Avian influenza detected in deceased bobcat in Butte County

Avian influenza detected in deceased bobcat in Butte County – Appeal-Democrat (Marysville)

Wildlife disease specialists with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently received confirmation that an adult bobcat located in Butte County died from the Eurasian strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1. This is the first detection of the virus in a wild mammal in the state. The bobcat’s remains were collected in Butte County by CDFW on Dec. 23, 2022. Samples were submitted to the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System for preliminary testing. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the detection of avian influenza H5N1 in the bobcat in January.