The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that the H5N1 avian influenza virus has been detected in black rats in Riverside County, California. This marks the first known instance of the virus infecting rats in the United States. The discovery occurred in late January, coinciding with two recent poultry outbreaks in the same region.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reported that four black rats tested positive for H5N1. This development raises concerns about the virus’s potential to spread across different species. In addition to the infected rats, APHIS noted detections of H5N1 in a fox in North Dakota, a harbor seal in Massachusetts, a bobcat in Washington state, and domestic cats in Oregon and Montana.
Since the onset of the current avian flu outbreak in 2022, approximately 160 million birds have been euthanized to contain the virus’s spread. The majority of these have been chickens, leading to significant disruptions in the poultry industry and contributing to rising egg prices nationwide.
The detection of H5N1 in rats is particularly concerning due to the potential for the virus to mutate and infect other species, including humans. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation to assess any increased risks to public health. The USDA is collaborating with state and local agencies to implement measures aimed at preventing further transmission among wildlife and domestic animals.
In response to the outbreak, the USDA has initiated efforts to rehire critical staff with experience in managing avian flu incidents. This move comes after a recent reduction in personnel, which had raised concerns about the agency’s capacity to effectively address the escalating situation.
The public is urged to report any unusual deaths or behaviors in wild or domestic animals to local wildlife authorities. Maintaining biosecurity measures on farms and in areas where poultry are kept is essential to prevent further spread of the virus. As the situation develops, adherence to guidelines from health and agricultural officials remains crucial to safeguarding both animal and public health.
