Pandemic H1N1 2009 in Skunks, Canada
Author Information
Author(s): Britton Ann P., Sojonky Ken R., Scouras Andrea P., Bidulka Julie J.
Primary Institution: Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
Hypothesis
Is the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus transmissible from humans to skunks?
Conclusion
The study concluded that primary pandemic (H1N1) 2009 interstitial pneumonia predisposed the skunks to mixed bacterial bronchopneumonia and death.
Supporting Evidence
- Two skunks were found to have severe pneumonia and were positive for pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
- Human-to-animal transmission of the virus was suggested by the history of the skunks' owners.
- Co-infection with Aleutian disease virus may have contributed to the severity of the pneumonia.
Takeaway
Two skunks got very sick and died from a virus that usually affects humans, showing that skunks can catch this virus too.
Methodology
Postmortem examinations and molecular testing for various viruses were conducted on the skunks.
Limitations
The source of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus in the skunks was unclear, and no diagnostic workup was undertaken on the minks.
Participant Demographics
The study involved striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) from a mink farm.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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