READ MORE Expert warns current vaccines may offer ‘little protection’ against bird flu[INSIGHT]

In a statement, they said: “Further detailed testing of the genetic material of the viruses is underway. Preliminary tests rule out the influenza virus which has caused illness in seagulls in recent weeks.

“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. The source of infection has not yet been identified.”

Following a meeting, Poland’s chief veterinary officer said owners should keep their cats indoors to avoid contact with wild animals and to only feed them from known sources.

Cases were first raised about the dangers of bird flu affecting the cat population on June 19 when a vet in western Poland reported the death of a cat which had respiratory and neurological symptoms.

Around 70 cases have so far been identified according to figures released last week.

In Gdansk, part of the Tri-City area, officials have reported at least 28 cases of unusual illnesses, including at least 25 deaths.

Officials have said it isn’t known whether there has been any cat-to-cat transmission.

This isn’t the first time there has been a cat-based bird flu outbreak in Europe, in December, a cat living near a duck farm in France was put down after being severely ill with H5N1.

Dr Sylvie Briand, a WHO official, said back in February: “The global H5N1 situation is worrying given the wide spread of the virus in birds around the world and the increasing reports of cases in mammals, including in humans.

“WHO takes the risk from this virus seriously and urges heightened vigilance from all countries.”

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Bird flu is present in the UK too but in very small numbers.

According to the UKHSA (United Kingdom Health Security Agency): “Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry on 18 May 2023 at premises near Uckfield, Wealden, East Sussex (AIV 2023/30).

“Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance in the zone, the 10km surveillance zone has been revoked.”

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