The recent confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in domestic livestock within the United States marks a significant development in the ongoing 2022-24 outbreak.
Reports from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) highlight concerning neurological symptoms observed in neonatal goat kids on a farm located in Stevens County, Minnesota. This farm, previously identified as the site of a backyard poultry flock infection, was officially confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on February 27.
Investigations revealed that the goats shared pasture and a water source with infected ducks and chickens on the premises. Notably, the kidding of goats commenced shortly after the depopulation of birds on the property.
Laboratory analyses conducted at the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the presence of an H5N1 variant of HPAI in the affected goats, with ten showing symptoms and five succumbing to the disease out of the 165 susceptible goats on the farm.
Immediate control measures were implemented, including quarantine, surveillance within restricted zones, proper disposal of carcasses, byproducts, and waste, as well as thorough disinfection protocols.
Although this incident represents the first recorded case of HPAI in U.S. goats during the current outbreak, other mammalian species have also been impacted, including coyotes, cats, opossums, and various others, according to WOAH reports.
It’s worth noting that, as per WOAH standards, infections in backyard poultry, wild birds, or mammals are not expected to affect international poultry trade.
