An analysis of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a small farm in Illinois revealed that the virus also spread to a cat and wild rats. The virus was found in multiple types of tissue samples, as well as in infected rats’ urine.
“Because the mammalian-adaptation marker was already present in the bird virus, crossing into mammals may not require new mutations. Shared changes arising in two mammalian species are exactly the kind of adaptation signal worth watching,” said Leyi Wang, PhD.
Source: University of Illinois via AVMA Animal Health SmartBrief, October 6, 2026. Link.
Since rats live on nearly every farm despite biosecurity, they may be an overlooked link between wild birds, poultry and other mammals.” – Leyi Wang, PhD
INSIGHTS: For animal health pros, focusing on rodent control as winter arrives is a priority. This confirmation adds further evidence supporting the importance of rodent control. The cat evidence expands the potential range of pathogen transfers given the possibility of free-range, rural or feral cats traveling back and forth from farms to towns. Rats tend to roam in a range of fewer than 300 feet <Link>.
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