BEARS with BIRD FLU.

[Sourdough]

Bird flu found in Southeast Alaska bear cub

A sick bear discovered last month at Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay National Park was found to be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza, the Division of Wildlife Conservation says.

www.alaskasnewssource.com

EXCERPT:

JUNEAU, Alaska (KTUU) - A sick bear discovered last month at Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay National Park was found to be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza, the Division of Wildlife Conservation said.

The bear was noticed in October when a biologist and others observed three bear cubs with a sow who was having difficulty walking. One of the cubs was later abandoned by the sow and had to be euthanized by the Department of Fish and Game after having multiple seizures. A necropsy revealed no signs of trauma, so additional tests were required to rule out canine distemper or rabies.

“The virus that causes HPAI was detected on both nasal and rectal swabs and in brain tissue screening at Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center, respectively,” ADF&G said in an email. “Detection and identification of the virus as H5N1 was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory this week.”

According to the Division of Wildlife, the cub likely developed HPAI after exposure to a dead bird.

(There is MORE)

 

[BetaOrourke]

Oh great

 

[AndyB]

H5N1 found in female Canadian Black bear June 22..........amongst numerous other mammals.

First case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus infection in a black bear - Healthy Wildlife

An adult female black bear exhibiting unusual behaviour was reported by visitors in June at Forillon National Park in the Gaspésie region, Quebec. This bear was exhibiting strange behaviour early in the day on...

blog.healthywildlife.ca

Wildlife and avian influenza – Handling guidelines to protect your health - Canada.ca

Wild waterfowl in Canada and throughout the world are natural carriers of influenza viruses. These viruses typically cause little or no harm to the birds. Periodically these viruses can spread to domestic poultry and, under certain circumstances, to people.

www.canada.ca