According to a Minnesota Board of Animal Health press release, a juvenile goat has been confirmed to have Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Stevens County, Minn.
The goat lived on the same premises where a poultry flock tested positive for HPAI in late February. The goat shared the same pasture and sole water source as the poultry flock.
This is the first identified case in the U.S. of HPAI in a domestic ruminant (e.g., goats, sheep, cattle). There is limited information available about HPAI infection in ruminants, although in some species, animals with immature or compromised immune systems appear to be at greater risk of infection. This case is being investigated by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Based on this case, owners of small ruminants, horses and other livestock are reminded to follow recommended biosecurity practices, including:
Do not allow poultry and livestock species access to ponds, wetlands and other stagnant water sources frequented by wild waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans).
Watch poultry and livestock for signs of illness, including reduced appetite, fever, inability to stand, depression, nasal discharge, diarrhea, coughing and change in behavior.
Consider housing poultry separately from other livestock species and minimize poultry access to pasture areas that are grazed by other livestock species.
Do not allow poultry, waterfowl and wildlife to share water sources and feedstuffs with other livestock species.
Unfortunately, current influenza vaccines used in horses are not effective against HPAI; always consult your veterinarian before administering vaccinations.
Many cattle are vaccinated against Parainfluenza-3 (PI-3), a virus that can cause respiratory issues. Parainfluenza viruses are in a different family from influenza viruses and the PI-3 vaccine does not provide protection against influenza.
If you have an unexplained death in one of your animals, consult with your farm veterinarian or contact the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.
University of Minnesota Extension and partners will share additional information as we learn more about ways to further protect livestock. To learn more about HPAI cases in birds and mammals, please visit the USDA’s website.
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