USDA Reports First H5N1 Bird Flu Detection in Four Alpacas on Idaho Farm

May 28, 2024, 10:19 PM

The USDA has reported the first detection of H5N1 bird flu in four alpacas on a farm in Idaho. The virus, which had previously caused a poultry outbreak on the same farm in March, was confirmed in alpacas on May 16. This marks the first time H5N1, a strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, has been found in New World camels. The detection is part of a broader spread of the virus, which has also been found in feral cats in New Mexico and additional dairy herds in affected states. Experts note that the detection in alpacas is not unexpected due to the high environmental presence of the virus and the comingling of livestock species on the farm. The farm had been depopulated in May due to the poultry outbreak. However, the delayed reporting by the USDA has raised concerns about the effectiveness of rapid response measures.