Surge in H5N1 Outbreaks: A Growing Concern for Poultry and Wildlife

The surge in H5N1 outbreaks has raised significant alarm among authorities and agricultural producers. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reported rising cases in both commercial and backyard poultry flocks, as well as wild migratory birds.

The recent uptick
in H5N1 activity indicates that the avian influenza season is nearing its peak, with most reports emerging from the Midwest and Southern states.

Recent Statistics

In the past month, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in 38 different flocks, breaking down into 24 commercial and 14 backyard locations. Over this period, more than 4.4 million birds have been reported affected. Just in the last week alone, authorities identified outbreaks at 5 commercial sites and 6 backyard locations.

Regional Impact of Outbreaks

Notably, two significant commercial turkey farms in Minnesota are experiencing new outbreaks. In Becker County, 72,500 birds have been impacted, while in Kandiyohi County, 32,900 birds are affected. Additional outbreaks have been noted in backyard poultry in states such as Montana, Arkansas, Idaho, and Oregon, with flock sizes varying from 30 to 70 birds.

Detections Spike in Migratory Birds

Wild-bird detections have seen a concerning increase, particularly in migratory blue-winged teal. Recent findings in Kansas reported 20 hunter-harvested blue-wing teal testing positive for H5N1. Additionally, five blue-wing teal in Cameron County, Louisiana, have also been infected.

States including Wyoming, Ohio, Colorado, Kentucky, Virginia, and New York have confirmed isolated H5 detections in black and turkey vultures. Notably, in Michigan, four Canada geese and a trumpeter swan were documented with HPAI.

Scientific Developments

In a related scientific development, a study published in Science Translational Medicine indicates that a replicating RNA vaccine, based on historical H5N1 avian flu antigens, has shown efficacy in protecting macaques against lethal infections from the latest strains of H5N1.
This research
suggests that ongoing vaccine development could benefit both avian and human health.

“These data support continued development of HPAI A H5N1 vaccines and suggest that existing stockpiles may offer some protection to humans,” the authors concluded.

Furthermore, a
letter
published in the Journal of Wildlife Diseases details the detection of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu in 41 species at risk (SAR) in Canada. Alarmingly, findings were reported in 20 species listed as endangered or threatened.

Source: CIDRAP