Nebraska - Avian flu in mammals 2023-2025

[Shiloh]

Source: https://starherald.com/news/local/us...4055bb3c7.html

USDA lab confirms death of four animals at Riverside Discovery Center from Avian flu
Staff report 19 hrs ago

The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed Thursday the cause of death for four animals at the Riverside Discovery Center (RDC) in Scottsbluff was Avian flu. The zoo announced last week that one cougar, one bear and two tigers died. The release indicates the animals ate local geese that had been donated to the zoo and the pathology reports show Avian flu, Eurasian H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza or HPAI in their systems.

“Avian influenza is primarily a disease of poultry, waterfowl and migratory birds,” the release states.

RDC worked alongside the Scotts Bluff County Health Department, USDA and Nebraska Game & Parks to manage the presence of influenza at the center. There are currently no concerns to the public and the risk to people is low, according to the release.

Once the zoo’s staff became aware about the possible Avian influenza risk, out of an abundance of caution, RDC’s interim director Hawk Buckman said the zoo temporarily closed to properly clean and sanitize the walkways and exhibits for the safety of visitors and animals...

[Mary Wilson]

University of Nebraska
Lincoln

INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

Written by Dr. Sarah Sillman, DVM, PhD, dip. ACVP

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Mammals: A Case Report of Two Domestic Cats

In January, an outdoor, adult, domestic longhaired cat presented to the University of Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center for postmortem examination after a history of rapid decline with clinical signs of anorexia, recumbency, anisocoria, pyrexia, seizures, tremors, nystagmus, loss of proprioception, and hyperesthesia. Gross necropsy revealed only a few visible changes to the organs including pulmonary congestion and edema, mild pericardial transudative effusion, and a subtle darkening of areas of the cerebrocortical grey matter. Complete histopathology examination revealed necrotizing lesions in the kidney, liver, adrenal gland, and pancreas; encephalitis with patches of extensive neuronal degeneration and necrosis, particularly in the cerebral cortex; and edema, vessel congestion, and mild inflammation in the lung and epicardium. The lesions were recognized as suspicious for highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection, which was confirmed with molecular diagnostics. The PCR Ct value for avian influenza in the brain of this cat was remarkably low (12), indicating a very large amount of virus in the brain, as consistent with an acute infection. Highly pathogenic avian influenza Eurasian strain H5N1 was verified by molecular assay at National Veterinary Services Laboratories
(NVSL).

Three other outdoor domestic cats of this household were noted at risk, and one of them developed clinical signs shortly after the first affected cat. This cat was described as somnolent and had episodes of walking in circles (circling). The cat was responsive to stimuli and seemed to eat and drink normally. It lived 10 days with neurologic impairment, when the cat suddenly became laterally recumbent with continual tremors, necessitating euthanasia. Gross necropsy documented major lesions only in the brain. There was excessive bloody cerebrospinal fluid from the subarachnoid space and obvious areas of malacia and hemorrhage in the cerebral cortex. On histopathology of affected brain, there was extensive loss of neurons with severe vacuolation and collapse of the supporting parenchyma, accompanied by reactive changes including astrogliosis and lymphocytic perivascular cuffs. Avian influenza was detected in the brain, although the PCR Ct value was higher (30), a consequence of the infection being chronic and/or less initial virus burden. Eurasian strain H5N1 was verified at NVSL. Acute hemorrhage from the damaged cortex leading to increased intracranial pressure could have caused the neurological crisis in this second cat. The remaining two cats in the household have been reportedly normal and nasal swabs collected from them did not detect avian influenza virus. ...

https://vbms.unl.edu/VDC/documents/HPAI_Cats.pdf

[sharon sanders]

Please see:

Domestic cat in Wyoming tests positive for bird flu

Canada - Ontario: Government statement - Domestic dog tests positive for avian influenza in Canada - April 4, 2023

[Pathfinder]

Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Mammals

Last Modified: January 13, 2025
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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals

[Commonground]

Nebraska Parks and Games Commission

Make a report

REPORT DOMESTIC FLOCK
Report sickness or deaths in domestic flocks to state and federal officials by calling the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 877-800-4080 or the U.S. Department of Agriculture at 866-536-7593.


Reporting Wildlife
Report sightings of dead wild birds near where HPAI has been confirmed to Game and Parks. This includes mortalities of wild waterfowl, raptors, scavengers (ravens, crows, or gulls), turkeys, quail and grouse, among other wild bird species.
Nebraska Game and Parks is increasing its Avian Influenza surveillance efforts. Complete this form if you suspect avian influenza in wildlife. Please be as detailed as possible or call (402)471-5480 to ensure data accuracy when completing this form.

Reminder:
Before coming into contact with potentially sick or dead animals, put on proper personal protective equipment; this includes disposable gloves, an n95 mask, and safety goggles, at minimum.

Do not let healthy animals come into contact with contaminated clothes, shoes, or people. Reduce traffic with potentially contaminated shoes and decontaminate them when possible. Wash hands and clothing immediately after contact with deceased or afflicted animals. Double bag deceased animals and dispose of in nearby landfill.

Additional information on Avian Influenza can be found at the following:

OutdoorNebraska.gov/conservation/conservation-challenges/wildlife-diseases/avian-influenza/

Link for the form: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/6...a3ed95b8742cc9

https://outdoornebraska.gov/conservation/conservation-challenges/wildlife-diseases/avian-influenza/