Bird flu detected in livestock in U.S. for first time

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health (MBAH) announced that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was detected in a goat on a farm where a poultry outbreak was recently discovered. The announcement marks the first time the disease has been identified in cattle in the United States.

Health officials, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), are investigating the spread of the virus at the farm, located in Stevens County in west-central Minnesota. All species on the farm have been quarantined. Poultry have been quarantined since the outbreak began in February.

“This finding is significant because while spring migration is definitely a higher-risk time for poultry, it highlights the virus’s ability to infect multi-species farms,” ​​explained Minnesota veterinarian Brian Hoefs. “Fortunately, studies to date indicate that mammals appear to be the definitive hosts, meaning they are unlikely to further transmit highly pathogenic avian influenza.”

abnormal neonatal death

The animals were tested after farmers noticed unusual deaths of newborn babies, following a culling of poultry as part of a response to an outbreak in February. Goats and poultry share the same space, as well as the same water source.

One of the goats was taken to the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, where testing revealed influenza A. Follow-up testing at the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, identified the virus as H5N1, the same virus circulating in the wild. Birds and poultry of some countries.

The USDA notified the World Organization for Animal Health (WHOA) that it provided more details about the findings. The report said goats on the farm began giving birth just days after poultry, including chickens and ducks, were slaughtered. Ten goats aged 5 to 9 days died. Brain and tissue samples from five young goats were positive for H5N1, belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b.

Genomic sequencing analysis showed that the first child’s samples were highly related to the farm’s poultry.

Vulnerable animals most at risk

MBAH notes that highly pathogenic avian influenza has also been detected in other mammalian species, including skunks, dogs and cats. However, animals with weak or immature immune systems, such as newborns, are at higher risk of contracting the disease.

As part of the response, the Minnesota Department of Health is monitoring people who came into contact with the goats and has issued recommendations for the use of personal protective equipment in that environment.