus, commonly known as bird flu, has been detected in mammals, causing alarm among global experts. In the United States, outbreaks of AI affecting poultry and dairy cattle have been reported since early 2024, with the virus strain officially identified in March 2024.
Professor Dr. Suwarno, DVM, MSc, a virology expert from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), explained that bird flu is a complex and constantly evolving disease. Several wildlife species have already been found dead as a result of the infection.
“Avian influenza is undergoing continuous evolution and mutation, with spillover events crossing species boundaries. Initially confined to wild birds, it has now been reported in humans, mammals, and domestic poultry,” Prof. Suwarno stated.
He also emphasized the role of migratory birds in spreading the virus. “Migratory birds play a crucial role in transmitting the H5N1 subtype of AI from poultry to different countries,” he added.
Raising public awareness
The Indonesian public is familiar with bird flu outbreaks, as the disease has been present in the country since 2003, with human fatalities reported as recently as 2019.
In light of the resurgence of bird flu globally, the Indonesian Ministry of Health issued a circular on January 8, 2025, urging the public to remain vigilant and prepared.
“This precaution is necessary because many countries across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia have reported cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza A variants,” Prof. Suwarno explained.
Recognizing symptoms in dairy cattle and cats
Dairy cattle, as mammals, are susceptible to bird flu, which can lead to milk production losses of up to 100%. Prof. Suwarno warned of the potential dangers of consuming milk from infected cattle.
“The main risk comes from virus-contaminated milk. Unpasteurized milk can spread the virus to other species, including cats, tigers, lions, dogs, domestic poultry, and wild animals,” he noted.
It is crucial for the public, particularly livestock farmers, to closely monitor signs of avian influenza in their animals. Dairy cattle infected with bird flu often exhibit nonspecific symptoms.
“Typically, infected cattle experience a loss of appetite, nasal discharge, sticky or watery feces, lethargy, dehydration, and fever. The milk produced by infected cattle becomes thick, dense, and yellowish, resembling colostrum,” explained Prof. Suwarno.
Cats are at higher risk of infection than dogs, mainly because they often hunt birds. Prof. Suwarno highlighted the importance of recognizing symptoms in cats.
“So far, the symptoms observed in cats include a loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, eye discharge, sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Additionally, neurological signs such as impaired coordination, tremors, seizures, and blindness may also be present,” explained Prof. Suwarno.
Preventing exposure in cats
Investigations suggest that unpasteurized milk is a primary source of infection for cats, along with raw or undercooked poultry meat.
To protect cats, Prof. Suwarno advised several preventive measures. First, avoid feeding cats unpasteurized milk or raw, undercooked poultry.
“Next, keep cats indoors to prevent exposure to wild birds or other animals, and ensure they are kept away from livestock and poultry. If you notice any of the symptoms, take your cat to a veterinarian immediately,” Prof. Suwarno concluded.
Author: Syifa Rahmadina
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
