On May 4, 2026, the Wadsworth Center Rabies Laboratory identified influenza A H5 in a juvenile red fox submitted for emergency rabies testing after the fox had been cared for and handled by multiple family members. The fox developed neurological signs compatible with rabies infection, including paralysis, and was euthanized on May 1, 2026. Initial rabies testing performed by the Rabies Laboratory on May 2 was negative. Because wildlife infected with other viral pathogens can exhibit neurological signs similar to rabies, reflex testing for canine distemper virus and influenza virus was performed on May 4. The fox tested negative for canine distemper but positive for influenza A, which was subsequently subtyped as influenza A H5. The Rabies Laboratory shared the findings with the Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, which coordinated notification and follow-up activities with Tioga County public health officials. Individuals determined to be at risk were monitored for symptoms through May 11, 2026, and all remained asymptomatic.
In 2023, the Wadsworth Center Rabies Laboratory implemented reflex influenza testing of rabies-negative wildlife specimens using the same molecular assay employed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This surveillance approach provides an opportunity to monitor influenza viruses circulating in wildlife populations without requiring the euthanasia of additional animals solely for surveillance purposes. To date, 27 influenza A-positive wildlife samples have been sequenced by the Wadsworth Center Virology Laboratory. Among these, 11 were identified as subtype H5, four as subtype H3, and four as subtype H1, demonstrating the diversity of influenza A viruses circulating in wildlife populations in New York State.