Acevedo HD, Beeler E, Crossley B, Armién AG, Hende. Salpingitis and multiorgan lesions caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in a cat associated with consumption of recalled raw milk in California. J Vet Diagn Invest. 2026 Jan 29:10406387251413563
A panzootic caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus, clade 2.3.4.4b, has affected many animal species around the world since 2021. In March 2024, genotype B3.13 of this virus was identified in dairy cattle in the United States, following a spillover event from wild birds. Mammary gland lesions were a key finding in infected cows, with infectious virus detected in their milk. Raw milk is sold legally in retail establishments in multiple US states, including California. In November 2024, HPAI A(H5N1) virus, clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13, was detected in raw milk sold commercially in California and then in bulk milk tanks. The affected product later was recalled. We describe an 8-mo-old cat with a history of severe illness after consuming this raw milk before it was recalled. The cat was euthanized and submitted for postmortem examination and diagnostic workup. Autopsy and histopathology revealed icterus, nasal discharge, hydrothorax, gliosis, and necrotizing pneumonia, hepatitis, and salpingitis, among other lesions. Immunohistochemistry for influenza A virus revealed intralesional immunolabeling in many organs. Molecular detection was positive for HPAI A(H5N1) virus, clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13. To our knowledge, HPAI A(H5N1) virus has not been reported previously in cats after consuming raw milk purchased from a retail establishment, nor has salpingitis been associated with HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection in a mammal. Hepatic damage and icterus were prominent findings in our case rather than primary involvement of the CNS.
See Also:
Latest articles in those days:
- Determinants of the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Uptake Among People Aged 50 Years or Above During and After the Pandemic: A Systematic Review 10 hours ago
- [preprint]A GIS-based framework for standardized environmental characterization in One-Health surveillance: a case study of HPAI monitoring in wetlands 11 hours ago
- First detection and transatlantic introduction of Influenza A(H3N2) subclade K (J.2.4.1) into Ecuador: insights from genomic sentinel surveillance 11 hours ago
- Assessment of influenza virus and coronavirus tropism, replication competence and disease severity in ex vivo and in vitro cultures of the human respiratory tract 1 days ago
- Characterization of bovine-derived H5N1 viruses expressing fluorescent and luminescent reporter proteins 1 days ago
[Go Top] [Close Window]


