ETIDIOH - NEW

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is alerting pet owners that samples of Northwest Naturals brand 2lb Turkey Recipe raw & frozen pet food tested positive for a H5N1 strain of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus .  Testing conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) and the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ODVL) at Oregon State University confirmed a house cat in Washington County contracted H5N1 and died after consuming the raw frozen pet food .  Tests confirmed a genetic match between the virus in the raw and frozen pet food and the infected cat. “We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 by eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food ,” said ODA State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz.  “This cat was strictly an indoor cat ; it was not exposed to the virus in its environment, and results from the genome sequencing confirmed that the virus recovered from the raw pe...

Abstract We previously reported that mice immunized twice with a lipid nanoparticle vaccine comprising four monkeypox viral mRNAs raised neutralizing antibodies and antigen-specific T cells and were protected against a lethal intranasal challenge with vaccinia virus (VACV). Here we demonstrated that the mRNA vaccine also protects mice against intranasal and intraperitoneal infections with monkeypox virus and bioluminescence imaging showed that vaccination greatly reduces or prevents VACV replication and spread from intranasal, rectal, and dermal inoculation sites. A single vaccination provided considerable protection that was enhanced by boosting for at least 4 months. Protection was related to the amount of mRNA inoculated, which correlated with neutralizing antibody levels . Furthermore, immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice lacking mature B and T cells that received serum from mRNA-immunized macaques before or after VACV challenge were protected. These findings provide insights i...

Summary   Beyond domestic poultry , influenza A( H5N1 ) of clade 2.3.4.4b has spread to almost all regions , infecting a wide range of wild birds, marine and terrestrial mammals , and recently, cattle in the United States of America . When an influenza virus is circulating in both avian and mammalian populations , the likelihood of spillover to humans and risk to public health may increase . The reported events of the influenza A(H5N1) virus among terrestrial and marine mammals in several countries, including the recent cases detected in the United States of America, have made it necessary to improve virus detection in cattle and other susceptible mammals and closely monitor virus evolution and adaptation to extraordinary hosts . These recommendations aim to support countries in planning surveillance for influenza A(H5N1) in cattle to enhance early detection , to generate evidence-based information to mitigate the impacts of spillover from birds to cattle, and to prevent transmissi...

 {Excerpt} {December 23 '24} The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed a human case of H5 bird flu in an adult who was exposed to livestock infected with H5 Bird flu at a worksite .  This is the first human case of H5 bird flu detected in LA County.  The person had mild symptoms , has been treated with antivirals , and is recovering at home .  The overall risk of H5 bird flu to the public remains low. There is currently no evidence of person to person spread of this virus.  Close contacts of the infected person and other workers exposed at the worksite are being monitored for symptoms and have been offered personal protective equipment, testing and antiviral prophylaxis .  No additional cases have been identified at this time.  Public Health is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on the ongoing investigation. “People rarely get bird flu, b...

{Abstract} Introduction :  The late autumn epizootic of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N1 in Serbia in 2023 caused massive mortality in the migratory population of common cranes (Grus Grus). This is the first time HPAIV has been identified in the common crane in Serbia, leading to mass mortality of this bird species. Methods :  To understand the pathological impact of HPAIV in cranes, we evaluated the pathological changes in the tissues of common cranes. Additionally, we report genomic characterization of HPAI/H5N1. In total, 14 juvenile common crane carcasses were examined. Results :  Infected birds primarily exhibited neurologic signs , including ataxia and incoordination. Grossly, necrotizing pancreatitis was the most common finding, while microscopic lesions included necrosis, inflammation and hemorrhages in the lungs, spleen, brain, liver and kidneys . Based on RT-PCR, all birds were infected with the HPAI H5N1 virus, as viral RNA was d...

 {Excerpt, edited} Updated December 23, 2024​ --  ​​​The current risk to the public remains low.  ​​ -- No person-to-person spread of bird flu has been detected in California.  -- People rarely get bird flu , but those who interact​ with infected dairy cows, poultry, or wildlife ​have a greater risk of infection.​​ -- Pasteurized milk and dairy products are safe to consume. Pasteurization inactivates the bird flu virus.​​ -- CDPH is working to protect public health related to bird flu. We monitor infection data, evolving science, and the people affected. Our knowledge will change as we learn more. We are committed to reducing the impact to those at highest risk. Human Cases in Califo​rnia​ ​​​​​​​Confirmed Human Cases​ : 37 {+1} ​These numbers were last updated on December 23, 2024. California has 1 additional probable case with dairy cow exposure that meets the  Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) ​probable case definition (PDF)​. That ...

ABSTRACT Frequent recent spillovers of subtype H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus into poultry and mammals , especially dairy cattle, including several human cases , increased concerns over a possible future pandemic . Here, we performed an analysis of epitope data curated in the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB). We found that the patterns of immunodominance of seasonal influenza viruses circulating in humans and H5N1 are similar . We further conclude that a significant fraction of the T-cell epitopes is conserved at a level associated with cross-reactivity between avian and seasonal sequences, and we further experimentally demonstrate extensive cross-reactivity in the most dominant T-cell epitopes curated in the IEDB. Based on these observations, and the overall similarity of the neuraminidase (NA) N1 subtype encoded in both HPAI and seasonal H1N1 influenza virus as well as cross-reactive group 1 HA stalk-reactive antibodies, we expect that a degree of pr...

Summary   Avian influenza is not a new disease , but the emergence of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the A/Goose/Guangdong/1/96 lineage (Gs/GD) has necessitated fundamental changes to prevention and control strategies for this disease. No longer just an avian disease, avian influenza is capable of causing severe disease in humans and is considered a potential human pandemic threat requiring One Health approaches . In addition, Gs/GD HPAI viruses have developed the capacity to be carried across and between continents by migratory birds . Given the persistence of the current A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses in wild birds , enhanced measures to prevent and control infection will be needed. In most countries, infection in poultry can be eliminated, although questions will remain about the sustainability of repeated stamping out. Systematic preventive vaccination should be seriously considered as a method for reducing the number of outbreaks. HPAI will not be elimina...

Summary   H5Nx A/Goose/Guangdong/1/96 Eurasian lineage high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses have been the main HPAI strains detected globally since 2005. These have spread around the world, causing a panzootic that has spanned six continents , with continual threat to not only wild and captive birds and poultry, but also wild, captive and domestic mammals and humans . The viruses’ ecology and epidemiology – especially the 2.3.4.4b clade – have changed, with over 489 species of birds infected and spreading the virus over migratory routes . This results in the death of many birds, including endangered species , and serves as a source of transmission to poultry and mammals . Improved surveillance and sharing of HPAI virus sequences, metadata and viruses across the veterinary, public health, wildlife and environment sectors are needed to elucidate the population dynamics of the infections, which is crucial to addressing this complex One Health issue . The development of ap...

 {Excerpt} The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed two cases of H5 bird flu in cats that consumed recalled raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC . In addition, Public Health is investigating three other possible cases of H5 bird flu in three cats from a different household. The confirmed two infected indoor cats from one household consumed raw milk linked to a recall of raw milk and cream products prior to onset of symptoms, which included lack of appetite, fever and neurologic signs. The infected cats died after severe worsening of their illness , and subsequently tested positive for Influenza A, a rare result in cats. Public Health received the results of confirmatory testing, which confirmed the infection of H5 bird flu. Additional pets in the home are under quarantine. Public Health is now investigating additional possible cases of H5 bird flu in three cats from a different household. One cat has tested positive for Influenza A, a rare result in cats. Two other ...

{Excerpt, edited} Exposure Source [ State -  Exposure Associated with Commercial Agriculture and Related Operations: Dairy Herds (Cattle) Poultry Farms and Culling Operations - Other Animal Exposure† - Exposure Source Unknown‡ - State Total ] 1) California -  35 - 0 - 0 - 1 -  36 2) Colorado -  1 - 9 - 0 - 0 -  10 3) Iowa -  0 - 1 - 0 - 0 -  1 {+1} 4) Louisiana -  0 - 0 - 1 - 0 -  1 5) Michigan -  2 - 0 - 0 - 0 -  2 6) Missouri -  0 - 0 - 0 - 1 -  1 7) Oregon -  0 - 1 - 0 - 0 -  1 8) Texas -  1 - 0 - 0 - 0 -  1 9) Washington -  0 - 11 - 0 - 0 -  11 10) Wisconsin -  0 - 1 - 0 - 0 -  1 -- Source Total -  39 - 23 - 1 - 2 -  65 {+1} NOTE : One additional case was previously detected in a poultry worker in Colora...

23 December 2024 - Statement  Key points: -- Vaccination remains an important public health countermeasure against COVID-19 . As per the WHO Director General’s standing recommendations for COVID-19, Member States are recommended to continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination based on the recommendations of the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE). -- SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate and evolve with important genetic and antigenic evolution of the spike protein since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. -- The objective of an update to COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition is to enhance vaccine-induced immune responses to circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. -- The WHO TAG-CO-VAC advises retaining the use of a monovalent JN.1 lineage variant as the antigen in future formulations of COVID-19 vaccines. -- In accordance with WHO SAGE policy, vaccination should not be delayed in anticipation of access to vaccines with an updated composition; vaccination programmes ca...

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  Am J Med HAWLEY HB Long COVID: Clinical Findings, Pathology, and Endothelial Molecular Mechanisms. Am J Med. 2025;138:91-97. PubMed           Abstract available HAYES LD, Sanal-Hayes NEM, Mclaughlin M, Berry ECJ, et al People with Long Covid and ME/CFS Exhibit Similarly Impaired Balance and Physical Capacity: A Case-Case-Control Study. Am J Med. 2025;138:140-147. PubMed           Abstract available MCLAUGHLIN M, Cerexhe L, Macdonald E, Ingram J, et al A Cross-Sectional Study of Symptom Prevalence, Frequency, Severity, and Impact of Long COVID in Scotland: Part I. Am J Med. 2025;138:121-130. PubMed           Abstract available HONDA H, Takamatsu A, Miwa T, Tabuchi T, et al Prolonged Symptoms after COVID-19 in Japan: A Nationwide Survey of the Symptoms and Their Impact on Patients' Quality of Life. Am J Med. 2025;138:98-107. PubMed   ...