Novel Eurasian highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5 viruses in wild birds, Washington, USA, 2014.

Novel Eurasian lineage avian influenza A(H5N8) virus has spread rapidly and globally since January 2014. In December 2014, H5N8 and reassortant H5N2 viruses were detected in wild birds in Washington, USA, and subsequently in backyard birds. When they infect commercial poultry, these highly pathogenic viruses pose substantial trade issues.

Outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever among cattle associated with a state livestock exhibition.

CASE DESCRIPTION: Severe disease and death were identified in cattle exhibited at a state fair that were naturally infected with ovine herpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2). CLINICAL FINDINGS: Most affected cattle had anorexia, signs of depression, diarrhea, fever, and respiratory distress ultimately leading to death. Mean duration of clinical signs prior to death was 6 days (range, 1 to 26 days). Mean number of days between apparent exposure and death was 71 days (range, 46 to 139 days). TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: 19 of 132 cattle cohoused in 1 barn died of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF). The diagnosis of sheep-associated MCF was confirmed on the basis of results of an OvHV-2-specific PCR assay performed on tissue samples obtained from affected cattle. The disease was associated but not significantly with distance from the center of the barn and was not associated with distance from the center of the sheep pens. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Outbreaks of MCF in cattle are unusual, particularly in association with livestock exhibitions. Because the clinical signs may be similar to those of some transboundary diseases, cases of MCF should be reported and investigated. Findings for this outbreak provided evidence to suggest that fair boards and veterinarians should reexamine biosecurity recommendations for livestock exhibitions.

Epizootiological investigation of a Q fever outbreak and implications for future control strategies.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epizootiological investigation of an outbreak of Q fever (Coxiella burnetii infection). DESIGN: Epidemiological study. ANIMALS: 17 goat herds in Washington, Montana, and Oregon. PROCEDURES: In April 2011, an abortion storm at a commercial goat farm in Washington was determined to be caused by C burnetii. A joint epidemiological investigation by public health and veterinary professionals was subsequently performed to assess the extent of the outbreak by performing a trace-forward of goats sold from the index farm, to determine risk factors associated with infection, and to implement control measures. A herd management plan was developed to control the outbreak and reduce risk of human exposure. Quarantine and temporary holds preventing the sale or movement of goats allowed time for trace-forward investigation, education of farmers regarding disease risk, and testing to determine the scope of the outbreak. RESULTS: 17 farms were affected; 21 human Q fever cases were identified. Bacterial shedding in feces, vaginal fluid, or milk was confirmed in 156 of 629 (25%) goats tested by PCR assay. Seroprevalence of antibodies against C burnetii in goats, determined by ELISA, was 12%. The risk for C burnetii infection in goats was highest among females, those on farms associated with human Q fever, and those on Washington farms. A protective effect was observed for goats at farms where the primary form of goat carcass disposal was burial. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This outbreak illustrated the importance of a joint investigation for zoonotic pathogens and the need to expand and strengthen relationships between medical, public health, and veterinary partners. Heightened awareness and enhanced veterinary diagnostic capabilities for C burnetii are needed to identify and control outbreaks expediently.

First reported multistate human Q fever outbreak in the United States, 2011.

In April, 2011, the Q fever bacterium Coxiella burnetii was identified at a Washington farm where an abortion storm took place among goats. Soon after, Q fever cases were reported among visitors to the farm from Washington and Montana. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted among humans and goats associated with the index farm or with 16 other farms that purchased goats from the index farm or housed goats at the index farm for breeding purposes. Questionnaire data were analyzed, along with human and goat specimens collected for evidence of C. burnetii infection. Twenty-one persons (19%) of the 109-person cohort from Washington and Montana met the outbreak case definition of an epidemiologic link to the index farm and a C. burnetii Phase II immunoglobulin G (IgG) titer ≥1:128 by immunofluorescence assay. Seventy-one percent of cases (15 of 21) were symptomatic, compared with approximately 50% during previous Q fever outbreaks. National Q fever surveillance reports increase in frequency with age, but 29% (6 of 21) of cases during this outbreak occurred in children aged <14 years. Goat-specific Q fever risk factors included direct contact with a newborn (prevalence ratio [PR] 10.7; confidence interval [CI] 1.5, 77.4), exposure to a newborn that died (PR 5.5; CI 1.7, 18.2), exposure to a weak newborn (PR 4.4; CI 1.7, 11.6), living on a property with goats (PR 4.2; CI 1.3, 13.9), and direct contact with birth/afterbirth products (PR 2.8; CI 1.1, 6.9). Evidence of C. burnetii infection was detected in all 17 goat herds sampled (13 Washington, 3 Montana, 1 Oregon) by PCR and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Following this investigation, Washington and Montana implemented a herd management plan to encourage best-management practices among livestock owners, reduce the potential for future outbreaks, and promote continued communication between state public health and agricultural authorities.