Discovery of Influenza A (H7N2) in a Cat After Admission to an Animal Shelter: A Case Report

This case report describes the discovery of a low pathogenic avian lineage influenza A (H7N2) (A/feline/New York/16-040082-1/2016) infecting a cat in a shelter environment. Low pathogenic avian influenza virus H7N2 had previously circulated in poultry and farmed waterfowl and had reportedly been eradicated from live bird markets in 2006. Its appearance in a cat caused concern for the local cat population and had the potential to negatively impact the agricultural industry and human health. The first cat diagnosed presented to the shelter with no apparent clinical signs. Later, conjunctivitis developed and then upper respiratory congestion, which progressed to severe pneumonia that was unresponsive to treatment and characterized by dyspnea, tachypnea, and collapse. A second cat, who had entered the shelter 17 days earlier and had died at an emergency clinic, was later considered to be the index case. The second cat had similarly arrived with no apparent clinical signs, developed respiratory congestion leading to pneumonia with tachypnea and dyspnea, and tested positive for influenza A. Clinical consultation and diagnostic testing through multiple organizations identified the virus as an avian lineage H7N2 influenza virus.