USDA HPAI H5 Detections in Mammals
#17,388
As we've discussed often over the past few months (see here, here, and here), there is an unprecedented amount of HPAI H5 circulating in wild North American birds, and it has repeatedly spilled over into mammalian wildlife (see graphic above).
While the most at-risk terrestrial mammals have been peridomestic animals like foxes, skunks, and raccoons, we've seen a few larger animals - including bears and mountain lions - affected.
Although it hasn't been reported often, we've also seen companion animals - mostly dogs and cats - infected with HPAI viruses over the years (see 2015's HPAI H5: Catch As Cats Can and 2010's Study: Dogs And H5N1).
As result the CDC, and other public health agencies, have issued guidance to pet owners on how to protect their animals from undo exposure (see Bird Flu in Pets and Other Animals).
Just over 3 months ago we saw a report from WOAH: France Reports Cat Infected With Avian H5N1. Today we get the following announcement (h/t Blacknail on FluTrackers) from the Canadian government announcing a fatal HPAI infection in a domestic dog with wildlife exposure.
Domestic dog tests positive for avian influenza in Canada
From: Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Statement
April 4, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario
Today, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada issued the following joint statement:
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, confirmed on April 1, 2023, that a domestic dog in Oshawa, Ontario has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The domestic dog was found to have been infected with avian influenza after chewing on a wild goose, and died after developing clinical signs. The necropsy was completed on April 3, 2023, and showed respiratory system involvement. Further testing is underway. It is the only case of its kind in Canada.
The number of documented cases of avian influenza H5N1 in non-avian species, such as cats and dogs is low, despite the fact that this virus has caused large avian outbreaks globally over the last few years.
Based on the current evidence in Canada, the risk to the general public remains low and current scientific evidence suggests that the risk of a human contracting avian influenza from a domestic pet is minor.
Furthermore, no domestically acquired human cases of avian influenza have been reported in Canada. Cases of avian influenza among humans are rare and almost always acquired through direct contact with infected birds or exposure to heavily contaminated environments. To date, there has been no evidence of sustained person-to-person spread.
Nonetheless, owners are encouraged to take appropriate precautions to protect their pets and themselves.
Pet owners are advised to:
The health and safety of Canadians remains our top priority, and the Government of Canada is closely monitoring the situation. We are tracking avian influenza activity in Canada and around the world, with domestic and international partners, including the World Health Organization. Furthermore, the CFIA has a dedicated response team of experts that has been activated to respond to the AI outbreaks and will coordinate actions with federal, provincial and territorial partners and industry.
- not feed pets (e.g., dogs or cats) any raw meat from game birds or poultry
- not allow pets to consume or play with dead wild birds found outside
- contact their veterinarian if they have questions about their pet's health
For more information on precautions pet owners can take, please visit the CFIA's website.
Quick Facts
- On July 7, 2022, the CFIA reported detections of HPAI in mammals to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH); detections in several wild mammal species have continued intermittently throughout the outbreak.
- Initial detections were discovered in foxes in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia, and seals, dolphins and black bears in Quebec. Detections have also been discovered in wild mink, raccoons, porpoises and skunks from several areas across Canada.
