Juneau, Alaska (KINY) — Extremely pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, has been detected in a brown bear cub on Kodiak Island, Alaska. That is the primary time that extremely pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in a brown bear.
A deer hunter in Kodiak discovered the useless bear, a yr previous cub, on November 26. Understanding that the Alaska Division of Fish and Sport (ADF&G) is conducting wildlife well being monitoring, he collected the carcass and introduced it to Nate Svoboda, a wildlife biologist for the state’s district of Kodiak Island.
Svoboda notified ADF&G wildlife veterinarian Dr. Kimberly Beckman. Beekman investigated an analogous case in October when he reported to the general public a few sick black bear cub stumbling round in Glacier Bay Nationwide Park. This bear additionally examined optimistic for extremely pathogenic avian influenza.
“We admire that the general public and this hunter reported these animals,” Beckman mentioned. “We rely on assist like this to grasp the prevalence of wildlife illnesses. Well timed experiences and pictures actually assist.”
An animal that was lately in poor health or useless with no obvious accidents or obvious reason for loss of life must be reported to Fish and Sport. “Get the precise location, take photos, and tell us so we are able to choose it up,” Beckman mentioned. “If you happen to choose it up and switch it over, do not maintain it along with your fingers – put on gloves or use a plastic bag.”
Svoboda famous that there have been no apparent wounds or apparent indicators to point the reason for loss of life, and that the cub appeared emaciated. “That is unusual presently of yr when the bears are near their most weight earlier than the denning,” Svoboda mentioned.
He shipped the physique again to Anchorage for the post-mortem and additional examination. Dr. Kathy Burek-Huntington of Alaska Veterinary Pathology Companies carried out a radical examination and located indicators of an infection within the mind, lungs and liver. Samples have been despatched to totally different laboratories to check for pathogens, together with avian influenza. When screening checks on nasal, rectal, lung, and mind swabs revealed avian influenza, all samples have been despatched to the Nationwide Veterinary Companies Laboratory in Iowa for affirmation and pressure typing; The NVSL decided that it was extremely pathogenic avian influenza and that the pressure was the identical H5N1 that the black bear cub had.
A microscopic examination of the tissues discovered that the bear died of a viral an infection that causes irritation and swelling of the mind, meningitis, once more like a black bear cub.
The cubs have been almost certainly uncovered and contaminated throughout the scavenging birds, which died from the an infection. “Whereas mammals are at decrease threat of an infection than home birds, culling contaminated birds supplies a chance to inhale a big dose of virus whereas tearing at tissue,” Beckman mentioned. “The cub was susceptible and this, along with being a really small animal, would make it extra prone to an infection. Thankfully, the virus will not be transmitted from bear to bear.”
The CDC says this pressure is of low threat to individuals and isn’t a foodborne pathogen. Nevertheless, correct hygiene is all the time suggested when slaughtering wild animals for consumption. Put on gloves, wash fingers and utensils with cleaning soap and water, and disinfect surfaces. Prepare dinner meat to an inside temperature of 145°F and poultry to 165°F to keep away from the danger of an infection.
Dr. Beekman and state veterinarian Dr. Robert Gerlach detected this virus in two different wild mammals throughout this outbreak, Unalaska and Unalakleet pink foxes. HPAI has been detected throughout the summer time and fall in vultures, crows, shorebirds, waterfowl, and home poultry. An infection can happen when wild birds are interested in locations the place poultry feed.
Home poultry is a serious concern in Alaska and all through the nation. Greater than 53 million poultry in 47 states have been affected by this outbreak and new discoveries are being made each week.
Dr. Gerlach mentioned his workplace in Anchorage is responding to an rising variety of sick and useless birds in poultry farms. It’s clear that the virus continues to unfold and have an effect on the well being of untamed birds residing in Alaska even after migratory waterfowl go away the state. Chilly and freezing climate situations can maintain the virus for lengthy intervals of time.
Which means there will even be an ongoing menace to poultry (poultry and pet birds) and homeowners have to evaluate and replace their biosecurity measures. Don’t feed poultry outdoors because it attracts wild birds and covers outdoors coops. Chicken and poultry homeowners ought to wash their fingers and clear their sneakers earlier than getting into or dealing with their birds or different farms or pens the place poultry are saved.
Sick or useless wildlife could be reported to the closest ADF&G workplace or on-line. Ailments or deaths of home poultry could be reported to the state veterinarian’s workplace (907) 375-8215.
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