Serological #Evidence of Exposure to Eurasian-Lineage HPAI #H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b in Wild #Mammals in #Ohio, #USA, 2024–2025

 

Abstract

The Goose/Guandong lineage of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus [A/Goose/Guangdong/1/1996(H5N1)] is the progenitor of the currently circulating Eurasian-lineage highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b and has been the most consequential highly pathogenic avian influenza lineage globally. Despite increased reports of infections, the extent of exposure and role of wild mammals in the ecology and transmission dynamics of the virus remains poorly understood. We surveyed wild mammals in Ohio, United States to investigate the potential spillover of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4b. While no active infections—defined as positive results indicative of viral replication and potential propagation—were detected by swab-based molecular tests, serological assays revealed antibodies against multiple avian influenza virus antigens in raccoons and opossums. Specifically, antibodies to avian influenza virus nucleoprotein were detected in 54.9% (n = 61) of samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; antibodies to Eurasian-lineage highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 clade 2.3.4.4b and North American low pathogenic avian influenza H5 were detected in 43.2% (n = 48) and 22.5% (n = 25) of samples, respectively, using virus neutralization assays; and antibodies to avian influenza virus neuraminidase were detected in 44.1% (n = 49) of samples using enzyme-linked lectin assay. All seropositive animals were sampled at Ohio marshes with previously confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 detections in waterfowl. These findings suggest prior exposure of wild mammals to these viruses without mortality events. Wild mammals may play an intermediary role in the mammalian adaptation of avian influenza A viruses. Therefore, ongoing surveillance of wild mammals is crucial for assessing the risk to public health.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/10/1388

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The #impact of highly pathogenic avian #influenza #H5N1 virus infection on dairy #cows

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus has been associated with severe mastitis in dairy cows, leading to decreased milk production. Here we investigated the impact of H5N1 virus infection in health and production parameters in an affected dairy herd in Ohio. Clinical disease, which lasted for about three weeks, was recorded in 20.0% (777/3876) of the adult cows. Milk losses of ~900 kg per cow were recorded in affected cows during a 60 day-post-outbreak period. Seroprevalence was 89.4% (570/637) in the herd, with 76.1% (485/637) of seropositive animals being subclinically infected. Clinically affected cows presented an increased risk of death (6 times) and of premature herd removal (3.6 times) when compared to non-clinical cows. Economic losses due to decreased milk production, mortality, and early herd removal were estimated at $950 per clinically affected cow for a total cost of ~$737,500 for the herd during the observation period. Our results demonstrate a production impact lasting at least 60 days post-clinical diagnosis and major financial consequences of HPAI H5N1 virus infection to dairy farms.

Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61553-z

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Persistence of #SARS-CoV-2 #Alpha #Variant in White-Tailed #Deer, #Ohio, USA

Abstract

Free-ranging white-tailed deer (WTD) are highly susceptible to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Through an opportunistic sampling of WTD in northeast Ohio, USA, during January–March 2023, we identified 6 SARS-CoV-2 lineages from 36 sequences using the pangolin lineages tool, including the B.1.1.7 lineage (Alpha variant) and BQ.1.1, BQ.1.1.63, BQ.1.1.67, BQ.1.23, and XBB.1.5.35 lineages (Omicron variant). The Alpha variant, introduced by a single human-to-deer transmission event, was detected in 5 WTD in January 2023, more than 1 year after the most recent detection of the Alpha variant in humans in Ohio (August 2021). A genetically similar B.1.1.7 lineage virus from WTD in a nearby county in Pennsylvania was positioned with our Ohio deer transmission cluster, suggesting deer-to-deer transmission. The persistence of the Alpha variant in WTD in Ohio warrants continued surveillance to monitor if WTD can become a reservoir for displaced SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/7/24-1922_article

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#USA, #Ohio DH Urges #Parents to Protect Their #Kids Following State’s First #Pediatric #Flu #Death of Season

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) today is reporting the state’s first flu-associated pediatric death of the 2024-25 flu season, a teenager under the age of 18 from Allen County.

“Sadly, this tragic death reminds us that influenza, though common, is a serious health threat,” said ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA. 

“We urge parents to protect their kids. It’s not too late for parents and kids to get a flu vaccine. It may very well prevent you or your loved ones from getting seriously ill. And, especially during flu season, it’s important to maintain good hand hygiene and to stay home if you are sick.”

Flu activity usually peaks between December and February. In Ohio, flu activity has been increasing since early December and has increased more rapidly since the beginning of the year. Current activity is very high.

Since the start of the season, more than 9,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations have been reported in Ohio, which is well above the five-year average for this time in the season.

Ohio generally reports between one and six influenza-associated pediatric deaths each season.

Flu vaccines are available at most healthcare providers’ offices, local health departments, and retail pharmacies.

Other effective ways to avoid getting or spreading the flu include washing hands frequently or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or coughing or sneezing into elbows, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

More information about flu and flu activity in Ohio is available at www.flu.ohio.gov.

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Source: Department of Health, https://odh.ohio.gov/media-center/ODH-News-Releases/odh-urges-parents-to-protect-their-kids

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#USA, #Ohio Reports First #Human Case of {#H5N1} #Birdflu (DOH)

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— The Ohio Department of Health is reporting the state’s first probable human case of influenza A(H5), also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu. 

An adult male Mercer County farm worker who was in contact with deceased commercial poultry was infected with the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the current risk of bird flu for the general public to be low. However, people with close and prolonged, unprotected contact with infected birds are at greater risk.

Guidance for the General Public

The risk of acquiring bird flu to the general U.S. population is low. The best way to prevent bird flu is to avoid direct contact with wild birds or sick or dead poultry or other animals.

Contact your local health department or local veterinarian for further guidance before you approach sick or dead poultry or wild birds.

*** REVISED *** 

Guidance for Those Who Work With Poultry

Commercial poultry owners should practice good biosecurity and prevent contact between their poultry and wild birds, specifically migratory waterfowl. 

Avoid handling sick birds or other animals and immediately report unusual signs of disease or unexpected deaths to Ohio Poultry Association at (614) 882-6111 or the Ohio Department of Agriculture at (614) 728-6220 or after hours at (888) 456-3405. 

According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, best biosecurity practices for commercial poultry owners include:

•    Prevent Contact with wild birds and waterfowl. Keep birds indoors when possible. Add wildlife management practices around your farm. hpaifactsheet_wildlife-biosecurity.pdf (usda.gov)

•    Keep visitors to a minimum. Only allow those who care for your poultry to have contact with them and make sure they follow biosecurity principles.

•    Wash your hands before and after contact with live poultry. Use soap and water. If using a hand sanitizer, first remove manure, feathers, and other materials from your hands.

•    Provide disposable boot covers (preferred) and/or disinfectant footbaths for anyone having contact with your flock. If using a footbath, remove all droppings, mud or debris from boots and shoes using a long-handled brush BEFORE stepping in. Always keep it clean.

•    Establish a rodent and pest control program. Deliver, store, and maintain feed, ingredients, bedding and litter to limit exposure to and contamination from wild animals.

•    Use drinking water sourced from a contained supply (well or municipal system). Do not use surface water for drinking or cleaning. 

•    Clean and disinfect tools and equipment before moving them to a new poultry facility. Trucks, tractors, tools and equipment should be cleaned and disinfected prior to exiting the property. Do not move or reuse anything that cannot be cleaned.

•    Look for signs of illness. Monitor egg production and death loss, discoloration and/or swelling of legs, wattles and combs, labored breathing, reduced feed/water consumption.

More information about best biosecurity practices can be found on both the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) websites.

Background on Bird Flu Cases in Humans

Nationally, there have been 68 confirmed human cases of HPAI in 11 states since the beginning of 2024, which included one death in Louisiana. All but three of these cases involved exposures related to commercial agriculture and related operations or wild birds. In Ohio, one dairy herd and numerous poultry flocks have been infected since the outbreak began in 2022.

There are no known cases of human-to-human transmission.

“While the risk to Ohioans is low, the best way to prevent bird flu is to avoid unprotected exposures to sick or dead birds or to their environment,” said ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA. “People should avoid direct contact with poultry or wild birds and take proper precautions, including reaching out for guidance regarding personal protection and safe handling, if you must be around sick or dead birds.”

Additional Information

It is safe to eat properly cooked poultry and pasteurized dairy products. Generally, people should follow food safety practices – poultry, eggs, and beef should be cooked to a safe internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses. The CDC's safer foods table contains a complete list of safe internal temperatures.

If people have been exposed to a sick or dead bird, they should monitor themselves for any new respiratory symptoms and contact their healthcare provider or local health department should they develop symptoms. Ohioans can report sick or dead wild birds to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) at 1-800-WILDLIFE and sick or dead poultry to the ODA at 614-728-6220.

More information on HPAI can be found on both the ODH and ODA websites.

Source: Department of Health, https://odh.ohio.gov/media-center/odh-news-releases/ohio-reports-first-human-case-of-bird-flu-021225

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