Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Infection in Feral Raccoons, Japan

Abstract

Although raccoons (Procyon lotor) are susceptible to influenza viruses, highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) infection in these animals has not been reported. We performed a serosurvey of apparently healthy feral raccoons in Japan and found specific antibodies to subtype H5N1 viruses. Feral raccoons may pose a risk to farms and public health.

Keywords

• Viruses
• influenza virus
• H5N1
• avian influenza
• raccoon
• Japan