Biologists and veterinarians with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) mentioned they’re seeing a rise in probably circumstances of extremely pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Washington wildlife, together with two cougars and a raccoon.
According to the United States Geological Survey, “extremely pathogenic” and “low pathogenic” strains discuss with the potential for the viruses to trigger extreme sickness or demise.
This fall, WDFW recognized quite a few circumstances of HPAI in wild birds, particularly in western Washington. On Thursday, WDFW mentioned it had simply confirmed HPAI infections of the H5N1(fowl flu) subtype in two cougars in Clallam County and a raccoon from Walla Walla.
WDFW mentioned whereas the unfold of the virus from birds to mammals is regarding, it’s not stunning as a result of the circumstances are instantly associated to animals scavenging on contaminated wild birds.
The company mentioned that since 2023, it has discovered circumstances of fowl flu in striped skunks and a bobcat in northeast Washington, harbor seals in Puget Sound, and raccoons in varied areas, along with the latest raccoon and cougar circumstances.
Since Oct. 2024, HPAI has been detected in these birds and mammals:
- Bald eagle – King County
- Cackling goose – Snohomish County
- Cougars – Clallam County
- Crow – King County
- Great horned owl – Skagit County
- Green-winged teal – Jefferson County
- Raccoon – Walla Walla County
- Red tailed hawk – Clallam County
- Snow goose – Skagit and Whatcom counties
- Snowy plover – Pacific County
- Trumpeter swan – Skagit, Island counties
Bird flu has additionally been detected in pink foxes, striped skunks, and bobcats in different North American states.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has an online map showing confirmed wild mammal HPAI cases within the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), different mammals could change into contaminated as HPAI viruses evolve.
The CDC says the danger of HPAI H5N1 to people is low.
