Reportable Disease Response

Disease: Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy

Situation: 8-year-old pony gelding in Dakota County was displaying subtle neurologic signs and developed significant ataxia. It was positive for EHV-1.

Status: As of January 18 the horse was showing signs of recovery while receiving treatment.

Disease: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Situation: A backyard flock in Le Sueur County experienced a loss of birds and contacted their veterinarian. The veterinarian forwarded samples to the University of Minnesota, which identified H5 suspect results. Samples were sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories, which confirmed HPAI.

Status: The flock was depopulated and the site has been quarantined and must go through a fallow period and environmental sampling before it may restock poultry or other birds.

Disease: Canine Influenza (confirmed 04-10-2023)

Situation: A Twin Cities animal shelter operating in Anoka, Hennepin and Washington Counties imported a dog from a shelter in Oklahoma where a canine influenza outbreak was reported. Nearly 200 dogs in the affected Minnesota shelter were quarantined due to clinical signs and exposure.

Status: The quarantine will remain in place, estimation of 6-weeks, until clinical signs subside and the shelter populations show full recovery.

Disease: Canine Influenza

Situation: A Hennepin County dog tested positive for H3N2 canine influenza. This case does not appear to be directly related to the previously reported canine influenza outbreak. The affected dog was potentially exposed in the first week of April when a neighbor was dog sitting it along with a symptomatic dog from another household. The dog sitter reported the symptomatic dog may have previously been at a dog day care or community event and commingled with other dogs.

Status: 30-day quarantine for test-positive dog and housemate. Dog is recovering with supportive care.