Louisiana officials confirm that a patient previously hospitalized with a severe H5N1 avian flu infection has died.
The largest portion is earmarked for regional, state, and local preparedness. Meanwhile, the virus struck more flocks in 2 states and is suspected in a die-off in Pennsylvania snow geese.
Meanwhile, several states report more poultry outbreaks, Ohio issues a wild-bird alert, and the FDA announces a plan to test raw milk cheese.
Though the reports yield timely, useful clues, experts note important lessons, lingering questions, and concerns about preparedness.
Though testing can't pinpoint a source, recent detections in Arizona have involved only the wild bird genotype.
The changes seen were likely generated by replication of this virus in the patient rather than primarily transmitted at the time of infection, the authors say.
Genetic sequencing confirmed that the virus recovered from the raw pet food, sold nationally and in BC, and the infected cat were exact matches.
Also, 2 groups report impacts on both domestic and wild cats, as federal officials confirm a flurry of new outbreaks in poultry.
The CDC has now confirmed 64 cases from 9 states since the start of the year.
The three cats with suspected infections don't have any known exposure to raw milk, and investigators are examining other potential sources, including raw meat.
