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

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was recently discovered in poultry in a goat on a Stevens County farm that tested positive for the same virus.This is Highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in domestic ruminants in U.S. for first time (Cattle, sheep, goats and their relatives).

All poultry on property they have been quarantined Since HPAI was detected in February. After confirming the presence of HPAI in goats, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (MBAH) All other species in quarantine facilities. MBAH is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to investigate the spread of the virus.

“This finding is significant because while spring migration is definitely a higher risk transmission period for poultry, it highlights Potential for the virus to infect other animals on multi-species farms

“The state veterinarian commented, Dr. Brian Hoffs. “Fortunately, research so far shows that mammals appear to be dead-end hosts, meaning Further spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza is unlikely“.

Earlier this month, the owner informed MBAH Abnormal death of newborn goats In February, a flock of poultry was wiped out due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Goats and poultry have access to the same space, including shared water sources. One of the goat carcasses was sent to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL), where it tested positive for influenza A. The National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) subsequently confirmed H5N1 HPAI, which is the same virus circulating in the NVSL. 2022 outbreak.Samples from adult goats were negative for highly pathogenic avian influenza, and all goats appeared to be healthy; there were no further reports of sick children From March 11.

The USDA informed the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO) of more details about the findings. The report mentioned that goats on the farm began giving birth just days after the number of poultry, including chickens and ducks, dwindled. Ten goats died, whose age ranges from five to nine days. Brain and tissue samples from five kid goats tested positive for H5N1, belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b. Genome sequencing showed that samples from the farm’s first goats and poultry were highly related.

International Atomic Energy Agency Has been previously diagnosed in other mammalian species Like skunks, dogs and cats. Animals with weak or immature immune systems, such as children in this case, Higher risk of contracting diseases. Experimental data on HPAI infection in ruminants are limited; There have been no previous reports of natural infection of goats with highly pathogenic avian influenza.. Since the outbreak began in 2022, the USDA has tracked more than 200 HPAI detections in mammals nationwide.

prevention

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has provided recommendations regarding personal protective equipment and is monitoring the health of those who come into direct contact with infected goats. Anyone who develops respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms after exposure to goats can voluntarily be tested for avian influenza and other respiratory pathogens.risk to the public extremely low

and any risk of infection Restricted to people with direct contact with infected animals. So far, No one in the United States has become ill from exposure to infected mammals. with this virus.

Biosecurity is anyone’s first line of defense to protect animals from disease and includes simple measures such as regular cleaning of equipment and housing, separating livestock from wildlife and calling a veterinarian if an animal becomes unwell.