Cats at the Centre of the Transmission Chain
Project overview
Participants
More related research
Global goals
- 3. Good health and well-being
Short summary
Zoonotic viruses are an increasing threat to global health, driven by the interplay between animals, humans, and the environment. Living in close contact with both, cats may play a key role in this dynamic – this project investigates their place at the centre of the transmission chain.
Background
Cats are Sweden’s most common companion animal. They often live closely with people as beloved family members, while many also spend time outdoors where they may encounter wildlife and birds. In this way, cats may act as a bridge between animals, nature and people, making them particularly interesting from a One Health perspective.
The project Cats at the Centre of the Transmission Chain aims to investigate the role of cats in this transmission chain, focusing on two highly relevant zoonotic viral diseases that can affect cats: avian influenza and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). In the case of avia influenza, cats are suspected to be exposed primarily through contact with wildlife or through infected meat, whereas COVID-19 is thought to be transmitted to cats from people in close contact with them. The two diseases thus represent different parts of the transmission chain, providing an opportunity to investigate the role of cats from several different perspectives.
Plan and goal
The project comprises three main components:
- A survey study investigating small animal veterinarians’ experience, awareness and risk perception regarding avian influenza and COVID-19 in cats.
- An observational study of young cats with transient heart failure, focusing on a suspected virus-associated disease.
- An observational study investigating the occurrence of avian influenza and COVID-19 in cats in Sweden.
By integrating these three components, we aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing disease transmission, disease surveillance and infection control. This knowledge can contribute to improved feline health and strengthen the development of surveillance programmes and strategies to reduce risk of disease transmission to, from and between cats.
Project members outside SLU
- Robert Söderlund, Statens veterinärmedicinska anstalt
- Emelie Pettersson, Statens veterinärmedicinska anstalt