Avian Influenza Map

**Avian Influenza Surveillance Dashboard Update** The USDA's Wild Bird Avian Influenza Surveillance Dashboard will be updated weekly on Wednesdays to reflect the latest data on avian influenza in North America. **New CDC Recommendations** The CDC has developed new interim recommendations for the prevention, monitoring, and public health response to avian influenza. These recommendations are based on the latest scientific data and best practices. **What is Avian Influenza?** Avian influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus that can infect poultry and other birds. The virus can cause a range of clinical signs, from mild respiratory symptoms to severe disease and death. **Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza** The USDA is currently tracking the distribution of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in North America. HPAI is a highly contagious and deadly form of AI that can cause significant economic losses to the poultry industry. **USDA Resources** The USDA provides a variety of resources on avian influenza, including information on prevention, control, and response. These resources are available online at the USDA website. **For More Information** For more information on avian influenza, please visit the following websites: * USDA Wild Bird Avian Influenza Surveillance Dashboard: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/wild-birds * CDC Avian Influenza: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm * USDA Avian Influenza: https://www.usda.gov/avian-influenza

**Avian Influenza Surveillance Dashboard Update** The USDA's Wild Bird Avian Influenza Surveillance Dashboard will be updated weekly on Wednesdays to reflect the latest data on avian influenza in North America. **New CDC Recommendations** The CDC has developed new interim recommendations for the prevention, monitoring, and public health response to avian influenza. These recommendations are based on the latest scientific data and best practices. **What is Avian Influenza?** Avian influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus that can infect poultry and other birds. The virus can cause a range of clinical signs, from mild respiratory symptoms to severe disease and death. **Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza** The USDA is currently tracking the distribution of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in North America. HPAI is a highly contagious and deadly form of AI that can cause significant economic losses to the poultry industry. **USDA Resources** The USDA provides a variety of resources on avian influenza, including information on prevention, control, and response. These resources are available online at the USDA website. **For More Information** For more information on avian influenza, please visit the following websites: * USDA Wild Bird Avian Influenza Surveillance Dashboard: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/wild-birds * CDC Avian Influenza: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm * USDA Avian Influenza: https://www.usda.gov/avian-influenza

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**Cats Can Spread Avian Influenza Viruses** Recent studies have shown that cats can be infected with avian influenza viruses, including the highly pathogenic H7N2 virus. While it is uncommon for cats to develop severe illness from avian influenza, they can shed the virus in their saliva, nasal discharge, and feces, potentially spreading the infection to other cats and humans. **Symptoms of Avian Influenza in Cats** Cats infected with avian influenza may exhibit symptoms such as: * Fever * Difficulty breathing * Clear or reddish nasal discharge * Lethargy * Dyspnea (difficulty breathing) * Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eyes) * Rapid breathing **Transmission to Humans and Other Animals** Although rare, cats can spread avian influenza to humans and other animals through close contact. People who handle infected cats should take precautions to protect themselves and their pets. These precautions include: * Wearing gloves and masks when handling infected cats * Washing hands thoroughly after contact with infected cats * Keeping infected cats isolated from other animals and people * Reporting any suspected cases of avian influenza in cats to local veterinary authorities **Prevention and Control** Preventing the spread of avian influenza in cats is crucial for animal and public health. Pet owners should: * Vaccinate their cats against avian influenza if recommended by a veterinarian * Avoid contact with wild birds and poultry * Keep cats indoors during outbreaks * Report any suspected cases of avian influenza to the authorities By understanding the risks and taking appropriate precautions, cat owners can help protect their pets, themselves, and the community from avian influenza.

**Avian Influenza: A Bird Flu That Can Infect Humans** **What is Avian Influenza?** Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a respiratory disease in birds caused by the Influenza A virus. It is similar to other types of animal flu, such as swine flu and dog flu, and can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected birds or their secretions. **Types of Avian Influenza Viruses** There are four types of influenza flu viruses: A, B, C, and D. Avian influenza viruses belong to the Influenza A type, which naturally spread among wild aquatic birds, such as gulls, terns, shorebirds, ducks, geese, and swans. **Transmission to Humans** Humans can become infected with avian influenza through direct contact with infected birds or their secretions, such as feathers, feces, or saliva. Handling live poultry, cleaning bird cages, or visiting areas where birds gather can increase the risk of exposure. **Symptoms in Humans** Symptoms of avian influenza in humans can range from mild to severe and may include: * Fever * Cough * Sore throat * Muscle aches * Headache * Fatigue * Gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) * Eye infections (e.g., conjunctivitis) In severe cases, avian influenza can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and even death. **Treatment and Prevention** There are antiviral medications available to treat avian influenza in humans. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improve outcomes. Preventing avian influenza involves avoiding contact with infected birds, practicing good hygiene (e.g., frequent handwashing), and implementing biosecurity measures on poultry farms. **Survival of the Virus** Avian influenza viruses can survive indefinitely when frozen. They are also susceptible to bleach, 70% ethanol, aldehydes, oxidizing agents, and quaternary ammonium compounds. **Importance of Understanding Avian Influenza** Understanding avian influenza is important for public health and animal welfare. It enables authorities to implement surveillance programs, prevent outbreaks, and respond effectively to any cases that may arise.

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**Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Hits European Mink Farms and Wildlife** A highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza, HPAI A H5N1, has caused an outbreak in mink farms in northwestern Spain. In October 2022, a single farm housing over 50,000 minks was affected, leading to widespread concern. In addition to minks, the virus has also been detected in wild carnivores in Finland and European grey seals, causing mass mortalities of pheasants and encephalitis, respectively. HPAI A H5N1 has also caused significant mortality in both wild and domestic birds throughout Europe in recent years, with virus types H5N8 and H5N1 dominating the epidemic. The outbreak in mink farms highlights the potential for the virus to spread to other species and raises concerns about the impact on both farmed and wild animal populations. Authorities are urging farmers to implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the virus, while wildlife officials are monitoring the situation closely and taking steps to protect at-risk species.