HPAI Updates

April 26, 2024:
APHIS Requirements and Recommendations for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Virus in Livestock For State Animal Health Officials, Accredited Veterinarians and Producers

April 25, 2024:
Ongoing updates from FDA

April 25, 2024:
Federal Order to Assist with Developing a Baseline of Critical Information and Limiting the Spread of H5N1 in Dairy Cattle: Frequently Asked Questions 

April 24, 2024: 
Federal Order Requiring Testing for and Reporting of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Livestock

April 17 MVMA Member Alert: Cats and H5N1 - Alert from CDC 

As with any potential cases, please notify L.OConnor@mass.gov and

Margaret.Gabour@mass.gov so they can follow up with epidemiologic questions.

HPAI A(H5N1) infections in cats have been reported in the United States, Poland, South Korea, and France. These cats demonstrated varying degrees of clinical manifestations, including respiratory and neurological signs, and some had fatal outcomes. Infection is thought to have happened via exposure to infected birds or other animals. 

While it’s unlikely that people would become infected with bird flu viruses through contact with an infected wild, stray, feral, or domestic cat, it is possible—especially if there is prolonged and unprotected exposure to the animal.

Recommendations to protect yourself and staff include:

• Avoiding unprotected close or direct physical contact with sick cats who may have been exposed to animals that tested positive for HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection.
• When handling or interacting with cats that might be infected with or have been exposed to bird flu viruses, veterinarians and staff should wear PPE (CLICK HERE for PPE guidelines).
• Using particular care during aerosol-generating procedures (i.e., intubation, dental procedures).

CLICK HERE for more info.

April 17, 2024: MVMA Member Alert - USDA Guidance on Protecting Cattle from BIAV (Bovine Influenza A Virus)

Six states (OH, TX, KS, NM, MI, and ID) now have confirmed disease in dairy cattle. Three sick cats have also tested positive for disease in TX. Currently, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is not requiring dairy cattle to be tested for HPAI infection. If cattle must be moved, then APHIS strongly encourages “extreme diligence” by producers, veterinarians, and animal health officials to ensure only healthy cattle are moving and to ensure the validity of interstate health certificates. CLICK HERE for an article from AVMA on the disease in cattle and cats, as well as recommendations from USDA. As always, we remind you of the Reportable Disease list in MA found HERE