A ‘Tom and Jerry’-like chase scenario may have help the pathogen spread from a nearby farm

Maeve Cullinan, Global Health Security Reporter20 August 2024 • 3:30pm

Related Topics

• Global Health Security, 
• Bird Flu, 
• Pandemics and epidemics, 
• North America

• https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/indoor-house-cats-have-died-of-bird-flu-how-did-they-get-it/

6

Scientists are racing to understand how several house cats caught and died from bird flu in Colorado despite never having been outdoors.

The United States is battling an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza that has now spread to nearly 200 dairy herds and at least 13 US farm workers have also contracted the virus since March, over half of which are in Colorado.

In recent years the virus has also infected a wide variety of smaller mammals including skunks, foxes, hedgehogs, sea lions, and even a polar bear. But it is the infection of at least six cats, including two who lived their whole lives inside, that has state officials worried as they try to piece together how the virus is spreading between species.

Cats suffer particularly badly from H5N1. In previous outbreaks, infected felines have suffered rabies-like symptoms including blindness, disorientation, paralysis, difficulty breathing, and bloody diarrhoea before dying. 

Although there is clearly a lot of virus circulating in Colorado, how indoor cats might have caught bird flu is unclear.

“It raises many questions about how the virus got inside the houses,” Dr Rick Bright, an influenza and immunologist expert, told The Telegraph. 

“Possibilities include that the cats could have been fed raw milk or food products that contain live virus. The virus could also be brought into the house by people who might be infected with the virus or have the virus on their clothes or shoes. 

“It is unclear how close these infected animals are to farms with active infections, or if the cats reside with farmworkers or contract workers brought in to help manage the outbreak,” Dr Bright explained.

Playing cat-and-mouse

Dr Scott Weese, an infectious disease veterinarian, said there are several theories on how the cats got infected, “none of which are great.” 

One theory is a Tom and Jerry-like scenario whereby indoor cats hunt mice around the house that might themselves have caught the infection from a nearby farm.

“Mice can be infected but I’d expect that to mainly be a risk in houses very close to poultry or dairy farms with active infections, since mice don’t move very far,” Dr Weese told The Telegraph.

“Birds can sometimes sneak into houses, and consumption of raw meat could definitely be an option since that’s been a reported transmission route in a few countries,” he added.

Last year, at least 12 cats died in Poland after a local outbreak erupted in the south of the country. The deaths were eventually traced back to the consumption of raw cat food that contained traces of live virus from infected chickens. 

Similarly in South Korea, almost 40 cats died in 2023 after eating cat food which contained infected duck. 

Aside from the two indoor cats, three of the six who died lived partly outdoors, and likely contracted the virus by hunting infected mice or small birds. The sixth cat lived on a farm and likely contracted the virus from drinking infected milk from a sick cow. 

“We need to make sure that we’re not missing other modes of transmission that we’re not aware of,” said Krutika Kuppalli, a spokesperson for the Infectious Disease Society of America and former WHO medical officer.

“We need to be asking questions like: did those houses only have cats? Were there other animals present that could have been exposed? Have any people living in those houses become infected?” she added.

“There needs to be a lot more surveillance and information sharing, because none of these questions are clear at all,” Dr Kuppalli said. 

Colorado health officials released a statement in which they urged vets to consider H5N1 when treating unwell felines, even if the cats don’t live on or near farms due to the high level of the virus circulating in Colorado.

What would you do if you found a cougar caught in a trap? You should call these guys, that’s what.

byMihai Andrei

 August 19, 2024

in News, Videos

Reading Time: 3 mins read

https://www.zmescience.com/other/videos/cougar-mountain-lion-trap-rescue-redone/

 Edited and reviewed by Tibi Puiu

• Facebook
• X
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest
• Email

Cougars (or mountain lions) are some of the most elusive and powerful predators in North America. Despite their hunting prowess, these majestic creatures are also vulnerable to dangers posed by human activities. One of the most distressing scenarios is when a cougar becomes caught in a trap, often set for other animals. What would you do if you found a cougar caught in a trap? Don’t take on the task yourself, just call the professionals. Here’s how they handle it:

The trapped animal is in pain and furious, and no doubt a less experienced savior would have been torn to shreds despite good intentions. Cougars, also known as pumas and mountain lions are some of the biggest, heaviest, and most dangerous felines in the world. Yet with careful management, the animal can be safely released — safely both for its own sake and for the sake of its saviors.

Cougars caught in traps can suffer from severe injuries, stress, and even death if not quickly rescued. The powerful legs of a cougar can be broken or severely damaged in a leg-hold trap, while snares can cause suffocation or deep wounds. The longer the animal remains trapped, the greater the risk of permanent injury or death.

Research shows that traps are a bigger problem than you think. In one study, most studied cougars were killed by anthropogenic sources, and traps are a big part of that. Even those who managed to escape or were released from traps suffered wounds that reduced their chance of survival.

“Given anthropogenic sources of mortality accounted for 100% of recorded mortality of adult females, mortality from non-target trapping is likely additive to other sources of mortality in our study area. We recommend regulatory agencies consider the possibility of unintentional take and potential for reduced long-term survival of females where these large fields are sympatric with bobcats, and trapping of bobcats with foothold traps is a legal activity,” write the study authors, led by Alyson M. Andreasen from the University of Nevada Reno.

This is not the only spectacular mountain lion trap release. Using catch poles, Idaho Fish and Game officers released a mountain lion accidentally caught in a trap.

Another cougar trap rescue case happened in Utah. The trapper was hoping for something else in his trap. After a couple of failed attempts, he manages to get the noose over the lion’s head to control the furious animal and with great care, releases the trap and sets the animal free.

The Washington PostFollow

570.9K Followers

Story by Laura Vozzella

 • 5d • 2 min read

Hunter to serve jail time for killing Richmond’s beloved ‘Hollywood buck’© Ben King/Ben King

RICHMOND — Two hunters pleaded guilty Thursday in the illegal killing of the “Hollywood buck,” a majestic 29-point deer that for years roamed this city’s ornate Confederate burial ground.

Jason Walters of Richmond entered guilty pleas to 20 misdemeanors in Richmond General District Court related to the illegal hunting of three deer, including the buck known in Richmond and beyond as a frequent visitor to historic Hollywood Cemetery.

LendingTree

How To Borrow From Your Home Without Touching Your Mortgage

Ad

Walters was sentenced to six months in jail, with three months suspended, and ordered to pay $2,500 in fines and $11,000 in “replacement costs.” He also lost his hunting privileges for 24 years.

“I think he’s just happy to put this behind him and move forward and make sure the restitution is paid,” said Walters’s lawyer, Gregory R. Sheldon.

Alan Proffitt, also of Richmond, pleaded guilty to six misdemeanors, all related to the Hollywood buck, which was killed in December. Officials referred to him as an accomplice. Proffitt was ordered to pay $1,250 in fines and serve 30 days of house arrest. His hunting privileges were revoked for six years.

The penalties represent “one of the strongest enforcement outcomes in recent memory” for wildlife crimes, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources said in a written statement announcing the pleas.

Related video: Virginia man who killed famed Hollywood Buck sentenced to jail, loses hunting license for 100 years (WTVR Richmond, VA)

about:blank

WTVR Richmond, VA

Virginia man who killed famed Hollywood Buck sentenced to jail, loses hunting license for 100 years

“The considerable penalties included will certainly be a deterrent to future wildlife crime and should give the community a level of comfort that this type of crime is taken very seriously in the Commonwealth,” it said. “Hunting is a treasured tradition in Virginia. Unethical and criminal behavior tarnishes the reputation of the sport and gives a bad name to those that engage in it lawfully.”

The department’s law enforcement team executed 10 search warrants as it investigated the case, with assistance from Chesterfield County and Richmond police, the cemetery and Richmond’s Department of Parks and Recreation. The department said it will work with “the outdoors community” and others to “determine the best way to memorialize this incredible animal.”

Residents near the cemetery estimated that the Hollywood buck was about 8 years old. They called him Prince, guessing he was the offspring of another regal buck they’d dubbed King. Hunting with firearms is illegal in the city of Richmond and in the cemeteries where the Hollywood buck was known to roam.

LendingTree

How To Borrow From Your Home Without Touching Your Mortgage

Ad

Walters posted photos of himself with the dead Hollywood buck on the Star City Whitetails Facebook page. He said he shot it in rural Prince Edward County, about 70 miles southwest of Richmond. But hunters and wildlife photographers recognized the deer’s distinctive 29-point rack.

Walters was arrested in January on charges that included trespassing, failing to check and tag a deer and littering, according to court records. The charges also related to two other bucks that authorities said Walters poached from a part of Richmond that includes neighborhoods, cemeteries and parkland.

Salvador Rizzo contributed to this report.

ARFF to protest at Cameron Wright Park

Unmute

Duration 3:34

https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2024/08/18/animal-rights-group-to-hold-alligator-hunting-protest-in-sanford/

Current Time 0:17Advanced SettingsFullscreenPauseRewind 10 SecondsUp Next

Animal rights group protest alligator hunting season in Sanford

NOW PLAYING

Animal rights group to protest alligator hunting season in Sanford

Emily Sams returns to Orlando Pride after earning Olympic gold medal

Breakfast With Bridgett: August 19, 2024

Breakfast With Bridgett: August 16, 2024

Breakfast With Bridgett: August 12, 2024

SANFORD, Fla. – The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida protested what it called the state’s “cruel alligator hunt” on Sunday afternoon in Seminole County.

The group, also known as ARFF, protested a few days after the opening day of Florida’s alligator hunting season at Cameron Wight Park in Sanford.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida alligator population is estimated at around 1.3 million. The FWC started the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program in 1988 which allows Floridians and non-residents who are at least 18 years old to take up to two alligators per permit.

[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]

Protesters said gators shouldn’t be hunted at all – saying it’s cruel and barbaric to kills these creatures against their will.

“They brutally end this alligator’s life with a gunshot to the back of their head and killing them,” ARFF Coordinator Bryan Wilson said. “Sometimes even that doesn’t kill the alligator. They may be stunned or paralyzed. They were going to have ripped off their body, fully conscious and fully aware of their suffering.”

According to the FWC, there are often more than 15,000 applicants that will apply for approximately 7,000 permits. Florida’s 2024 alligator hunting season started on Aug. 15 and runs through Nov. 1.

Kevin Brotz, a gator hunter said that hunting helps raise money for habitat conservation.

“There’s millions of dollars each year raised by hunters that goes to the conserving conservation areas. They also buy land from the state and the federal government for hunting and all to use,” Brotz said.

Florida allows people to hunt up to two gators per permit.

PRESS RELEASE FROM TWRA

August 19, 2024 

 WBBJ Staff

NASHVILLE — Tennessee residents are allowed to hunt without a license on Saturday, Aug. 24 which coincides with the opening day of squirrel season.

Free Hunting Day is an event the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency annually provides in hopes of increasing interest in hunting. Squirrel hunting is one of Tennessee’s oldest and favorite traditions. The day serves as an excellent opportunity for people to experience the enjoyment of the sport.

The TWRA encourages regular hunters to introduce friends and family members (young and old) to the outdoor sport. It is also an excellent opportunity for people who have not tried hunting in a while to be reintroduced to the sport.

In addition to opening of squirrel season, the three-day archery only for antlered deer hunt on private lands and selected wildlife management areas (WMAs) is set for Aug. 23-25. Check individual WMAs for regulations. Due to the removal of Unit CWD, guns and muzzleloaders will no longer be allowed during the August season.

On Free Hunting Day, state resident hunters are exempt from hunting licenses and WMA permit requirements. Many of the WMAs are open to hunters seeking public access on Aug. 24. Hunters are asked to check the information for specific WMAs in the 2024-25 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide. Sportsmen are required to ask for permission to hunt on private lands they do not own.

The TWRA offers a reminder that hunter education requirements are not waived for Free Hunting Day. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969 is required to have successfully completed a hunter education course. An apprentice license is required for those born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, if the hunter education course has not been completed.

This license exempts the hunter from the mandatory hunter education law for one year from the date of purchase but may only be purchased for up to three consecutive years during the lifetime of the hunter. Those under 10 years of age do not need a Hunter Education certificate but must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device.

Hunters can harvest up to 10 squirrels a day from the opening day of squirrel season through March 15, 2025. Each hunting day begins a half-hour before sunrise and ends a half-hour after sunset.

For more information about hunting in Tennessee, visit TWRA’s website at http://www.tnwildlife.org or contact your nearest TWRA regional office.