H5N1 is of great concern with regards to control of cross-species transmission of avian influenza virus (AIV). In southern China, H5N1 is one of the dominant enzootic AIV. It has been reported to be isolated from cats. Thus, the possibility of cross-species transmission of H5N1 from avian to cat was investigated via NT and HI assays using blood samples collected from different populations of cats in southern China. While no positive sera identified indicates lacking of evidence on cross-species transmission of H5N1 from avian to cat, the lower HI titer (1:20) with rate of 1.3% suggests that it is highly worth to monitor the sera antibodies to H5N1 in cats living in sites contaminated by H5N1 AIVs for control purposes. Our results provide initial and original reference information for future seroepidemiological and monitoring investigations of H5N1 in cats.

Key words: Cross-species transmission, H5N1 avian influenza virus, Serological survey