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New York - Avian influenza in mammals and livestock 2024-2026

J Wildl Dis . Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Exposure and Infection in Free-Ranging Bobcats (Lynx rufus) in New York, USA

J Wildl Dis


. 2025 Mar 19.
doi: 10.7589/JWD-D-24-00137. Online ahead of print.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Exposure and Infection in Free-Ranging Bobcats (Lynx rufus) in New York, USA

Haley M Turner[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Angela K Fuller[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Joshua P Twining[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Gavin R Hitchener[SUP] 4 5 [/SUP], Melissa A Fadden[SUP] 5 [/SUP], David E Stallknecht[SUP] 6 [/SUP], Rebecca L Poulson[SUP] 6 [/SUP], Deborah L Carter[SUP] 6 [/SUP], Mandy B Watson[SUP] 7 [/SUP], Krysten L Schuler[SUP] 5 8 [/SUP], Jennifer C Bloodgood[SUP] 5 8 [/SUP]



Affiliations
Abstract

Highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza A virus (HP H5N1) cases in wild mammals have been increasing globally. Carnivora has been the most affected mammal order; however, the extent of morbidity and mortality in carnivores exposed to HP H5N1 remains undefined. We assessed the presence of antibodies to H5 and N1 in the sera of 16 live-captured bobcats (Lynx rufus) in New York State, USA; reported on postcapture outcomes of HP H5N1-exposed bobcats; and reported on a case of HP H5N1 infection in one bobcat. In 2024, 4/16 (25%) bobcats tested positive for antibodies to H5 and N1. Two were confirmed alive as of November 2024 according to GPS data; the other two were alive as of June 2024, when their GPS collars stopped communicating. Another bobcat, which was negative for HP H5N1 antibodies at capture, died from HP H5N1 infection within 5 wk of capture. Our results provide evidence of bobcats both surviving and succumbing to HP H5N1 infection and highlight the importance of focused health studies paired with monitoring data to better understand exposure, infection, and outcome for novel pathogens and species.

Keywords: Carnivore; H5N1; HPAI; emerging infectious disease; spillover; wildlife; zoonosis.

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https://meridian.allenpress.com/jwd...hly-Pathogenic-Avian-Influenza-Virus-Exposure
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Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Mammals

Last Modified: March 25, 2025
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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals
 
NY Cornell University - Study shows transmission of bird flu in wild bobcats across New York

[bolding is mine]
BY MARK GOSHGARIAN NEW YORK STATE
PUBLISHED 5:08 PM ET MAR. 27, 2025

Researchers from Cornell University have released the results of a new study that shows the spread of avian flu has now reached wild bobcats and has also claimed the life of one that was part of the study.

"They're this cryptic species that we don't know much about,” said Jennifer Bloodgood, wildlife vet, New York State Wildlife Health Program. “You don't see them a lot when you're outside. It was a surprise to us and kind of a warning of what this could mean for their populations."

Leaders with the state's Wildlife Health Program, who have found avian flu in other mammals like skunks and squirrels, worked with licensed trappers to sedate and capture 16 bobcats for the study.

Before releasing them back into the wild, researchers placed a GPS-equipped collar on them that eventually falls off, and also collected blood and other biological samples.

"To look at dead and sick animals and look for diseases in those animals to identify potential new diseases or trends in existing diseases," said Bloodgood.

Researchers noted one of the bobcats died weeks into the study from the virus, after not having been initially exposed at the onset.

The collars of the others were found scattered in areas across the state, including Buffalo and Albany.

"So I think it's really important to monitor this disease and see what's going on so that we can protect ourselves and our pets," said Bloodgood.

Bloodgood advises keeping kids away from dead animals, wearing gloves and a mask before disposing of it or calling the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to report it.

"That lets us know what's going on in the wild, and whether we should respond or test that animal so we know about more what's going on,” said Bloodgood.

Core bobcat hotspots across the state continue to be the Adirondack, Catskill and Taconic mountains, yet have also expanded into Central and Western New York, as well as the Southern Tier.

Researchers say the marten, a type of weasel, is next on the list for testing.
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https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/c...hows-transmission-of-bird-flu-in-wild-bobcats
 
March 28, 2025
|
Albany, NY

CONSUMER ALERT: Potential Avian Influenza Risk in Savage Pet Raw Cat Food

No Human Infections Have Been Identified Among People Handling Raw Pet Food Product; Risk to the Public Remains Low

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball today alerted consumers with pets to the potential presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H5N1 virus, or avian influenza, in Savage Cat Raw Chicken Cat Food produced by Savage Pet of El Cajon, CA. On March 15, the pet food company recalled the product with a lot code/best by date of 11152026. Recent samples of cat food with this lot code were collected by the New York City Department of Health, tested at Cornell University and confirmed to contain HPAI H5N1 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories. Illnesses in cats that have consumed this product have been reported in other states and in New York City.

Pet owners who may have Savage Cat Food Large Chicken Boxes, sold in 84-ounce cardboard boxes containing individual plastic packets, with a lot code/best by date of 11152026 andSavage Cat Food Small Chicken Boxes, sold in 21-ounce cardboard boxes containing individual plastic packets, with a lot code/best by date of 11152026, should not feed this product to their cat or other animal. The product should also not be sold or donated.

The recalled product was distributed in November 2024 and was sold at multiple retailers within New York State. The lot code/best by date can be found on the bottom of the cardboard box and on each packet. Consumers who have purchased this lot code are urged to immediately return it to their retailer for proper destruction and a full refund. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is also contacting the retailers who may have sold this product to ensure it is pulled from store shelves.

People who fed cats this product should watch the cats for symptoms of avian influenza, including fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs like tremors, stiff body movements, seizure, lack of coordination, or blindness. People with cats exhibiting these signs after feeding this product should immediately contact their veterinarian.

No infections have been identified among people handling raw pet food product or infected cats. While it is unlikely for humans to be infected with avian influenza viruses through contact with infected pets, owners should follow the CDC-recommended preventative measures to prevent their pets from being infected.

No H5N1 infections have been detected in humans in New York State. The New York State Department of Health continues to remind New Yorkers that the risk to the public is low. Individuals interacting with potentially infected animals are encouraged to take additional proactive measures to protect public health. The Department provides additional information about avian influenza and how the public can protect themselves. Individuals should avoid handling potentially infected animals and should take additional protective measures to protect public health if contact cannot be avoided. Avoid feeding pets raw food or raw milk as it may pose a threat to human and animal health. Always wash hands, utensils and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling raw pet food.

The Department of Agriculture and Markets has issued this guidance pertaining to raw food for pets.

For additional information, contact Savage Pet at info@savagecatfood.com or (619) 270-0295.

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https://agriculture.ny.gov/news/con...erted consumers with,best by date of 11152026.
 
July 16, 2025
Albany, NY

New York State Achieves USDA "Unaffected" Status in Avian Influenza Testing Program

Rigorous Standard Assures New Yorkers That State’s Dairy Herds Are Free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
As Always, Pasteurized Dairy Products Remain Safe to Consume

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets today announced that New York has achieved Unaffected status as part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) designed to detect highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy herds. This rigorous standard confirms that New York State has conducted ongoing testing and surveillance activities and that those demonstrate absence of the disease in dairy cattle in the state. Reaching this critical benchmark comes in large part thanks to the hard work of New York’s dairy and poultry farmers who have worked to implement and reinforce strong proactive biosecurity measures on farms across the state. To date, there have been no detections of HPAI in dairy cattle in New York State.

According to USDA and the FDA, pasteurized milk and pasteurized dairy products remain safe to consume as pasteurization kills harmful microbes and pathogens, including HPAI, in milk and there is also no concern regarding the consumption of properly cooked meat products. Find out more about HPAI and milk safety.

State Agriculture Commissioner A. Ball said, “Our dairy farmers, poultry farmers, and inspectors across the state have been working tirelessly to ensure that dairy cattle in New York remain free of HPAI. Reaching Unaffected status affirms that their hard work is paying off, and I thank all the farmers who have been instrumental in reaching this benchmark. We will continue to keep up our testing and surveillance so New Yorkers can be assured that their favorite local dairy products are safe and healthy to consume.”

“Achieving Unaffected Status is a significant public health milestone and reflects the strength of our surveillance systems and the commitment of our agricultural partners to protecting human and animal health,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “I’m happy to assure New Yorkers that our milk supply remains safe and that dairy products can continue to be a healthy, reliable part of our daily nutrition.”

In January, the Department announced that it was participating in USDA’s NMTS to facilitate surveillance for HPAI within the nation’s milk supply and dairy herds. The Department implemented the NMTS on New York dairy farms, in coordination with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), FDA, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). Through the NMTS, the State continues to test raw milk samples collected at every silo containing Grade “A” milk intended for pasteurization at processing facilities receiving Grade “A” bulk raw cow’s milk. Sampling and testing take place monthly and come at no cost to dairy farmers or processors. Ensuring that New York’s dairy herds are free of HPAI is critical to protecting farm workers who come into contact with these animals. Additionally, this work ensures that raw milk is free of HPAI, although it’s important to note that pasteurization is the only proven way to ensure the safety of milk and dairy products.

The NMTS facilitates comprehensive HPAI surveillance of the nation’s milk supply and dairy herds and provides a strategy to identify which states and herds within them are affected with HPAI. More information about NMTS, including each state’s status, can be found at aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock/nmts. NMTS involves five stages that describe states’ HPAI testing activity and status. New York State joins 20 other states in achieving Unaffected status.

Also, in early 2025, Department inspectors began collecting raw milk samples for HPAI testing from raw milk permit holders during routine monthly inspections to assist in the detection of HPAI and recently began the collection of raw milk samples for raw milk cheese processors

New York State has taken multiple preventative measures to prevent the spread of HPAI and protect animal and human health since the first detection of HPAI in dairy cattle in Texas in March 2024. In April, June, and August 2024, the Department issued orders on import requirements for dairy cattle coming into New York as well as testing requirements for lactating dairy cattle entering fairs or exhibitions. These orders continue to remain in place until further notice. More detail, including resources for producers, can be found at agriculture.ny.gov/news/new-york-state-announces-further-proactive-measures-monitor-hpai-livestock-following-outbreak and agriculture.ny.gov/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai.
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https://agriculture.ny.gov/news/new...fected-status-avian-influenza-testing-program
 
Post #30

State Agriculture Commissioner A. Ball said, “Our dairy farmers, poultry farmers, and inspectors across the state have been working tirelessly to ensure that dairy cattle in New York remain free of HPAI. Reaching Unaffected status affirms that their hard work is paying off, and I thank all the farmers who have been instrumental in reaching this benchmark. We will continue to keep up our testing and surveillance so New Yorkers can be assured that their favorite local dairy products are safe and healthy to consume.”​
Click to expand...

...they do not specify how often they will continue to test.
 
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Tioga County, New York
/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tioga_County,_New_York
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MEDIA RELEASE: Fox Tests Positive for Avian Influenza in Tioga County, New York

Last Updated: 5/8/2026

On May 6, 2026, Influenza A H5 virus, also known as Avian Influenza or Bird Flu, was detected in a fox that was originally submitted by Tioga County Public Health for rabies testing. Avian Influenza is common worldwide among wild birds and can occasionally spread to poultry and dairy cattle. Wild mammals, such as foxes, skunks, and rodents, have also tested positive for Avian Influenza. Since 2023, fewer than 100 human cases of Avian Influenza have been confirmed in the United States. No reported human cases have resulted from contact with an infected wild mammal. There has been no reported human to human spread of Avian Influenza.

In response to animal bites or exposures, it is routine for Tioga County Public Health to investigate the incident and submit animals for rabies testing. In this situation, rabies testing was negative, and an additional test detected Avian Influenza virus. Our department has been, and will continue to be, in close communication with the New York State Department of Health. Please note that there is no current threat to the community.

Tioga County Public Health would like to remind residents never to handle wild animals. Even wild animals that are young or appear to need help can transmit rabies, a fatal disease, as well as many other diseases. If you encounter a wild animal that appears injured or in need of help, contact the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) at 1-315-426-7400 (regular office hours), 1‑877‑457‑5680 (after office hours). It is important to note that if a wild animal is allowing a human to approach or handle it, this is unusual behavior and should be a red flag that it is ill. If an animal appears to be in immediate danger or poses a risk to humans or pets, keep a safe distance and contact local law enforcement for assistance.

All potential rabies exposures, including bites and scratches, must be reported to Tioga County Public Health by calling 607‑687‑8600 during business hours or 607‑687‑1010 after hours, on weekends, or on holidays. An online Rabies Exposure Bite Form is also available at ph.tiogacountyny.gov.

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https://tiogacountyny.com/departmen...for-avian-influenza-in-tioga-county-new-york/
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