CNN —Highly pathogenic avian influenza, sometimes called bird flu, has been confirmed in alpacas for the first time, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories.
The animals that tested positive were on a farm in Idaho where poultry had tested positive for the virus and were culled in May.
The alpacas tested positive May 16, the USDA said in a news release.
The gene sequence of viruses isolated from the alpacas shows that it is closely related to the H5N1 viruses that are currently circulating in dairy cattle.
Scientists have closely watched the H5N1 virus for roughly two decades.
Persons:
Dr, Sanjay Gupta
Organizations:
CNN, US Department of, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, USDA, CNN Health, Alpaca Owners Association, Scientists
Locations:
alpacas, Idaho