The H5N1 strain of influenza A virus has been detected in 23 mammal species, including various types of mice, rabbits, raccoons, foxes, big cats, and bears, as well as dairy cows. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has warned that the virus can cause infection and death in these animals. The virus has also been shown to transmit to domestic cats, with a significant increase in feline infections reported since 2023. However, no human cases have been linked to contact with infected cats. The USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are closely monitoring the situation and reporting their findings to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).