Everything So Far on HPAI: Dairy Cattle, Wild Birds, Backyard and Commercial Flocks, Domestic Cats

Understanding the High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Outbreak

The recent surge in High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) cases has had significant implications across the veterinary field, affecting various species, agricultural systems, and wildlife populations. To help our members stay informed, we’ve compiled the latest insights, resources, and recommendations for our practitioners here in Georgia.

We’ve updated this to include resources for small animal practitioners to provide information around HPAI and domestic cats.

Reporting Disease:

• Domestic birds: Call the AI Hotline at (770) 766-6850. Testing is free through the gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline/.
• Wild birds: Report dead or sick wild birds when seen in unusually high numbers in a single location to DNR. Call 1-800-366-2661 or report online at https://georgiawildlife.com/report-dead-birds.
• Report dead livestock, aquatics, or poultry to APHIS Area Veterinarians in Charge: Submit a report here.

Species Impacted by HPAI

HPAI is not limited to poultry; it also affects:

• Wild Birds: Migratory waterfowl often serve as carriers, spreading the virus over vast distances.
• Domestic Poultry: Chickens, turkeys, and ducks are especially vulnerable to severe outbreaks.
• Mammals: Cases have been observed in species such as foxes, seals, and some domestic cats, raising cross-species transmission concerns.
• Zoo and Exotic Animals: Institutions housing birds have heightened biosecurity to prevent infections among captive species.
• The CDC currently identifies there is no person-to-person risk of spread and the current public health risk is considered LOW.

Key Considerations for Veterinarians

1. Biosecurity Measures:
   • Strict protocols for farm visits to prevent contamination.
   • Guidance on proper disinfection and equipment handling.
   • Resources:
     • Biosecurity in multi-species farms
     • Improving Biosecurity With Wildlife Management Practices: Preventing Access to Barns and Other Facilities
     • Improving Biosecurity With Wildlife Management Practices: Reducing Water Access
     • Improving Biosecurity With Wildlife Management Practices: Protecting Food Resources
     • Biosecurity Best Practices: Preventing the Spread in Dairy Cattle
     • Dairy Cattle: Enhanced Biosecurity Training Materials
     • Dairy Cattle: Personal Protective Equipment Recommendations
2. Monitoring and Surveillance:
   • Common symptoms seen in dairy cattle:
     • Coughing (“barking”), sneezing, or trouble breathing 
     • Discharge from eyes or nose 
     • Difficulty moving, walking, or standing upright 
     • Lack of appetite 
     • Severe illness in multiple animals 
     • Sudden or unexplained deaths
   • Monitor flocks for signs and symptoms including monitoring production parameters (feed and water consumption, egg production) and increased morbidity and mortality. Any changes in production parameters that could indicate HPAI should be reported.
     • Signs and symptoms in production birds:
       • Drop in egg production, soft eggshells
       • Discolored combs and feet
       • Birds stop eating or drinking
       • Diarrhea
       • Sudden mortality
   • Resources:
     • Producers: You Can Prevent the Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
     • Manage Wildlife To Prevent Avian Influenza
     • FDA: Ways to Reduce the Risk of HPAI in Cats
     • AVMA: Avian Influenza (H5N1) in Cats 
     • Report sick livestock, aquatics, or poultry here.
3. Client Education:
   • Resources:
     • Avian Influenza: How to Protect Your Flock Video (Georgia Dept. of Ag)
     • Protect Your Flock Flyer (Georgia Dept. of Ag)
     • Defend the Flock – Resource Center (USDA APHIS)
     • AI Information for Hunters (USDA)
     • Avian Influenza FAQ
     • Preventing the Spread of AI to Backyard Flocks Flyer
     • HPAI Factsheet (Georgia Department of Public Health)
     • GDA Press Releases about Avian Influenza
     • For Cats: Discourage owners from feeding raw meat, especially poultry.
       • FDA: Ways to Reduce the Risk of HPAI in Cats
       • AVMA: Avian Influenza (H5N1) in Cats
       • FDA Recalls and Withdrawals
4. For Veterinarians:
   • Cats:
     • CDC: Considerations for Veterinarians: Evaluating and Handling of Cats Potentially Exposed to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus
     • FDA Recalls and Withdrawals
   • CDC: Public Health resources for Veterinarians and Veterinary Staff Handling Animals with HPAI  A(H5N1) Virus Infection on Dairy Farms
   • Dairy Cattle: Personal Protective Equipment Recommendations
   • Stress Management
     • How to Cope with Stress During an Animal Disease Outbreak
     • How to Prevent Compassion Fatigue

Other Resources

• Webinars:
  • Avian Influenza in the Forecast: Are You Ready?
  • U.S. Poultry Industry Stakeholder Update: H5 HPAI in North America
  • USDA Confirms HPAI in a Commercial Turkey Flock in Dubois County, Indiana
  • HPAI Around the World and Efforts on the Homefront to Protect Producers (video passcode: g#dCTX7G)
  • Update on HPAI Detection in Wild Birds
• State-by-State Reporting Guidelines:
  • Animal health professionals (veterinarians; diagnostic laboratories; public health, zoo, or wildlife personnel; and others) report diagnosed or suspected cases of nationally listed reportable animal diseases to APHIS Area Veterinarians in Charge and to the State animal health official as applicable under State reporting regulations. 

This blog post will be updated as new developments occur. Stay informed and connected to ensure the health of the animals under your care.