WHO downplays bird flu in cats

Sun, 22 Feb 2004 | Source: AP

THAILAND: The appearance of bird flu in domestic cats in Thailand is not likely to increase the current risk to human health from the virus that has swept through Asia, killing millions of birds and at least 22 people, the World Health Organization said.

Bird flu killed three house cats near Bangkok, Thai officials reported on Friday. Health experts are concerned that if bird flu sickens other animals, it could mutate into a strain more easily passed on to humans.

In a report posted on its website, WHO tried to quell concerns that infections in cats by the H5N1 bird flu virus would increase the risk to people. -- AP

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