Category: Avian Influenza
Avian flu has infected dairy cows in more than a dozen states – a microbiologist explains how the virus is spreading
The Conversation The current strain of avian flu, H5N1, is responsible for the culling of millions of domestic birds and has sickened more than a dozen farmworkers in 2024, most recently in Colorado. The Conversation U.S. asked immunologist and microbiologist Jenna Guthmiller from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to explain the historical roots of H5N1, its mode of […]
Aug 28, 2024
Thousands of birds die of bird flu and botulism at wildlife refuges in southern Oregon
Oregon Live At least 5,000 birds have died so far this summer at a network of wildlife refuges on the Oregon-California border, sparking fears of another large outbreak of disease and calls for more water releases in a region roiled by drought and water uncertainty made worse by climate change. The deaths are likely caused […]
Aug 27, 2024
With Only Gloves To Protect Them, Farmworkers Say They Tend Sick Cows Amid Bird Flu
KFF In early August, farmworkers gathered under a pavilion at a park here for a picnic to celebrate Farmworker Appreciation Day. One sign that this year was different from the others was the menu: Beef fajitas, tortillas, pico de gallo, chips, beans — but no chicken. Farms in Colorado had culled millions of chickens in recent months […]
Aug 27, 2024
6 cats in Colorado are diagnosed with avian influenza
DVM 360 Amid rising human cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) in Colorado,1 infection cases in domestic cats have also been diagnosed in the state during 2024. This year, 6 feline cases of HPAI H5N1 have been reported, with 2 of the affected animals being indoor-only cats who had no direct exposure to the virus, […]
Aug 20, 2024
How Your Cat or Dog Could Warn of a Bird Flu Outbreak
NYT Like most countries, the U.S. has no comprehensive national system for monitoring disease in companion animals — which leaves pets and people at risk. Trupanion, a Seattle-based pet insurance company, is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to create a disease tracking system for pets, the company announced this week. The […]
Aug 20, 2024
Influenza A (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1) in domestic cats
Colorado Veterinary Medical Association Six feline cases of Influenza A (HPAI H5N1) have been diagnosed in domestic cats in Colorado during 2024. One of these cases was directly associated with a known infected commercial dairy facility. Two of the six cases were indoor only cats with no direct exposures to the virus. Three of the […]
Aug 20, 2024
Cambodian girl dies of H5N1 bird flu: health ministry
Xinua A 15-year-old girl from southeast Cambodia’s Prey Veng province died of H5N1 avian influenza on Tuesday, the Ministry of Health said in a press statement. The patient lived in Kanhchriech district’s Por Marinh village. Health experts were looking into the source of the infection and examining any suspected cases or people who have been […]
Aug 20, 2024
Updated joint FAO/WHO/WOAH assessment of recent influenza A(H5N1) virus events in animals and people
WHO At the present time, based on available information, FAO-WHO-WOAH assess the global public health risk of influenza A(H5N1) viruses to be low, while the risk of infection for occupationally exposed persons is low to moderate depending on the risk mitigation measures in place. Transmission between animals continues to occur and, to date, a limited […]
Aug 14, 2024
Will bird flu be the next pandemic? Vaccines are prepped, just in case.
USA Today A quiet effort to prevent the next global pandemic began rolling off an assembly line this summer behind the gates of an office complex in suburban Raleigh. In this sprawling factory, sheltered by thick pine groves, workers at CSL Seqirus are bottling millions of doses of a new vaccine targeting the H5N1 bird […]
Aug 13, 2024
USDA to take ‘additional step’ in testing beef from former dairy cattle for bird flu
Iowa Capital Dispatch The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to embark on a year-long study beginning next month that will test samples for evidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza from former dairy cattle moved into meat production. Emilio Esteban, the undersecretary for food safety at the USDA, told reporters on a call Tuesday the new […]
Aug 13, 2024