HPAI Information for Veterinarians

The currently circulating highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses have been shown to infect many mammal species (in addition to poultry and many other avian species). While HPAI is typically a respiratory virus in its natural hosts, ingestion is an important route of infection in most species, especially mammals. 

• For Oregon outbreak information and HPAI Cases see the Avian Influenza page. 
  
• For more information and resources related to HPAI in poultry, see the HPAI in Poultry page.
  
• For more information and resources related to HPAI in dairy cattle, see the HPAI in Dairy Cattle page.
  
• For more information and resources related to HPAI in companion animals, see the HPAI in Pets page
  
• For information about HPAI detections throughout the United States, visit the USDA's Detections of HPAI webpage. 
  

Clinical Signs and Factors to Consider

HPAI should be considered as a rule out in cases with:

• Acute to per-acute neurological signs (including seizures, nystagmus, or blindness)
• Acute respiratory distress that cannot be clearly explained by another disease process 
• Known risk factors (see below) and clinical signs such as fever, lethargy, and inappetence

Risk factors include:

• Exposure to sick poultry or their environment
• Exposure to wild waterfowl or their environment
• Consumption of raw milk or colostrum
  
• Consumption of raw meat or raw (including freeze-dried) pet food/treats 
• See Northwest Naturals Pet Food Recall Announcement
  
• See Wild Coast Raw Pet Food Public Health Alert
  

HPAI infections in mammals seem to be dose-dependent and in some cases with minimal exposures, symptoms may be mild to moderate, and patients may recover.

Prevention and What to Do if HPAI is Suspected

For more detailed information on what to do and what to expect if you have a suspect HPAI case in your veterinary hospital, see the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza for Companion Animal Veterinarians guidance document. Additionally, practices (especially those which see emergency/urgent care cases) may request testing kits to keep on hand in the event HPAI is suspected.

Key Points:

• COLLECT: Collect detailed information about the potential exposure to HPAI, including detailed dietary history and any exposure to raw meat, raw milk, raw pet food, wild birds or other animals known or suspected to be infected with HPAI (see risk factors above). 
• PROTECT: Because of the zoonotic potential of this virus, precautions should be taken to protect veterinary staff with any patient where HPAI is suspected. 
  
• Isolate the animal(s) and limit the number of staff handling the animal as much as possible. 
• Animal health staff should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when in contact with animals suspected or confirmed of being infected with HPAI, acutely sick animals that have history of exposure to raw milk, wild birds, or raw or undercooked animal products. See the CDC's Considerations for Veterinarians: Evaluating and Handling of Cats Potentially Exposed to HPAI H5N1 Virus and  Interim Guidance for Employers to Reduce Exposure to Avian Influenza A Viruses for People Working with Animals. 
• REPORT: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in any species is immediately reportable to the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA). If you suspect HPAI, please contact the State Veterinarian at 503-986-4711 immediately (before initiating diagnostic testing), while the patient is still in your clinic. ODA staff will help coordinate testing if appropriate.