Calgary veterinary researchers closely monitor reports of bird flu virus outbreak | News

Recent reports from the United States about the detection of avian influenza virus (H5N1) in cattle have attracted attention. Interest in the case, which was first noted as a “mystery illness” in mid-March, grew as additional states began reporting cases when several dairy farmers saw reduced milk production and poor appetite in some of their herds.

The case was further picked up by the media as the disease was found in goats, several farm cats and even a farm worker. Cases have now reached as far north as neighboring Idaho and Michigan.

Researchers from the University of Calgary's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) are urging the community to be aware, but not panic, about the headlines.

Faizal Careem, professor (virology) and head of the Careem Laboratory, part of UCVM's Department of Ecosystem and Public Health.

UCVM researcher and avian veterinarian Dr. Faizal Karim, PhD, has been studying avian influenza viruses for the past decade. Recently, he has focused his work on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the H5N1 family and its spread from wild waterfowl to commercial poultry.

During this time, it was seen spreading to mammals such as foxes and skunks. These spills usually occur in animals that come into direct contact with infected wild birds, such as raptors, or even your everyday indoor/outdoor cats.

Although this applies to spills, it should be clarified that the “highly pathogenic” classification refers to its effect on poultry and does not necessarily indicate the same effect in humans or other mammals. Current genomic evaluation of the bovine virus has not shown obvious changes that would make it transmissible to or among mammals, and the risk to the general public is currently low.

Considering the millions of birds infected with HPAI worldwide, the small number of mammalian cases we found is negligible. However, the circumstances we know may not reflect reality. Most animals die without death (animal autopsy). The few cases that have resulted in the death of a cat may, as we know, be extremely rare cases in the field of feline “disease and coping.” A recent case of H5N1 found in a dairy farm worker resulted in symptoms similar to pink eye. Despite the culling of more than 80 million chickens infected with H5N1 in the US since 2021, we have seen only two cases of human transmission, both of which were handled directly by infected animals and quickly recovered from mild symptoms.

Our biggest concern right now is limiting the spread. For the average person, it doesn't affect our lives much. Because flu viruses are so unstable, they usually don't spread well without direct contact. This means that the risk of contamination in the food supply is currently low.

Pasteurization and processing of dairy products such as milk and cheese is incredibly effective at removing most potential contaminants, including influenza viruses. At this point, as long as you don't handle infected animals without any protection, you're pretty safe.

Our first line of defense right now is the manufacturers. Dr. Karin Orsel, DVM, MSc, PhD, Dipl. The ECBHM advises this group: “While we need to be vigilant, livestock owners are advised to reduce direct and indirect contact (contamination of water and feed with faeces) with reservoir host, wild waterfowl, and strengthen biosecurity measures to avoid transport of suspect animals. unless necessary.”

Karin Orsel, UCVM Professor (Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases).

An important first step in controlling endemic and emerging diseases is diagnostic testing. UCVM houses the Diagnostic Services Unit (DSU) and the Veterinary Outbreak Investigation Service (VOIS). These units are supported by provincial funding to investigate common mortality and unusual outbreaks in our livestock species. On the front lines of disease, they work with producers to ensure the health and nutrition of our livestock.

As university researchers collaborate with community and industry partners, taking proactive measures to ensure community health and well-being remains our top priority. Fortunately, Careem's work has recently seen an influx of investment from results-based agricultural research (RDAR) and poultry producer boards. As he learns more about HPAI/H5N1, other researchers can build on his findings to study bird flu connections in other mammals. With the cattle, poultry, epidemiology and virology experts and strong interdisciplinary links of the UCVM team, UCVM is ready to answer these emerging questions.

As we've learned in recent years, what starts out as a small “new” disease can turn into something bigger before our eyes. Let's not forget to learn from history – don't take it for granted, and don't be intimidated by the headlines.

To keep up with this evolving story, check out a few of UCVM's favorite resources:

CAHSS Dairy Line

Worms and Germs Blog | Resources for Animals, Humans, and Infectious Diseases | University of Guelph

Government of Canada: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in livestock.