By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health (MBAH) has announced a discovery: a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detected in a baby goat.
This is the first instance of the virus being found in US livestock, occurring on a farm in Stevens County, Minnesota, where an HPAI outbreak had previously been identified in poultry.
The farm, home to multiple species, has been placed under quarantine, highlighting the risk of virus transmission across different animal types.
Minnesota's state veterinarian, Brian Hoefs, DVM, emphasized the importance of this finding. It underlines the potential for HPAI to infect not just poultry but other animals on mixed-species farms. Current research suggests mammals are less likely to spread the virus further, being considered "dead-end hosts."
The case came to light after unusual deaths among newborn goats on the farm were reported. These goats shared living quarters and water sources with the poultry, which were culled after a February virus outbreak.
One of the deceased goats was examined at the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory, where it tested positive for the H5N1 strain of influenza A, the same strain observed in recent wild bird and poultry cases across various countries.
Further investigation by the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus, identifying it specifically within clade 2.3.4.4b. Genomic sequencing linked the virus found in both the goat and the farm's poultry, indicating a highly related strain.
The MBAH has noted that while HPAI has been detected in other mammals, animals with compromised immune systems, such as newborn goats, are particularly susceptible to the disease.
In response, the Minnesota Department of Health is closely monitoring individuals who had contact with the affected goats, advising the use of personal protective equipment as a precaution.
This case highlights the complexity of HPAI transmission dynamics, especially in settings with diverse animal populations. It calls for increased alertness and biosecurity measures to prevent further spread, safeguarding both animal and human health.
Photo Credit: pexels-pavel-bondarenko
Categories: Minnesota, Livestock, Goats & Sheep