On Tuesday, the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency announced that no cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) were detected in domestic pets (dogs and cats) or livestock (cattle, pigs, and goats) during extensive testing throughout 2025.
The global surge in avian influenza infections among mammals has put health authorities on high alert. Since 2020, over 60,000 cases have been reported across 48 species in 26 countries. The United States has seen ongoing infections in dairy cattle and humans since 2024, while the Netherlands detected HPAI antibodies in dairy cows this January.
To mitigate the risk of virus mutation in domestic mammals and potential cross-species transmission, the Quarantine Agency has conducted annual monitoring since 2018. In 2024, they expanded their surveillance to include dogs, cats, cattle, pigs, and goats, while also testing raw milk samples in partnership with regional animal health laboratories.
This year’s monitoring encompassed 7,568 animals, with 3,685 undergoing genetic testing and 3,883 receiving antibody tests. Additionally, 3,787 raw milk samples from farms and collection vehicles were screened for the virus.
All tests yielded negative results, suggesting no current evidence of HPAI occurrence or spread among domestic pets and livestock in the country.
Despite these encouraging findings, the Quarantine Agency remains vigilant, planning continued monitoring due to a previous virus detection in wild cats in 2025.
Choi Jeong-rok, Chief of the Quarantine Agency, emphasized that avian influenza mutations in mammals pose a significant risk for human transmission. It’s committed to safeguarding public health and livestock through rigorous analysis and surveillance.
Meanwhile, avian influenza (AI) continues to spread beyond wild birds, now affecting mammals and marine life. Experts warn that recent mass die-offs signal a new phase in the virus’s transmission patterns.
Dr. Jonathan Sleeman, associate professor at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine, explains that wild birds act as natural hosts and reservoirs for AI. The H5N1 strain (2.3.4.4b lineage) has gone global, infecting poultry, wild birds, and mammals alike.
Wildlife impacts have intensified rapidly. South America reports approximately 670,000 bird deaths across 65 species and 50,000 mammal fatalities from 15 species.
Marine ecosystems are also under threat. About 18,000 elephant seals have perished, and a staggering 97% of seal pups died in 2023. The virus’s reach now extends to Antarctica, marking an alarming expansion of its geographical range.