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/

[Commonground]

USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Dairy Herd in Nebraska


WASHINGTON, D.C., September 15, 2025—Today, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed a detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13 in a dairy cattle herd in Nebraska. This confirmation was a result of State tracing and investigation, following an initial detection from pre-movement surveillance milk samples required under USDA’s April 2024 Federal Order.

This marks the first known case of HPAI in cattle in Nebraska. While dairy cattle in a total of 17 states have been infected since the start of the outbreak in March 2024, APHIS has seen cases in only a small number of states this year. APHIS is working closely with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to conduct additional on-farm investigation, testing, and gathering of additional epidemiological information to better understand this detection and limit further disease spread.

The detection does not change USDA’s HPAI eradication strategy. Biosecurity is still key to mitigate the risk of disease introduction or spread between premises; APHIS recommends enhanced biosecurity measures for all dairy farms, particularly as we enter fall migratory bird season. Producers should immediately report any livestock with clinical signs, or any unusual sick or dead wildlife, to their state veterinarian.

There is no concern that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health, or that it affects the safety of the commercial milk supply. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is confident that pasteurization is effective at inactivating H5N1, and that the commercial, pasteurized milk supply is safe. Dairies are required to send only milk from healthy animals into processing for human consumption; milk from impacted animals is being diverted from the commercial milk tank or destroyed so that it does not enter the human food supply.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H5N1 viruses circulating in birds and U.S. dairy cattle are believed to pose a low risk to the general public in the United States. However, people who have job-related or recreational exposures to infected birds or mammals are at higher risk of infection and should take appropriate precautions outlined in CDC guidance.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-dairy-herd-nebraska

[Commonground]

[emphasis is mine]

Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture
For Immediate Release
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Nebraska Dairy Herd


LINCOLN –The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), in conjunction with the United States

Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed

the detection of a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a dairy herd in Nebraska. This

is the first known case of HPAI in dairy cattle in the state. The herd is located in central Nebraska

and has been quarantined.

The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed that the strain of the virus is very

similar to a strain from California. With supportive care, dairy cattle recover with little to no

mortality associated with the disease.

State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley encourages Nebraska dairy producers to follow strict

biosecurity protocols and to contact their veterinarian immediately if their animals are exhibiting

any symptoms of the virus.

What are the clinical signs of HPAI in dairy cattle?

HPAI symptoms in dairy cattle mostly affect late-stage lactating cows. Common clinical signs of

HPAI in dairy cows decrease in food consumption, clear nasal discharge, drop in milk production,

tacky or loose feces, lethargy, dehydration, fever, and thicker, concentrated (colostrum-like) milk.

Resources for dairy producers

Resources including biosecurity information are available for dairy producers at

nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/ and from the USDA at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-

poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-livestock. Dairy cattle experiencing signs of HPAI

should be reported to NDA at 402-471-2351 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.

While cases among humans in direct contact with infected animals are possible, the Center for

Disease Control (CDC) continues to believe that the threat to the general public remains low.

https://nda.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/press/september2025/HPAI%20in%20Dairy.pdf

[Commonground]

Excerpt:

Genetic analysis reveals that the virus belongs to the 2.3.4.4b clade and the B3.13 genotype seen in other dairy herds.

Please see: https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/...25#post1019341

[Pathfinder]

Related to the posts above:



...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.rttnews.com/3575110/nebr...-outbreak.aspx


Nebraska Confirms First Bird Flu Case In Dairy Cattle Amid Ongoing National Outbreak
By RTTNews Staff Writer ✉ | Published: 9/17/2025 4:11 PM ET

Nebraska has confirmed its first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in a dairy cattle herd; state and federal agriculture officials announced on Sept. 15.

The herd, located in central Nebraska, has been quarantined following confirmation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

The detection adds to a lingering 18-month outbreak that has spread across more than 1,000 herds in 17 states since the virus was first identified in dairy cows in March 2024.

Recent cases have also been confirmed in Texas, Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Michigan and California. Federal officials said the Nebraska strain closely resembles one previously detected in California and noted that cattle generally recover with little to no mortality, though milk production can fall by up to 20 percent.

The USDA confirmed the case after testing milk samples flagged during pre-movement surveillance...

[Commonground]

from post #10:

"It will be important to determine if the Nebraska herd represents a new bird-to-cow infection, or if the virus was brought into the state by an already infected cow," said Scott Hensley, a microbiology professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

[Commonground]

Nebraska Dairy Update
September 22, 2025

Audio update

The virus did not get introduced into Nebraska via migratory birds or waterfowl. Cows contracted the virus in CA, and brought it into Nebraska. When they pre-test they have a 7 day window before they are having to test again if they relocate those animals. In that 7 days window is when the animals came showed sym's and there is an incubation period with the virus. Now the herd is in quarrantine....

https://nebraskamilk.org/nebraska-dairy-update-39/