Avian Flu Expands to Domestic Fowl in Vermont
Avian Flu Expands to Domestic Fowl in Vermont
In Vermont, a backyard flock has been struck by H5N1, as per reports from agricultural authorities on December 22. This is not an isolated incident, with other instances of bird flu-related animal deaths reported in December, both on commercial farms and among wildlife.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and state regulators became aware of this incident on December 18, after the death of one bird in the non-commercial flock. The following day, they confirmed the presence of an H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), leading to more deaths in the flock of about two dozen non-poultry birds. The specific types of birds were not disclosed. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) then quarantined the remaining birds and eventually euthanized the entire flock.
This news was accompanied by another report from Oregon's Agriculture Department, which linked the death of a house cat to an H5N1 strain detected in Northwest Naturals-brand "raw and frozen pet food." Earlier in December, an outbreak at a wildlife sanctuary in Washington state led to the deaths of 20 big cats. These incidents are part of a wider trend of H5N1 illness affecting various animals, including poultry, cattle, cats, and humans, along with wild birds. However, Vermont officials stated that the strain affecting their backyard flock was different from the one impacting dairy cattle herds in other states.
The VAAFM also mentioned that while HPAI poses a low risk to human health, individuals who had contact with infected birds or their environment are being monitored by the Vermont Department of Health. This is the fourth such incident involving a backyard flock in Vermont in the past three years. The authorities urged animal owners to protect their birds and cattle from H5N1 with "proper biosecurity practices."
As of December 24, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had documented 65 human cases of H5 bird flu in the U.S., mostly linked to dairy herds and poultry farms in California, Washington state, and Colorado. The agency is also aware of seven "probable cases" across California, Washington, Arizona, and Delaware.
Human infections have generally been mild, but the CDC confirmed the first "severe" case in the U.S. earlier in December, which was linked to backyard poultry, not human-to-human transmission. On its tracking site, the CDC advises people to avoid close contact with wild birds and any infected animals, and to stick to pasteurized milk products.
The concern over H5N1 extends beyond animals, as scientists worldwide are closely monitoring its evolution in the face of advancements in technology and the future of medicine. With the potential for mutations to increase its infectiousness or lethality, investing in research and development of preventive measures is crucial.
As the world progresses in the realm of science and technology, solutions to combat avian flu strains like H5N1 could lead to breakthroughs in our understanding of zoonotic diseases, ultimately benefiting both animal and human health in the future.