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Thiangtum, K.; Tonwattana, W.; Tongthainun, D.; Poonvorawan, Y.; Songserm, T.
Avian Influenza H5N1 in Clouded Leopards (_Neofelis nebulosa_)
2007 Conference Proceeding
Felid species are known as susceptible mammals for avian influenza A (H5N1) infection. In 2004, two clouded leopards (_Neofelis nebulosa_) in the Thai zoo died after showing clinical signs of fever and respiratory distress. At necropsy, severe pulmonary consolidation and multifocal haemorrhaging were found in several organs. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry showed the evidence of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in the lungs. In addition, influenza A virus was isolated from lung samples. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of HA and NA genes of virus isolates showed that the virus was virtually identical to the H5N1 virus circulating in poultry. These two clouded leopards were most probably directly infected with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus by feeding on infected poultry carcasses. This finding extends the host range of this virus among felid species and has important implications for wild felid conservation.
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