Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza detected in mammals in Texas
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AUSTIN (KXAN) — Recent testing by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in mammal species.
TPWD said HPAI was detected in foxes, raccoons, striped skunks and domestic cats collected in the Texas Panhandle. TPWD said those counties included:
- Deaf Smith County
- Hansford County
- Lubbock County
- Ochiltree County
- Parmer County
- Randall County
“Detected in all 50 states across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, HPAI is a highly contagious zoonotic virus that transmits easily among wild and domestic birds,” TPWD said. “It can spread directly between animals and indirectly through environmental contamination.”
For mammals, data shows transmission primarily occurs through consumption of infected animal carcasses; however, TPWD said mammal-to-mammal transmission was possible.
More information about HPAI and human health can be found here.
Signs of HPAI
TPWD said signs of the virus in mammals could vary based on species.
Symptoms could include:
- ataxia (incoordination, stumbling)
- tremors
- seizures
- lack of fear of people
- lethargy
- runny or crusty eyes and nose
- coughing and sneezing
- sudden death
“The transmission risk of avian influenza from infected birds to people remains low, but people should take basic protective measures,” TPWD said.
Safety measures include wearing gloves, face masks and handwashing if making contact with wild animals. Those who find wild animals with signs of HPAI should contact their local TPWD wildlife biologist.
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