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Ly H. Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus infection of companion animals. Virulence 2024; 15:2289780. [PMID: 38064414 PMCID: PMC10761027 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2289780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hinh Ly
- Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN, USA
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2
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Ly H. Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus infections of dairy cattle and livestock handlers in the United States of America. Virulence 2024; 15:2343931. [PMID: 38632687 PMCID: PMC11028003 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2343931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hinh Ly
- Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN, USA
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3
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Graziosi G, Lupini C, Favera FD, Martini G, Dosa G, Garavini G, Trevisani G, Mannelli A, Catelli E. Potential biosecurity breaches in poultry farms: Presence of free-ranging mammals near laying-hen houses assessed through a camera-trap study. Vet Anim Sci 2024; 26:100393. [PMID: 39290683 PMCID: PMC11403447 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2024.100393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Diligent application and implementation of biosecurity measures stand as the most effective measures to prevent disease transmission through direct or indirect interactions between poultry and free-ranging animals. Among these, free-ranging mammals can be hosts or disseminators of several pathogens relevant to poultry and of public health concern. Moreover, evidence of susceptibility to avian influenza virus infection in non-human mammals has raised questions about their potential role in the virus' epidemiology at the domestic animal-wildlife interface. Given this background, this study aimed to identify mammal species occurring near laying-hen houses and characterize the spatiotemporal patterns of these visits. Seven camera traps were deployed for a year-long period in three commercial poultry farms in a densely populated poultry area in Northern Italy. Various methods, including time series analysis and generalized linear models, were employed to analyze daily mammal visits. A total of 1,867 camera trap nights yielded 567 videos of seven species of wild mammals, and 1,866 videos showed domestic pet species (cats and dogs). Coypus (Myocastor coypus) and cats were the two mammals more frequently observed near poultry houses. For wild mammals, visits significantly increased at night, and slightly decreased during the spring season. Overall, the data hereby provided lay the groundwork for designing novel surveillance and intervention strategies to prevent cross-species disease transmission. Moreover, the utilization of visual evidence depicting free-ranging animals approaching poultry houses could assist health authorities in educating and raising awareness among stakeholders about potential risks of pathogen spillover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Graziosi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, 40064, BO, Italy
| | - Caterina Lupini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, 40064, BO, Italy
| | - Francesco Dalla Favera
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, 40064, BO, Italy
| | - Gabriella Martini
- Veterinary Services, Local Health Unit of Imola (A.U.S.L. di Imola), Imola, 40026, BO, Italy
| | - Geremia Dosa
- Veterinary Services, Local Health Unit of Imola (A.U.S.L. di Imola), Imola, 40026, BO, Italy
| | - Gloria Garavini
- Veterinary Services of Eurovo Group, Imola, 40026, BO, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Mannelli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Grugliasco, 10095, Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Catelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, 40064, BO, Italy
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4
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Rodríguez S, Marandino A, Tomás G, Panzera Y, Wallau GL, Zimmer Dezordi F, Carrazco-Montalvo A, Cassarino M, Russi V, Pérez R, Bassetti L, Negro R, Williman J, Leizagoyen C, Pérez R. Infection of South American coatis (Nasua nasua) with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus displaying mammalian adaptive mutations. Microb Pathog 2024; 195:106895. [PMID: 39208965 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Deadly outbreaks among poultry, wild birds, and carnivorous mammals by the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus of the clade 2.3.4.4b have been reported in South America. The increasing virus incidence in various mammal species poses a severe zoonotic and pandemic threat. In Uruguay, the clade 2.3.4.4b viruses were first detected in February 2023, affecting wild birds and backyard poultry. Three months after the first reported case in Uruguay, the disease affected a population of 23 coatis (Nasua) in an ecological park. Most animals became infected, likely directly or indirectly from wild birds in the park, and experienced sudden death. Five animals from the colony survived, and four of them developed antibodies. The genomes of the H5N1 strains infecting coatis belonged to the B3.2 genotype of the clade 2.3.4.4b. Genomes from coatis were closely associated with those infecting backyard poultry, but transmission likely occurred through wild birds. Notable, two genomes have a 627K substitution in the RNA polymerase PB2 subunit, a hallmark amino acid linked to mammalian adaptation. Our findings support the ability of the avian influenza virus of the 2.3.4.4b clade to infect and transmit among terrestrial mammals with high pathogenicity and undergo rapid adaptive changes. It also highlights the coatis' ability to develop immunity and naturally clear the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirley Rodríguez
- División de Laboratorios Veterinarios "Miguel C. Rubino", Dirección General de Servicios Ganaderos, Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ana Marandino
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gonzalo Tomás
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Yanina Panzera
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gabriel Luz Wallau
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM)-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Brazil; Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Center for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, National Reference Center for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Hamburg - Germany
| | | | - Andrés Carrazco-Montalvo
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Centro de Referencia Nacional de Genómica, Secuenciación y Bioinformática, Quito 170403, Ecuador
| | - Magdalena Cassarino
- División Sanidad Animal, Dirección General de Servicios Ganaderos, Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Virginia Russi
- División Sanidad Animal, Dirección General de Servicios Ganaderos, Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ramiro Pérez
- División de Laboratorios Veterinarios "Miguel C. Rubino", Dirección General de Servicios Ganaderos, Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Lucía Bassetti
- División de Laboratorios Veterinarios "Miguel C. Rubino", Dirección General de Servicios Ganaderos, Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Raúl Negro
- División de Laboratorios Veterinarios "Miguel C. Rubino", Dirección General de Servicios Ganaderos, Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Joaquín Williman
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carmen Leizagoyen
- Dirección Nacional de Biodiversidad y Servicios Ecosistémicos (DINABISE), Ministerio de Ambiente, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ruben Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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Cavicchio L, Campalto M, Carrino M, Lucchese L, Ceglie L, Fincato A, Boscolo Cegion L, Mazzotta E, Beato MS, Natale A. Influenza in feral cat populations: insights from a study in North-East Italy. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1439354. [PMID: 39247126 PMCID: PMC11378839 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1439354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus (IAV) can cause high morbidity and mortality in domestic and wild avian species and it is able to infect mammals as well. IAV in cats is sporadic and self-limiting but the recent findings of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) with genetic signatures of mammalian adaptation, in domestic cats, has raised new concerns about the potential role of cats in the virus ecology. The present study aimed to investigate the circulation of IAV in companion animals' shelters in North-eastern Italy. All samples were collected from feral cats living in feline colonies that were hosted in the companion animals' shelters for the requisite period to administer the veterinary treatments. Between 2021 and 2022, 389 oropharyngeal swabs and 279 sera were collected. All swabs tested negative for IAV and the only one ELISA positive serum sample resulted H5 positive by HI test with a titer of 1:80. Despite the sporadic occurrence of influenza in cats, continuous monitoring is crucial due to the evolving zoonotic nature of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Cavicchio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Legnaro, Italy
| | - Mery Campalto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Legnaro, Italy
| | - Marilena Carrino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Legnaro, Italy
| | - Laura Lucchese
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Legnaro, Italy
| | - Letizia Ceglie
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Legnaro, Italy
| | - Alice Fincato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Legnaro, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Mazzotta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Legnaro, Italy
| | - Maria Serena Beato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Legnaro, Italy
| | - Alda Natale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Legnaro, Italy
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6
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Mira F, Schirò G, Giudice E, Purpari G, Origgi F, Vicari D, Di Pietro S, Antoci F, Gucciardi F, Geraci F, Talarico V, Guercio A. Viral pathogens in domestic cats in southern Italy: A retrospective analysis in Sicily, 2020-2022. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 111:102209. [PMID: 38880052 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
A retrospective study was carried out on selected feline viral pathogens detected in domestic cat in Sicily, southern Italy. Samples from 64 cats, collected from 2020 to 2022, were analysed for the presence of feline panleukopenia virus, canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), feline coronavirus (FCoV), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus type 1, norovirus (NoV), and rotavirus (RoV). Single (45 %) or mixed (38 %) viral infections were detected. FPV, related with other Italian FPV strains, remains the main viral cause of infection (66 %). CPV-2c Asian lineage strains (3 %) were detected for the first time in domestic cats in Europe. FCoV (29.6 %), either enteric or systemic, and systemic FCV (18.7 %) infections were detected in positive cats. Less commonly reported viruses (GIV.2/GVI.2 NoVs, RoV), potentially related to the animal/human interface, were detected at lower rates as well (5 %). The present epidemiological data suggest the need to improve disease prevention, immunization, and biosecurity strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Mira
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, Palermo 90129, Italy; Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina 98168, Italy
| | - Giorgia Schirò
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, Palermo 90129, Italy; Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina 98168, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina 98168, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Purpari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, Palermo 90129, Italy
| | - Francesco Origgi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina 98168, Italy
| | - Domenico Vicari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, Palermo 90129, Italy
| | - Simona Di Pietro
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina 98168, Italy
| | - Francesco Antoci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, Palermo 90129, Italy
| | - Francesca Gucciardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, Palermo 90129, Italy
| | - Francesco Geraci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, Palermo 90129, Italy
| | - Virginia Talarico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, Palermo 90129, Italy
| | - Annalisa Guercio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, Palermo 90129, Italy
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7
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de Oliveira CBS, Andrade JMDA, Akter S, da Silva MK, Fulco UL, Oliveira JIN. Investigating whether H5N1 is a risk to human populations in Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2024; 57:e01100. [PMID: 39082530 PMCID: PMC11290869 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0056-2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shahina Akter
- Bangladesh Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Maria Karolaynne da Silva
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Umberto Laino Fulco
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Jonas Ivan Nobre Oliveira
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Natal, RN, Brasil
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8
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Meade PS, Bandawane P, Bushfield K, Hoxie I, Azcona KR, Burgos D, Choudhury S, Diaby A, Diallo M, Gaynor K, Huang A, Kante K, Khan SN, Kim W, Ajayi PK, Roubidoux E, Nelson S, McMahon R, Albrecht RA, Krammer F, Marizzi C. Detection of clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus in New York City. J Virol 2024; 98:e0062624. [PMID: 38747601 PMCID: PMC11237497 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00626-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b were detected in North America in the winter of 2021/2022. These viruses have spread across the Americas, causing morbidity and mortality in both wild and domestic birds as well as some mammalian species, including cattle. Many surveillance programs for wildlife as well as commercial poultry operations have detected these viruses. In this study, we conducted surveillance of avian species in the urban environment in New York City. We detected highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses in six samples from four different bird species and performed whole-genome sequencing. Sequencing analysis showed the presence of multiple different genotypes. Our work highlights that the interface between animals and humans that may give rise to zoonotic infections or even pandemics is not limited to rural environments and commercial poultry operations but extends into the heart of our urban centers.IMPORTANCEWhile surveillance programs for avian influenza viruses are often focused on migratory routes and their associated stop-over locations or commercial poultry operations, many bird species-including migratory birds-frequent or live in urban green spaces and wetlands. This brings them into contact with a highly dense population of humans and pets, providing an extensive urban animal-human interface in which the general public may have little awareness of circulating infectious diseases. This study focuses on virus surveillance of this interface, combined with culturally responsive science education and community outreach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip S. Meade
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VaRPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Pooja Bandawane
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VaRPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Bushfield
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VaRPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Irene Hoxie
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VaRPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karla R. Azcona
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daneidy Burgos
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sadia Choudhury
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adama Diaby
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mariama Diallo
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kailani Gaynor
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, New York, USA
| | - Aaron Huang
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kadiatou Kante
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shehryar N. Khan
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, New York, USA
| | - William Kim
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Ericka Roubidoux
- Department of Host Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sasha Nelson
- Animal Care Centers of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Randy A. Albrecht
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- The Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Florian Krammer
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VaRPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Ignaz Semmelweis Institute, Interuniversity Institute for Infection Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Marizzi
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, New York, USA
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9
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Fusaro A, Zecchin B, Giussani E, Palumbo E, Agüero-García M, Bachofen C, Bálint Á, Banihashem F, Banyard AC, Beerens N, Bourg M, Briand FX, Bröjer C, Brown IH, Brugger B, Byrne AMP, Cana A, Christodoulou V, Dirbakova Z, Fagulha T, Fouchier RAM, Garza-Cuartero L, Georgiades G, Gjerset B, Grasland B, Groza O, Harder T, Henriques AM, Hjulsager CK, Ivanova E, Janeliunas Z, Krivko L, Lemon K, Liang Y, Lika A, Malik P, McMenamy MJ, Nagy A, Nurmoja I, Onita I, Pohlmann A, Revilla-Fernández S, Sánchez-Sánchez A, Savic V, Slavec B, Smietanka K, Snoeck CJ, Steensels M, Svansson V, Swieton E, Tammiranta N, Tinak M, Van Borm S, Zohari S, Adlhoch C, Baldinelli F, Terregino C, Monne I. High pathogenic avian influenza A(H5) viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b in Europe-Why trends of virus evolution are more difficult to predict. Virus Evol 2024; 10:veae027. [PMID: 38699215 PMCID: PMC11065109 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veae027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Since 2016, A(H5Nx) high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus of clade 2.3.4.4b has become one of the most serious global threats not only to wild and domestic birds, but also to public health. In recent years, important changes in the ecology, epidemiology, and evolution of this virus have been reported, with an unprecedented global diffusion and variety of affected birds and mammalian species. After the two consecutive and devastating epidemic waves in Europe in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, with the second one recognized as one of the largest epidemics recorded so far, this clade has begun to circulate endemically in European wild bird populations. This study used the complete genomes of 1,956 European HPAI A(H5Nx) viruses to investigate the virus evolution during this varying epidemiological outline. We investigated the spatiotemporal patterns of A(H5Nx) virus diffusion to/from and within Europe during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 epidemic waves, providing evidence of ongoing changes in transmission dynamics and disease epidemiology. We demonstrated the high genetic diversity of the circulating viruses, which have undergone frequent reassortment events, providing for the first time a complete overview and a proposed nomenclature of the multiple genotypes circulating in Europe in 2020-2022. We described the emergence of a new genotype with gull adapted genes, which offered the virus the opportunity to occupy new ecological niches, driving the disease endemicity in the European wild bird population. The high propensity of the virus for reassortment, its jumps to a progressively wider number of host species, including mammals, and the rapid acquisition of adaptive mutations make the trend of virus evolution and spread difficult to predict in this unfailing evolving scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Fusaro
- European Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, viale dell'universita 10, Legnaro, Padua 35020, Italy
| | - Bianca Zecchin
- European Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, viale dell'universita 10, Legnaro, Padua 35020, Italy
| | - Edoardo Giussani
- European Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, viale dell'universita 10, Legnaro, Padua 35020, Italy
| | - Elisa Palumbo
- European Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, viale dell'universita 10, Legnaro, Padua 35020, Italy
| | - Montserrat Agüero-García
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Laboratorio Central de Veterinaria (LCV), Ctra. M-106, Km 1,4 Algete, Madrid 28110, Spain
| | - Claudia Bachofen
- Federal Department of Home Affairs FDHA Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Sensemattstrasse 293, Mittelhäusern 3147, Switzerland
| | - Ádám Bálint
- Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate (NEBIH), Laboratory of Virology, National Food Chain Safety Office, Tábornok utca 2, Budapest 1143, Hungary
| | - Fereshteh Banihashem
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Travvägen 20, Uppsala 75189, Sweden
| | - Ashley C Banyard
- WOAH/FAO international reference laboratory for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Nancy Beerens
- Department of Virology Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, Lelystad 8221 RA, The Netherlands
| | - Manon Bourg
- Luxembourgish Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA), State Veterinary Laboratory, 1 Rue Louis Rech, Dudelange 3555, Luxembourg
| | - Francois-Xavier Briand
- Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire, de l’Alimentation, de l’Environnement et du Travail, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Unité de Virologie, Immunologie, Parasitologie Avaires et Cunicoles, 41 Rue de Beaucemaine – BP 53, Ploufragan 22440, France
| | - Caroline Bröjer
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Disease, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Travvägen 20, Uppsala 75189, Sweden
| | - Ian H Brown
- WOAH/FAO international reference laboratory for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Brigitte Brugger
- Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority, Austurvegur 64, Selfoss 800, Iceland
| | - Alexander M P Byrne
- WOAH/FAO international reference laboratory for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Armend Cana
- Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency, Sector of Serology and Molecular Diagnostics, Kosovo Food and Veterinary Laboratory, Str Lidhja e Pejes, Prishtina 10000, Kosovo
| | - Vasiliki Christodoulou
- Laboratory for Animal Health Virology Section Veterinary Services (1417), 79, Athalassa Avenue Aglantzia, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
| | - Zuzana Dirbakova
- Department of Animal Health, State Veterinary Institute, Pod Dráhami 918, Zvolen 96086, Slovakia
| | - Teresa Fagulha
- I.P. (INIAV, I.P.), Avenida da República, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Quinta do Marquês, Oeiras 2780 – 157, Portugal
| | - Ron A M Fouchier
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Garza-Cuartero
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL), Backweston Campus, Stacumny Lane, Celbridge, Co. Kildare W23 X3PH, Ireland
| | - George Georgiades
- Thessaloniki Veterinary Centre (TVC), Department of Avian Diseases, 26th October Street 80, Thessaloniki 54627, Greece
| | - Britt Gjerset
- Immunology & Virology department, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Arboretveien 57, Oslo Pb 64, N-1431 Ås, Norway
| | - Beatrice Grasland
- Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire, de l’Alimentation, de l’Environnement et du Travail, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Unité de Virologie, Immunologie, Parasitologie Avaires et Cunicoles, 41 Rue de Beaucemaine – BP 53, Ploufragan 22440, France
| | - Oxana Groza
- Republican Center for Veterinary Diagnostics (NRL), 3 street Murelor, Chisinau 2051, Republic of Moldova
| | - Timm Harder
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, Greifswald-Insel Riems 17493, Germany
| | - Ana Margarida Henriques
- I.P. (INIAV, I.P.), Avenida da República, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Quinta do Marquês, Oeiras 2780 – 157, Portugal
| | - Charlotte Kristiane Hjulsager
- Department for Virus and Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, 5 Artillerivej, Copenhagen DK-2300, Denmark
| | - Emiliya Ivanova
- National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, National Diagnostic and Research Veterinary Medical Institute (NDRVMI), 190 Lomsko Shose Blvd., Sofia 1231, Bulgaria
| | - Zygimantas Janeliunas
- National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute (NFVRAI), Kairiukscio str. 10, Vilnius 08409, Lithuania
| | - Laura Krivko
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment (BIOR), Laboratory of Microbilogy and Pathology, 3 Lejupes Street, Riga 1076, Latvia
| | - Ken Lemon
- Virological Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Veterinary Sciences Division, Department of Virology, Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute (AFBI), Stoney Road, Belfast BT4 3SD, Northern Ireland
| | - Yuan Liang
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 15, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark
| | - Aldin Lika
- Animal Health Department, Food Safety and Veterinary Institute, Rruga Aleksandër Moisiu 10, Tirana 1001, Albania
| | - Péter Malik
- Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate (NEBIH), Laboratory of Virology, National Food Chain Safety Office, Tábornok utca 2, Budapest 1143, Hungary
| | - Michael J McMenamy
- Virological Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Veterinary Sciences Division, Department of Virology, Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute (AFBI), Stoney Road, Belfast BT4 3SD, Northern Ireland
| | - Alexander Nagy
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Veterinary Institute Prague, Sídlištní 136/24, Praha 6-Lysolaje 16503, Czech Republic
| | - Imbi Nurmoja
- National Centre for Laboratory Research and Risk Assessment (LABRIS), Kreutzwaldi 30, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Iuliana Onita
- Institute for Diagnosis and Animal Health (IDAH), Str. Dr. Staicovici 63, Bucharest 050557, Romania
| | - Anne Pohlmann
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, Greifswald-Insel Riems 17493, Germany
| | - Sandra Revilla-Fernández
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Institute for Veterinary Disease Control, Robert Koch Gasse 17, Mödling 2340, Austria
| | - Azucena Sánchez-Sánchez
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Laboratorio Central de Veterinaria (LCV), Ctra. M-106, Km 1,4 Algete, Madrid 28110, Spain
| | - Vladimir Savic
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Poultry Centre, Heinzelova 55, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Brigita Slavec
- University of Ljubljana – Veterinary Faculty/National Veterinary Institute, Gerbičeva 60, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Krzysztof Smietanka
- Department of Poultry Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, Puławy 24-100, Poland
| | - Chantal J Snoeck
- Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Department of Infection and Immunity, 29 Rue Henri Koch, Esch-sur-Alzette 4354, Luxembourg
| | - Mieke Steensels
- Avian Virology and Immunology, Sciensano, Rue Groeselenberg 99, Ukkel 1180, Ukkel, Belgium
| | - Vilhjálmur Svansson
- Biomedical Center, Institute for Experimental Pathology, University of Iceland, Keldnavegi 3 112 Reykjavík Ssn. 650269 4549, Keldur 851, Iceland
| | - Edyta Swieton
- Department of Poultry Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, Puławy 24-100, Poland
| | - Niina Tammiranta
- Finnish Food Authority, Animal Health Diagnostic Unit, Veterinary Virology, Mustialankatu 3, Helsinki FI-00790, Finland
| | - Martin Tinak
- Department of Animal Health, State Veterinary Institute, Pod Dráhami 918, Zvolen 96086, Slovakia
| | - Steven Van Borm
- Avian Virology and Immunology, Sciensano, Rue Groeselenberg 99, Ukkel 1180, Ukkel, Belgium
| | - Siamak Zohari
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Travvägen 20, Uppsala 75189, Sweden
| | - Cornelia Adlhoch
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Gustav III:s boulevard 40, Solna 169 73, Sweden
| | | | - Calogero Terregino
- European Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, viale dell'universita 10, Legnaro, Padua 35020, Italy
| | - Isabella Monne
- European Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, viale dell'universita 10, Legnaro, Padua 35020, Italy
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10
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Meade PS, Bandawane P, Bushfield K, Hoxie I, Azcona KR, Burgos D, Choudhury S, Diaby A, Diallo M, Gaynor K, Huang A, Kante K, Khan SN, Kim W, Ajayi PK, Roubidoux E, Nelson S, McMahon R, Albrecht RA, Krammer F, Marizzi C. Detection of clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus in New York City. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.04.588061. [PMID: 38617218 PMCID: PMC11014507 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.04.588061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b arrived in North America in the winter of 2021/2022. These viruses have spread across the Americas causing morbidity and mortality in both wild and domestic birds as well as some mammalian species, including cattle. Many surveillance programs in wildlife as well as commercial poultry operations have detected these viruses. Here we conducted surveillance of avian species in the urban environment in New York City. We detected highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses in six samples from four different bird species and performed full genome sequencing. Sequence analysis showed the presence of multiple different genotypes. Our work highlights that the interface between animals and humans that may give rise to zoonotic infections or even pandemics is not limited to rural environments and commercial poultry operations but extends into the heart of our urban centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip S. Meade
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VaRPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pooja Bandawane
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VaRPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Bushfield
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VaRPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Irene Hoxie
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VaRPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karla R. Azcona
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daneidy Burgos
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sadia Choudhury
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adama Diaby
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mariama Diallo
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kailani Gaynor
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aaron Huang
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kadiatou Kante
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - William Kim
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Ericka Roubidoux
- Department of Host Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sasha Nelson
- Animal Care Centers of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Randy A Albrecht
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Florian Krammer
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VaRPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ignaz Semmelweis Institute, Interuniversity Institute for Infection Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Marizzi
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- New York City Virus Hunters Program, BioBus, New York, NY, USA
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11
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Adlhoch C, Alm E, Enkirch T, Lamb F, Melidou A, Willgert K, Marangon S, Monne I, Stegeman JA, Delacourt R, Baldinelli F, Broglia A. Drivers for a pandemic due to avian influenza and options for One Health mitigation measures. EFSA J 2024; 22:e8735. [PMID: 38576537 PMCID: PMC10988447 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza viruses (AIV) remain prevalent among wild bird populations in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA), leading to significant illness in and death of birds. Transmission between bird and mammal species has been observed, particularly in fur animal farms, where outbreaks have been reported. While transmission from infected birds to humans is rare, there have been instances of exposure to these viruses since 2020 without any symptomatic infections reported in the EU/EEA. However, these viruses continue to evolve globally, and with the migration of wild birds, new strains carrying potential mutations for mammalian adaptation could be selected. If avian A(H5N1) influenza viruses acquire the ability to spread efficiently among humans, large-scale transmission could occur due to the lack of immune defences against H5 viruses in humans. The emergence of AIV capable of infecting mammals, including humans, can be facilitated by various drivers. Some intrinsic drivers are related to virus characteristics or host susceptibility. Other drivers are extrinsic and may increase exposure of mammals and humans to AIV thereby stimulating mutation and adaptation to mammals. Extrinsic drivers include the ecology of host species, such as including wildlife, human activities like farming practices and the use of natural resources, climatic and environmental factors. One Health measures to mitigate the risk of AIV adapting to mammals and humans focus on limiting exposure and preventing spread. Key options for actions include enhancing surveillance targeting humans and animals, ensuring access to rapid diagnostics, promoting collaboration between animal and human sectors, and implementing preventive measures such as vaccination. Effective communication to different involved target audiences should be emphasised, as well as strengthening veterinary infrastructure, enforcing biosecurity measures at farms, and reducing wildlife contact with domestic animals. Careful planning of poultry and fur animal farming, especially in areas with high waterfowl density, is highlighted for effective risk reduction.
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12
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Szaluś-Jordanow O, Golke A, Dzieciątkowski T, Czopowicz M, Kardas M, Mickiewicz M, Moroz-Fik A, Łobaczewski A, Markowska-Daniel I, Frymus T. Upper Respiratory Tract Disease in a Dog Infected by a Highly Pathogenic Avian A/H5N1 Virus. Microorganisms 2024; 12:689. [PMID: 38674633 PMCID: PMC11051868 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In summer 2023, during an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in cats in Poland, a 16-year-old dog was presented to the veterinary clinic with persistent, debilitating, dry cough, submandibular lymphadenomegaly, mild serous nasal discharge, and left apical heart murmur. A preliminary diagnosis of kennel cough was made and the treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and dexamethasone was initiated. Due to the lack of improvement within 2 days, a blood check-up, thoracic radiography and ultrasonography, and echocardiography were performed. Moreover, a rapid test for orthomyxovirus type A antigen in a throat swab was carried out and proved positive. The result was verified using RT-qPCR, which yielded a positive result for A/H5N1 influenza virus and negative results for A/H1N1, A/H3N2, type B influenza, and SARS-CoV-2. This case indicates that HPAI should be considered as a differential diagnosis not only in cats, but also in dogs with upper respiratory tract disease, particularly in regions experiencing A/H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Szaluś-Jordanow
- Department of Small Animal Diseases with Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Anna Golke
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Dzieciątkowski
- Chair and Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chałubińskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Michał Czopowicz
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (M.C.); (M.M.); (A.M.-F.); (I.M.-D.)
| | - Michał Kardas
- Veterinary Clinic Auxilium, Arkadiusz Olkowski, Królewska Str. 64, 05-822 Milanówek, Poland; (M.K.); (A.Ł.)
| | - Marcin Mickiewicz
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (M.C.); (M.M.); (A.M.-F.); (I.M.-D.)
| | - Agata Moroz-Fik
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (M.C.); (M.M.); (A.M.-F.); (I.M.-D.)
| | - Andrzej Łobaczewski
- Veterinary Clinic Auxilium, Arkadiusz Olkowski, Królewska Str. 64, 05-822 Milanówek, Poland; (M.K.); (A.Ł.)
| | - Iwona Markowska-Daniel
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (M.C.); (M.M.); (A.M.-F.); (I.M.-D.)
| | - Tadeusz Frymus
- Department of Small Animal Diseases with Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
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13
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Adlhoch C, Fusaro A, Gonzales JL, Kuiken T, Mirinavičiūtė G, Niqueux É, Staubach C, Terregino C, Baldinelli F, Rusinà A, Kohnle L. Avian influenza overview June-September 2023. EFSA J 2023; 21:e08328. [PMID: 37809353 PMCID: PMC10552073 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Between 24 June and 1 September 2023, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) outbreaks were reported in domestic (25) and wild (482) birds across 21 countries in Europe. Most of these outbreaks appeared to be clustered along coastlines with only few HPAI virus detections inland. In poultry, all HPAI outbreaks were primary and sporadic with most of them occurring in the United Kingdom. In wild birds, colony-breeding seabirds continued to be most heavily affected, but an increasing number of HPAI virus detections in waterfowl is expected in the coming weeks. The current epidemic in wild birds has already surpassed the one of the previous epidemiological year in terms of total number of HPAI virus detections. As regards mammals, A(H5N1) virus was identified in 26 fur animal farms in Finland. Affected species included American mink, red and Arctic fox, and common raccoon dog. The most likely source of introduction was contact with gulls. Wild mammals continued to be affected worldwide, mostly red foxes and different seal species. Since the last report and as of 28 September 2023, two A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus detections in humans have been reported by the United Kingdom, and three human infections with A(H5N6) and two with A(H9N2) were reported from China, respectively. No human infection related to the avian influenza detections in animals on fur farms in Finland or in cats in Poland have been reported, and human infections with avian influenza remain a rare event. The risk of infection with currently circulating avian H5 influenza viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b in Europe remains low for the general population in the EU/EEA. The risk of infection remains low to moderate for occupationally or otherwise exposed people to infected birds or mammals (wild or domesticated); this assessment covers different situations that depend on the level of exposure.
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