The Epinhood (TEH)

• HPAI A(H5) Seroprevalence: Seroprevalence of HPAI A(H5) virus infections among bovine veterinary practitioners in the United States was investigated in September 2024.
• Study Findings: No evidence of HPAI A(H5) virus infection was found among the 100 bovine veterinary practitioners tested.
• Outbreak Context: The current outbreak of HPAI A(H5) clade 2.3.4.4.b viruses, genotype B3.13, among dairy cattle was first detected in March 2024.
• Target Population: Bovine veterinary practitioners with cattle exposure in the previous 3 months.
• Serosurvey Objective: To investigate the prevalence of recent HPAI A(H5) infection among bovine veterinary practitioners.
• HPAI A(H5) Outbreak Status: As of September 2024, 14 cases of HPAI A(H5) virus infection in humans had been detected, with 4 cases linked to dairy cattle exposure.
• States with HPAI A(H5) Virus Infection: Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
• States with HPAI A(H5) Virus Infection in Dairy Cattle: Colorado, Michigan, and Texas.
• Prevalence of HPAI A(H5) Virus Infection in Veterinarians: 3 out of 150 surveyed veterinarians (2%) had antibodies to HPAI A(H5) virus infection.
• HPAI A(H5) Virus Infection in Veterinarians: Three out of 150 bovine veterinary practitioners tested positive for recent HPAI A(H5) virus infection.
• Geographic Distribution of Infection: One infected practitioner worked in states without known HPAI A(H5) infection in cattle, suggesting potential undetected cases.
• Importance of Surveillance: Detection of antibodies in asymptomatic individuals highlights the need for expanded surveillance beyond symptomatic workers.
• High-Risk Professionals: Veterinarians working with dairy cattle are at high risk of HPAI A(H5) infection.
• Lack of Awareness and Protective Measures: Seropositive practitioners were unaware of HPAI A(H5) infection in the cattle they treated and did not wear protective gear.
• Importance of Surveillance: Systematic surveillance of livestock and milk is crucial for assessing occupational hazards and identifying potential outbreaks.
• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detection: Detections of HPAI reported by the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
• HPAI Seroprevalence in Dairy Workers: Serologic evidence of recent HPAI A(H5) virus infection among dairy workers in Michigan and Colorado.
• HPAI Transmission in Cattle: Study on the dynamics of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b infection in experimentally infected calves and cows.
• Virus Mutation: Mutations allowing person-to-person spread and more significant symptoms. • Geographic Distribution: Cases reported in the United States. • Virus Strain: H5N1, specifically genotype D1.1.
Avian influenza, human – USA: (LA) H5N1, fatality, avian genotype http://promedmail.org/post/20250107.8721165
2024