loader image
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
74.7 F
McAllen
We Welcome your Press Release
- Advertisement -

First Texas Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu Detected in Mammals

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed this week the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a striped skunk recovered from Carson County. Image for illustration purposes
The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed this week the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a striped skunk recovered from Carson County. Image for illustration purposes

Mega Doctor News

- Advertisement -

AUSTIN, Texas – The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed this week the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a striped skunk recovered from Carson County. 

This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in mammals for Texas.

Detected in all states across the U.S. except Hawaii, HPAI is a highly contagious virus that transmits easily among wild and domestic birds. The virus can spread directly between animals and indirectly through environmental contamination.

- Advertisement -

For mammals, current data shows transmission occurs primarily through the consumption of infected animal carcasses, though mammal-to-mammal transmission does not appear sustainable. 

Other mammal species susceptible to HPAI include foxes, raccoons, bobcats, opossums, mountain lions and black bears. Symptoms can include ataxia (incoordination, stumbling), tremors, seizures, lack of fear of people, lethargy, coughing and sneezing, or sudden death. 

Because of the ease of transmission, TPWD recommends that wildlife rehabilitators also remain cautious when intaking wild animals with clinical signs consistent with HPAI and consider quarantining animals to limit the potential for HPAI exposures to other animals within the facility. 

Currently, the transmission risk of avian influenza from infected birds to people remains low, but the public should take basic protective measures (i.e., wearing gloves, face masks and handwashing) if contact with wild animals cannot be avoided. 

- Advertisement -

Those who locate wild animals with signs consistent with HPAI should immediately contact their local TPWD wildlife biologist.

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

DHR Health Becomes RGV’s First and Only Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Center

Mega Doctor News EDINBURG, Texas - DHR Health is proud to announce that...

STHS McAllen Celebrates 100th Robotic Surgery with New DV5

Mega Doctor News A revolutionary innovation in the healthcare industry, robotic surgery has redefined surgery by offering surgeons unparalleled precision...

Dr. Fred Farias Joins UTRGV Leadership Team

Dr. Fred Farias III has been appointed to two leadership positions at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV): associate dean for External Relations at the UTRGV School of Optometry and associate vice president for Governmental Relations. In these roles, he will focus on strengthening external partnerships, supporting legislative initiatives, and promoting the university’s statewide presence.

DHR Health Audiologist Honored as “Healthcare Champion” 

Mega Doctor News DHR Health Audiologist, Sandy Magallan, Au.D, CCC-A was recently...
- Advertisement -
×