US reports first deadly H5N1 infection as bird flu hits more poultry, cats

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) announced today that a patient previously hospitalized with a severe H5N1 avian influenza infection has died.

The patient is over 65 years old and has underlying health conditions. Authorities had said the person was exposed to the virus through contact with backyard poultry and wild birds.

So far, LDH investigators have not found any other related cases. The news comes as US authorities note an increase in avian flu among poultry and domestic and wild cats.

Different genotype raises concerns

“The Department expresses its deepest condolences to the patient’s family and friends who are mourning the loss of their loved one,” LDH said. “Due to patient confidentiality and respect for the family, this will be the last update regarding the patient.”

The United States has reported 66 human cases of H5N1 since the start of 2024. Most were mild infections originating from a genotype circulating in dairy herds.

A different genotype carried by wild birds migrating south, however, poses another threat and has led to two serious infections, one involving the Louisiana patient and the other a British Columbia teenager who is recovering after lengthy treatment in intensive care unit.

More poultry outbreaks in 5 states

In related news, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today confirmed more outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza in poultry in five states, including three on commercial farms.

In Delaware, an outbreak was confirmed at a 125,000-bird Kent County broiler farm, marking the first detection in poultry in the state since September 2022.

Other states reporting outbreaks at commercial facilities include hard-hit California, which reported new detections at a Butte County game bird farm with 44,700 birds, as well as a chicken operation in broiler and laying hen farm in Stanislaus County. In Michigan, the virus has been detected on two other turkey farms in Ottawa County.

The USDA also confirmed the presence of the virus in backyard flocks in Sharp County, Arkansas, and four locations in Canyon County, Idaho.

APHIS also today confirmed two additional outbreaks in dairy cattle, both in California, bringing the national total to 917 and the state total to 701.

Domestic cats and feral cats make up most new mammal detections

Additionally, APHIS today added approximately 30 additional detections of the H5N1 virus in mammals, primarily in cat species.

The virus was confirmed in 4 domestic cats in California, 3 in Los Angeles County and 1 in Fresno County. The virus also struck a domestic cat in Washington County, Oregon, and Morrison County, Minnesota. In recent weeks, California has reported the deaths of a few cats exposed to raw pet food and raw milk.

Some of the recently reported detections involved feral cats, including a bobcat in Larimer County, Colorado, and a mountain lion near Carson City, Nevada. Several of the animals testing positive appear to be captive exotic feral cats at a sanctuary in Mason County, Washington. Additionally, five other exotic cats tested positive near Denver, Colorado, as well as a few in California and Idaho.

Detections in other mammals include a fox near Denver and a raccoon in King County, Washington.

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