title: Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection in feral raccoons, Japan.
abstract: Although raccoons (Procyon lotor) are susceptible to influenza viruses, highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) infection in these animals has not been reported. We performed a serosurvey of apparently healthy feral raccoons in Japan and found specific antibodies to subtype H5N1 viruses. Feral raccoons may pose a risk to farms and public health.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. ahorimo@mail.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp
authors.forename: Taisuke
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Horimoto
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Maeda
authors.forename: Shin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Murakami
authors.forename: Maki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kiso
authors.forename: Kiyoko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Iwatsuki-Horimoto
authors.forename: Mariko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sashika
authors.forename: Toshihiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ito
authors.forename: Kazuo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.forename: Mayumi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yokoyama
authors.forename: Yoshihiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kawaoka
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D005260:Female; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / Q000502:physiology*; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009439:Neuraminidase / Q000276:immunology; D009976:Orthomyxoviridae Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000662:veterinary*; D011821:Raccoons; D012703:Serotyping
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D009439:Neuraminidase