USDA List of Mammalian Infections With H5N1
#17,413
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.
In recent weeks we've also seen reports of several domestic cats in the U.S. (see here, and here) - and 1 dog in Canada) - contracting the virus.
Cats are unfortunately highly susceptible to HPAI H5 (see 2015's HPAI H5: Catch As Cats Can) along with other novel flu subtypes (see J. Virology: Virulence Of A Novel H7N2 Virus Isolated From Cats In NYC - Dec 2016).
Since the majority of wildlife detections of H5N1 have come from peridomestic animals in urban or suburban settings, it makes sense to protect your cat and dog when they are outside. The CDC has some advice on keeping your pets, and yourself, safe from the virus.
While reports of infected companion animals have not been added to their list, yesterday the USDA added 8 more mammals (mostly foxes).
Why nearly all of the reports to date have come from northern states isn't clear, although it may come down to differences in climate and terrain (swamps vs. forests vs. deserts), and the fact that some states may be looking harder than others.
Mammals often die in remote and difficult to access places where their carcasses are quickly scavenged by other animals, meaning they are never discovered or tested.
Among those scavenger species who are also at risk from the virus are critically endangered California Condors, whose population had declined to just 23 known survivors by the early 1980s.
Thanks to conservation efforts by the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Park Service - and a breeding program at San Diego's Wild Animal Park and the Los Angeles Zoo - their population has recovered to nearly 500 birds.
But as we've seen in recent weeks (see here and here), HPAI H5 is taking its toll. The latest update from the USFWS confirms 20 recent Condor deaths likely due to avian flu.
HPAI UPDATE
Southwest California Condor Flock - April 17, 2023
Free-flying California condors in Arizona continue to be confirmed with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). To be as transparent as possible to the public and stakeholders about the potential extent of this outbreak, until further notice, the Service will disclose and report all deceased condors in the Southwest Flock found on or after March 30, 2023, prior to necropsy and preliminary testing. As results are confirmed at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Service Laboratory, we will report them as "confirmed HPAI."
As of April 17, 2023, 20 condors have died in the Arizona-Utah flock; HPAI has been confirmed for 10 of those condors. Eight birds were captured and brought in for supportive care. Four of those condors died shortly thereafter and are included in the total of 20 deceased birds. Four condors are still receiving supportive care and have shown improvement. Learn more about HPAI.
