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#avianinfluenza

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#RedFox 1st mammal in #Virginia to test positive for #AvianInfluenza

Culpeper Star-Exponent Apr 17, 2025

"Blue Ridge Wildlife Center recently admitted an adult female red fox from the Town of #HamiltonVirginia, in Loudoun County, that tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. This is the first report of an #HPAI positive mammal in Virginia, according to a news release from the nonprofit rescue in Boyce, Clarke County.

"On intake March 31, the animal was not responding to handling.

" 'She was also exhibiting tremors and nystagmus, a rhythmic, involuntary eye movement that is often seen with brain trauma or disease. Given these severe neurological signs without any indication of trauma, our top differentials were rabies, distemper, and HPAI.'

"As all of these diseases have a very poor prognosis, humane euthanasia was elected. Rabies testing came back negative, the center said. Brain tissue samples again confirmed HPAI suggesting it as the primary cause of the clinical signs this fox was exhibiting, according to an April 8 update.

"Though a first for Virginia, many other states have seen many mammalian positives, especially in dairy cows and free-roaming domestic cats.

" 'With cases on the rise at our hospital, and foxes having been found positive in multiple nearby states, this case did not come as a surprise, according to the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center statement. “This positive was of course reported to the proper authorities and those that came into contact with the fox are actively monitoring for HPAI signs, which include fever, body aches, and irritated eyes in humans.'

"The center requested the public help minimize the risk of this virus by keeping a respectful distance from wildlife. Most cats are infected by hunting wild prey or ingesting raw meat or milk, so pets should not be allowed to free roam or be fed raw milk or meat products.

" 'This virus is still considered low risk to humans and there is no need to be concerned as long as you are staying up to date on the outbreak through reliable sources and taking proper precautions around wildlife and susceptible domestics,' the center stated."

Source:
richmond.com/article_aaf2259f-

Richmond Times-DispatchRed fox 1st mammal in Virginia to test positive for avian influenzaBlue Ridge Wildlife Center: virus considered low risk to humans, take proper precautions around wildlife and susceptible domestics.

#BirdFlu Has Now Been Discovered In Several Species Of #Texas Wild Mammals

by Renee Raven
Published: April 21, 2025

"#AvianFlu, a.k.a. Bird Flu or HPAI, has recently been discovered in several species of wild mammals, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (#TPWD).

Which Texas Animals Are Infected With Bird Flu?

"This highly contagious pathogen has been found in several mammalian species, including #foxes, #raccoons, striped #skunks, and #DomesticCats.

Where Has Bird Flu Been Found In Mammals In Texas?

"#DeafSmith, #Hansford, #Lubbock, #Ochiltree, #Parmer, and #Randall Counties all had mammals test positive for bird flu. This will likely spread to other counties.

What Impacts Will Bird Flu In Mammals Have?

"Needless to say, this could cause a devastating impact on both wild and domesticated animals and birds, including pets and backyard chicken coops.

How Are Mammals Becoming Infected With Bird Flu In Texas?

"The wild mammals are primarily becoming infected through eating the corpses of birds that died from the flu (so outdoor #cats are at a high risk), however, mammal-to-mammal spread is possible."

Read More: Bird Flu Has Spread To Texas Wild Mammals- What You Need To Know | kfmx.com/bird-flu-wild-mammals

FMX 94.5Bird Flu Is Spreading In Texas- Now Found In These Wild MammalsAvian Flu, a.k.a. Bird Flu or HPAI, has recently been discovered in several species of wild mammals in Texas. Here is what you need to know to stay safe.

As #EggPrices soared, so did producer #profits

A #USDA program doled out hundreds of millions in relief payments to big egg companies, even as the largest earned record profits.

The #AvianInfluenza outbreak has had far-reaching consequences: >120M hens have been slaughtered & #egg #prices have risen to record levels. In his address to Congress, #Trump called the situation “out of control.”

Yet for some #corporate companies, these are good times.

#BirdFlu #Profiteering
washingtonpost.com/business/20

The Washington Post · As egg prices soared at the supermarket, so did producer profitsBy Peter Whoriskey

Officials: #Minnesota was about to be declared free of #AvianFlu, but it won't last long

Story by Jeremiah Jacobsen, March 26, 2025

"Minnesota was on track to declare itself free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (#HPAI, also known as #H5N1) on Friday, but state officials cautioned on Wednesday that is not likely to last.

"The state has not seen any new cases of HPAI reported in birds since January, which fits the official classification to be declared bird flu-free. However, Minnesota State Veterinarian Dr. Brian Hoefs said the return of migratory birds and recent positive testing on a Stearns County dairy farm mean it's only a matter of time before disease is detected again in birds.

"Hoefs said in the past, avian flu cases tended to follow the migratory bird season, but in recent years, as the illness has moved to more wild and domestic species, H5N1 cases are sticking around beyond the usual seasons. Much like influenza strains in humans, avian flu strains also evolve.

"'This virus has a habit of changing, getting ahead of us, and kind of rerouting when we think we have to figure it out,' Hoefs said.

"Minnesota Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen said the concern right now is the potential spread to dairy farms, which could see a loss in production, but not the same type of mortality that's found with infected poultry herds.

"'As we watch what happened in California, where over 700 of their 900-plus dairy farms have gotten H5N1 in their dairy herds, Minnesota has over 1,600 dairy farms,' Petersen said. 'We want to be very much on top of this.'"

msn.com/en-us/health/other/off
#HPAINews #AvianInfluenza #AvianFlu

www.msn.comMSN

What the World’s First Case of #BirdFlu in Sheep Means for the Virus’s Spread

The detection of bird flu in a sheep is another sign that the #H5N1 virus is adapting to hop to new hosts

By Josh Fischman, March 24, 2025

Excerpt:
"Discovery of H5N1 in a sheep enlarges the list of nonbird animals now known to be susceptible to the virus. In the U.S. that list includes cows, pigs, domestic and wild cats, coyotes, bears, rodents, raccoons, opossums and marine mammals. Seventy people in the U.S. have also been infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and one of them died. Although the risk to humans remains low, and person-to-person transmission is not known to have happened, the virus’s ability to infect different kinds of animals highlights that the microbe can evolve and adapt to infect new hosts, scientists say. As it spreads, it warrants careful and continued scrutiny, officials say."

Read more:
scientificamerican.com/article
#HPAINews #AvianInfluenza #AvianFlu

Scientific American · What the World’s First Case of Bird Flu in Sheep Means for the Virus’s SpreadBy Josh Fischman

ASPCA: #BirdFlu and Cats: What You Need to Know

March 14, 2025

"Cats are very susceptible to H5N1 infection, but at this time the overall risk for exposure and infection is believed to be low. Dogs appear less susceptible to the current H5N1 strain, though this could evolve.

"Cats who are most at risk include those who:

- Consume unpasteurized dairy products or raw or undercooked poultry
- Are exposed to sick or deceased wild birds, particularly waterfowl like geese and ducks
- Come in contact with poultry or dairy cows on farms or in backyard flocks and those in contact with infected people or animals

"You can limit the risk of exposure and infection by keeping cats indoors or in enclosed '#catios.' Also, avoid feeding unpasteurized dairy products or raw or undercooked poultry (chicken, turkey and duck). This includes raw diets. Prevent your cats from coming in contact with sick or deceased wild birds, particularly waterfowl such as geese and ducks, and prevent contact with dairy cows or poultry.

"Monitor your cat for signs of H5N1 infection, which include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, trouble breathing, lethargy, disorientation, trouble walking and sudden onset of severe disease or death without prior signs of illness or injury.

"One last note: Experts’ understanding of #H5N1 avian influenza is continually evolving and recommendations may change as we learn more. Your veterinarian is your best resource. Contact them if you have questions about your cat’s health or if you suspect illness."

aspca.org/news/bird-flu-and-ca
#HPAINews #AvianInfluenza #AvianFlu #PetHealth #ASPCA #CatHealth

ASPCABird Flu and Cats: What You Need to KnowCats are very susceptible to H5N1 bird flu. At this time, the overall risk for exposure and infection is believed to be low, but as it continues to spread, here's what you need to know to keep your cats safe.

#UK: Warning as #BirdFlu found in dead gull

by Sarah Turnnidge, April 2, 2025

"A warning has been issued after a confirmed case of bird flu was found in a wild herring gull.

"#Devizes Town Council has urged dog owners to take care after the bird was found dead in the town with H5N1 Avian Influenza as part of ongoing surveillance work.

"In a post on social media a spokesperson for the local authority confirmed #Wiltshire Council had been notified of the finding by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (3APHA).

"The public have been told to avoid touching dead or sick wild birds, their #feathers, or surfaces contaminated by #BirdDroppings.

"#DogOwners should keep their pets on leads and use footpaths, the APHA said, with people who keep poultry or other birds advised to wash their hands and #disinfect footwear after handling.

"The Health Security Agency has said the risk to public health is very low. [But remember -- it is deadly for cats, and can be passed from humans to cats].

"A spokesperson for Devizes Town Council said: 'We will continue to monitor the situation and keep the public informed of any developments.'

Source:
bbc.com/news/articles/c4g2xx0j
#HPAINews #AvianInfluenza #AvianFlu #PetHealth #WiltshireUK #WildHerringGulls

www.bbc.comDevizes: Warning to dog walkers as bird flu found in dead gullDog owners have been advised to keep their pets on a lead.

How to Protect Your Cats (and #BackyardChickens) From #BirdFlu

An #H5N1 infection can be fatal for domestic animals, but there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of them catching the virus.

by Sassafras Lowry, Mar 18, 2025 12:12 PM

Original article:
wired.com/story/pets-and-backy

Archived version:
archive.ph/u30Ja
#HPAINews #AvianInfluenza #AvianFlu #CatHealth

WIRED · How to Protect Your Cats (and Backyard Chickens) From Bird FluBy Sassafras Lowrey

Avian influenza in domestic flocks vs avian influenza in wild birds per 100k hunting licenses! Whew, that's a mouthful.

I wanted to see if the concentration of hunting licenses in a state correlated with how many birds with avian influenza were caught by hunters in that state, and if it might correlate with avian influenza in domestic flocks in that state. I don't know if I succeeded, but it's kind of cool to look at.

public.tableau.com/app/profile

I've just finished an oped for The Hill Times on avian influenza and biosecurity. And this morning, I recorded a new episode of Alberta Unbound: my very special guest was Josh Wingrove, White House correspondent for Bloomberg, an Edmonton boy, born and raised, now in the eye of the storm of the Trump tariff trade war. Josh was fascinating - and just a bit exhausted. Stay tuned - I'll post the link as soon as it's available tomorrow. #AlbertaUnbound #tariffs #H5N1 #AvianInfluenza #cdnpoli

How your #cat can contract #BirdFlu without seeing a bird

New data reveals unexpected infection pathways to #HouseholdPets

By Serena Summer
Feb 25, 2025

Excerpt: "The CDC report details two confirmed cases of indoor domestic cats contracting bird flu, with both felines belonging to #DairyWorkers who had previously displayed symptoms consistent with the virus. Prior to the cats becoming ill, their owners had experienced symptoms including #vomiting and #diarrhea. Although the owners declined testing for bird flu, laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of the virus in both cats, with one eventually dying from the infection.

"This finding represents a significant development in our understanding of #AvianInfluenza #transmission, as it suggests that #humans may serve as intermediary hosts capable of passing the virus to household pets. Previously, most concern centered on direct transmission from infected birds to mammals, but these cases indicate more complex transmission patterns may exist.

"The indoor setting of these infections is particularly noteworthy, as it eliminates the possibility of direct contact with infected #WildBirds, which had been considered the primary transmission route for cats in previous outbreaks."

Read more:
rollingout.com/2025/02/25/bird
#HPAINews #BirdFlu #AvianInfluenza #PetHealth #CatHealth

Rolling Out · How your cat can contract bird flu without seeing a birdRecent CDC findings show indoor cats contracted bird flu from dairy workers, highlighting new transmission pathways and preventive measures

#Spring #migration season could cause uptick in #AvianFlu

By Brooke Griffin, KIRO 7 News
March 05, 2025

"Animal experts are warning people to protect their pets and farm animals from bird flu infection as migratory birds make their way across Washington State.

"Amber Betts with the Washington State Department of Agriculture tells us there are currently six million birds migrating across the United States, many of which will fly through Washington state as they head to Canada.

"She said with this current strain of avian influenza, #MigratoryBirds and #WildBirds are the main distributors when it comes to spreading the disease.

"'There’s different species that can have the virus without symptoms and then others if they get it it’s not good for them,' Betts said.

"Betts tells us bird flu kills chickens very quickly once they are infected but many wild birds will not only survive with the disease, they may not even show symptoms.

"She says the sick wild birds will fly across states and countries, infecting entire sections of land with susceptible chickens, ducks, and birds as they go.

"'It can live on surfaces for quite some time,' Betts said. 'If there’s a shared water source and an infected bird drinks out of that and then another bird drinks it, the disease can be shared that way and through droppings.'

"She tells us there are precautionary measures that can be taken to prevent the spread.

"'Make sure the water or food we leave out for our backyard birds is under a cover and not accessible by wild birds. Make sure they don’t have access to a pond where our birds have access as well as the wild birds.' Betts said.

"There have already been at least six confirmed cases of pet cats testing positive for avian flu in [#WashingtonState].

"'That’s the reason we are concerned every time we see migration season coming upon us,' Betts said.

She said the best practice is keeping your pets from drinking any standing water and farm animals away from fields with bird droppings is the best way to prevent them from getting sick."

kiro7.com/news/local/spring-mi
#HPAINews #BirdFlu #AvianInfluenza #PetHealth

KIRO 7 News Seattle · Spring migration season could cause uptick in avian fluBy Brooke Griffin