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The LEO Network is a worldwide network of observers and experts that share their observations of environmental change.
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Observations

Serious outbreak of avian influenza in the north
An H5N1 avian influenza outbreak is affecting gulls across Northern Norway, with detections in multiple Troms and Nordland municipalities. Authorities warn mortality may be undercounted and urge reporting of sick or dead birds and strict biosecurity for poultry.
Troms and Nordland, Norway
NRK

US egg shortage won't be solved by Finland
"The amount we could export would not solve their egg shortage," says the head of the Finnish Poultry Association.
United States
News

One hundred years ago, dogs came to the rescue of Nome
The article recounts the extraordinary 1925 dog sled relay that delivered diphtheria antitoxin to Nome, Alaska, amid a severe epidemic, highlighting the centennial of this historic event and the heroic efforts of mushers and their dogs who braved harsh conditions to save lives.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Officials monitoring avian flu in mammals in the Canadian Arctic
More reports are emerging around the world of the virus in mammals, including species found in the Arctic. Officials say there's no evidence suggesting transmission from eating infected animals which are cooked - but country food is often eaten raw.
Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
CBC

A dog on Prince of Wales Island is helping to conserve wolves by tracking their poop
A trained Australian Shepherd named Barley is aiding conservation efforts by locating wolf scat on Prince of Wales Island, providing crucial data for wildlife management.
Craig, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Chukchi Sea polar bears are increasingly exposed to disease-causing pathogens
Chukchi Sea polar bears show increased exposure to pathogens like canine distemper virus and Toxoplasma gondii, potentially due to changes in their diet and extended time on land.
Chukchi Sea
Alaska Public Media

Bird flu cases are going undetected, new study suggests. It’s a problem for all of us
As bird flu cases go underreported, health officials risk being slow to notice if the virus were to become more contagious. A large surge of infections outside of farmworker communities would trigger the government’s flu surveillance system, but by then it might be too late to contain.
Texas, United States

Why Bird Flu Is Infecting People’s Eyes
In recent weeks, three human infections with the virus have been confirmed—all in dairy workers who had contact with sick cows. All three developed symptoms of eye infections known as conjunctivitis. The latest case, reported in Michigan this week, also involved respiratory symptoms more typical of a flu infection.
Michigan, United States
Scientific American

Bird flu can infect cats. What does that mean for their people?
The article discusses the potential for bird flu to mutate and spread to humans through domestic cats, highlighting unusual cases of cat infections and the risks posed by raw diets and unpasteurized milk.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Science News

Federal bill would add veterinary care to IHS duties to address rabies, other risks in rural Alaska
A federal bill aims to expand IHS duties to include veterinary care in rural Alaska, addressing the scarcity of such services and the risk of rabies from wildlife.
Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

'Unprecedented': How bird flu became an animal pandemic
This article examines the unique spread of bird flu across multiple animal species, marking an unusual animal pandemic.
Earth

Toxic: How the search for the origins of COVID-19 turned politically poisonous
An AP investigation reveals that political disputes and blame fears halted the search for COVID-19's origins in China, contradicting public claims of ongoing efforts.
Wuhan, Hubei, China
AP News

Scientists investigate paralytic shellfish poisoning as possible factor in large marine die offs
Scientists are investigating the widespread presence of paralytic shellfish toxins in Alaska's marine food chain, which may explain recent species die-offs.
Alaska, United States
Kavitha George, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

As the permafrost melts, the houses in Nunapitchuk are breaking down
Melting permafrost in Nunapitchuk is causing severe structural damage to homes, leading to erosion, instability, and health issues for residents.
Nunapitchuk, Alaska, United States

How studying arctic ground squirrels can help advance human brain health
Researchers are studying arctic ground squirrels, whose unique hibernation abilities may offer insights into treating human brain injuries and diseases.
Alaska, United States
PBS NewsHour

EPA plans to limit or eliminate salmon-killing tire chemical found in preliminary Alaska sampling
The EPA plans to limit or eliminate a chemical commonly used in car tires, known as 6PPD, after it was found to be fatal to salmon in preliminary Alaska sampling, in response to a petition from Native Tribes and several states, but the rulemaking process is expected to take years.

Severe Vibrio vulnificus Infections in the United States Associated with Warming Coastal Waters
Severe Vibrio vulnificus infections in the United States are associated with warming coastal waters, with an increase in infections in the Eastern United States and an expanded geographic range.
United States
CDC - Health Alert Network (HAN) - 00497 |

Bag upon bag of dead bird in Vadsø: 1000 seagulls were retrieved on Monday
No one knows how many birds are infected with avian influenza along the coast of Finnmark. In Vadsø, seagulls sit next to dozens of dead birds.
Vadsø, Finnmark Fylke, Norway
NRK
Sarah Yoder, Bob Gerlach, Andrew Ramey, Lars Flora

Covid-19 spread between humans and deer, study shows, raising concerns about animal reservoirs
People spread Covid-19 to wild white-tailed deer more than 100 times in late 2021 and early 2022. The infection circulated widely in the deer population in the United States, and in at least three instances, researchers suspect the virus was passed between deer where it picked up unique genetic changes and then re-infected humans.
United States
CNN

83,000 Hawaii homes dispose of sewage in cesspools. Rising sea levels will make the mess worse.
This rural part of the island of Oahu is not connected to city sewers — and waste from toilets, sinks and showers is mostly collected in hundreds of pits called cesspools. Rising seas are also pushing groundwater closer to the surface, allowing cesspool effluent to mix with the water table and flow into the ocean.
Waialua, Hawaii, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Polish scientists probe possible food-chain link to H5N1 avian flu in cats
Scientists say they found the virus in one of five submitted chicken meat samples that the cats ate.
Poland

Fallout of French nuclear testing in Pacific still affecting men decades later
Kiwi crews exposed to radiation at Mururoa Atoll hold concerns for subsequent generations.
French Polynesia
NZ Herald

Avian influenza has returned to Alaska, and so have health advisories
The highly pathogenic disease circling the globe stands out for its effects on wild birds, and experts say Alaskans should be on the lookout for cases.

19 cruise ships scheduled to visit Unalaska this season, with UVB 'optimistic' after several challenging years
After decrease tourism during the pandemic Unalaska prepares for summer tourism season and a way for the community to share the history, culture, and environmental stewardship of the Unangan people,
Unalaska, Alaska, United States

Rabies in Alaska bats is very rare, but caution is warranted, state medical experts say
State officials say Alaskans who encounter bats should avoid any physical contact. The state's last rabid bat was found last June near Juneau.

Research shows a significant increase in rabid red foxes around Nome
Of the 61 red foxes counted in and around Nome between February and March 2023, nearly one quarter were positive.
Nome, Alaska, United States
KTOO

Pet owners advised to keep dogs and cats away from dead birds
With geese and other wild birds returning to the region every day, New Brunswick dog and cat owners should be aware of the risk of avian influenza, says the registrar of the New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association.
New Brunswick, Canada
CBC

As migratory birds return, so does potential for avian flu outbreaks
State veterinarian Dr. Robert Gerlach said the virus never left Alaska in the winter months, and has spread beyond the local bird population.

'Whale is the center of everything'
On the north slope, the whale brings together and sustains life for everyone. "We have a bond with the animals. They fed us, they clothed us, they sheltered us since time immemorial. Without them, we wouldn't survive the Arctic."
Utqiaġvik, Alaska, United States

Antibiotic-resistant microbes lurk in poop of Anchorage moose, UAA research finds
The big animals that roam Alaska’s largest city are carrying bacteria that cannot be killed by commonly used medicines.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
KTOO

Evolution of H3 avian influenza virus in China: Implications for pandemic preparedness
This paper analyzes the evolution of the H3 subtype of avian influenza virus in China from 2009 to 2022, including its spatial and temporal distribution and genetic changes. The findings have implications for pandemic preparedness.
China
News-Medical.net

Positive tests for tick-borne illness in N.S. dogs up sharply, says vet
The number of dogs testing positive for tick-borne illnesses has nearly doubled this year, says a Nova Scotia veterinarian. Jeff Goodall, the owner and a veterinarian at Sunnyview Animal Care, said the problems go beyond Lyme disease. Anaplasmosis is also a concern. He said dogs have been testing positive for tick-borne illnesses throughout the winter.
Nova Scotia, Canada
CBC

China records first H3N8 bird flu death, WHO says
Three cases of H3N8 detected in China since 2022 as WHO says strain doesn’t appear to spread easily between humans. First case resulting in death occurred in China.
Dongguan, Guangdong, China
the Guardian

Bringing human, animal and environmental health together: One Health in practice across the WHO European Region
From a scourge and an enemy to be beaten, to a wake-up call and an opportunity to build back better, the COVID-19 pandemic has been called many things. Those working in the public health, animal health, and environment sectors agree on this: As we build back better post-pandemic, we must step up One Health efforts to better prepare for and respond to outbreaks of zoonotic diseases.
Genève, Geneva, Switzerland

One Health for One Planet: Ecocentric Policy for Personal and Planetary Wellbeing
The American Veterinary Medical Association has a plan to control the transmission of zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19 from animals to humans. To succeed — and to thrive — we need to renegotiate our relationship with all other species.
California, United States
KCET

Canadian experts decry continuation of Alaska study on parasite afflicting Yukon River chinook salmon
Alaska researchers will continue a controversial study this year on a parasite in Yukon River chinook salmon that requires killing hundreds of fish, a move that’s drawn sharp criticism from Canadian experts.
Yukon River, Alaska

The birds are back in town. Spring migration could fuel spread, evolution of avian flu, scientists warn
Across Canada, an estimated seven million birds and counting have been infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza during a devastating global outbreak that shows no signs of winding down. Now, as millions more migrate north, scientists warn it’s yet another opportunity for this virus to spread and evolve.
Canada

Y-K Delta women describe the realities of living with climate change for foreign dignitaries
The relocation between from Newtok to Mertavik has taken time and community members stay patient as local, state, and federal agencies figure out the complex funding and logistical hurdles.
Newtok, Alaska, United States

Strong regional commitment to One Health approach in Central Asia
Five Central Asian countries have jointly confirmed their interest to mitigate the risk of zoonosis emergence in the region by enhancing overall landscape resilience through the One Health approach.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
IUCN

After the fatal polar bear attack in Wales, a collective approach to healing
Questions still linger about what caused the bear to kill a woman and her baby — but more important for Wales is the question of how to move on.
Wales, Alaska, United States

Uh-oh. A new tropical mosquito has come to Florida. The buzz it's creating isn't good
Scientists say climate change appears to be a factor making Florida and other parts of the U.S. welcoming to non-native mosquitoes.
Florida, United States

Vaccine makers prep bird flu shot for humans 'just in case' as rich nations lock in supplies
Some of the world's leading makers of flu vaccines say they could make hundreds of millions of bird flu shots for humans within months if a new strain of avian influenza ever jumps across the species divide.
Canada

Murkowski, Peltola tell ComFish more needs to be done about ‘crisis’ levels of species decline
The lawmakers discussed the challenges faced by Alaska’s fishermen in a remote address to Kodiak’s annual commercial fishing trade show.
Kodiak, Alaska

Anne Margrethe was sick from a tick bite: – Know how bad it can be
The Institute of Public Health is expanding the area where they recommend that people take the vaccine against the tick borne encephalitis.
Oslo, Oslo, Norway
NRK

Juneau's wastewater has four times as much COVID as the national average
This weekend marks the third anniversary of the World Health Organization’s declaration of the global pandemic — and Juneau’s wastewater is awash with COVID.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
KTOO

Congress approves development of national One Health coordination plan, other veterinary funding priorities
Language supported by the AVMA in new legislation will coordinate federal activities aimed at combating zoonotic disease outbreaks. The measure was among other provisions relevant to animal health that Congress passed before the end of the 2022.
American Veterinary Medical Association

Air-dried stockfish of Northeast Arctic cod do not carry viable anisakid nematodes
A total of 80 stockfish fillets of Northeast Arctic cod (Gadus morhua), traditionally open-air-dried in northern Norway, was examined for the presence and viability of larval parasitic nematodes of the family Anisakidae. Anisakids (particularly those belonging to genera Anisakis and Pseudoterranova) are of public health and economic concern globally, since they are responsible for an underestimated fish-borne zoonotic disease called anisakidosis.
Svolvær, Nordland, Norway

Alaskapox no more: Newly discovered disease and virus renamed ‘borealpox’
The disease and virus likely exist well beyond the state’s borders, making the new name more scientifically accurate, officials say.
Anchorage Daily News

UN nuclear agency chief to visit Fukushima plant to see final preparations for release of wastewater
The chief of the U.N. nuclear agency will visit Japan next week to meet with officials and see final preparations for the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean.
Fukushima, Fukushima, Japan
AP News

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