Emerging Infectious Diseases (Apr 2011)
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.
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