ETIDIOH - NEW

ABSTRACT Frequent recent spillovers of subtype H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus into poultry and mammals , especially dairy cattle, including several human cases , increased concerns over a possible future pandemic . Here, we performed an analysis of epitope data curated in the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB). We found that the patterns of immunodominance of seasonal influenza viruses circulating in humans and H5N1 are similar . We further conclude that a significant fraction of the T-cell epitopes is conserved at a level associated with cross-reactivity between avian and seasonal sequences, and we further experimentally demonstrate extensive cross-reactivity in the most dominant T-cell epitopes curated in the IEDB. Based on these observations, and the overall similarity of the neuraminidase (NA) N1 subtype encoded in both HPAI and seasonal H1N1 influenza virus as well as cross-reactive group 1 HA stalk-reactive antibodies, we expect that a degree of pr...

Summary   Avian influenza is not a new disease , but the emergence of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the A/Goose/Guangdong/1/96 lineage (Gs/GD) has necessitated fundamental changes to prevention and control strategies for this disease. No longer just an avian disease, avian influenza is capable of causing severe disease in humans and is considered a potential human pandemic threat requiring One Health approaches . In addition, Gs/GD HPAI viruses have developed the capacity to be carried across and between continents by migratory birds . Given the persistence of the current A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses in wild birds , enhanced measures to prevent and control infection will be needed. In most countries, infection in poultry can be eliminated, although questions will remain about the sustainability of repeated stamping out. Systematic preventive vaccination should be seriously considered as a method for reducing the number of outbreaks. HPAI will not be elimina...

Summary   H5Nx A/Goose/Guangdong/1/96 Eurasian lineage high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses have been the main HPAI strains detected globally since 2005. These have spread around the world, causing a panzootic that has spanned six continents , with continual threat to not only wild and captive birds and poultry, but also wild, captive and domestic mammals and humans . The viruses’ ecology and epidemiology – especially the 2.3.4.4b clade – have changed, with over 489 species of birds infected and spreading the virus over migratory routes . This results in the death of many birds, including endangered species , and serves as a source of transmission to poultry and mammals . Improved surveillance and sharing of HPAI virus sequences, metadata and viruses across the veterinary, public health, wildlife and environment sectors are needed to elucidate the population dynamics of the infections, which is crucial to addressing this complex One Health issue . The development of ap...

 {Excerpt} The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed two cases of H5 bird flu in cats that consumed recalled raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC . In addition, Public Health is investigating three other possible cases of H5 bird flu in three cats from a different household. The confirmed two infected indoor cats from one household consumed raw milk linked to a recall of raw milk and cream products prior to onset of symptoms, which included lack of appetite, fever and neurologic signs. The infected cats died after severe worsening of their illness , and subsequently tested positive for Influenza A, a rare result in cats. Public Health received the results of confirmatory testing, which confirmed the infection of H5 bird flu. Additional pets in the home are under quarantine. Public Health is now investigating additional possible cases of H5 bird flu in three cats from a different household. One cat has tested positive for Influenza A, a rare result in cats. Two other ...

{Excerpt, edited} Exposure Source [ State -  Exposure Associated with Commercial Agriculture and Related Operations: Dairy Herds (Cattle) Poultry Farms and Culling Operations - Other Animal Exposure† - Exposure Source Unknown‡ - State Total ] 1) California -  35 - 0 - 0 - 1 -  36 2) Colorado -  1 - 9 - 0 - 0 -  10 3) Iowa -  0 - 1 - 0 - 0 -  1 {+1} 4) Louisiana -  0 - 0 - 1 - 0 -  1 5) Michigan -  2 - 0 - 0 - 0 -  2 6) Missouri -  0 - 0 - 0 - 1 -  1 7) Oregon -  0 - 1 - 0 - 0 -  1 8) Texas -  1 - 0 - 0 - 0 -  1 9) Washington -  0 - 11 - 0 - 0 -  11 10) Wisconsin -  0 - 1 - 0 - 0 -  1 -- Source Total -  39 - 23 - 1 - 2 -  65 {+1} NOTE : One additional case was previously detected in a poultry worker in Colora...

23 December 2024 - Statement  Key points: -- Vaccination remains an important public health countermeasure against COVID-19 . As per the WHO Director General’s standing recommendations for COVID-19, Member States are recommended to continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination based on the recommendations of the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE). -- SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate and evolve with important genetic and antigenic evolution of the spike protein since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. -- The objective of an update to COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition is to enhance vaccine-induced immune responses to circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. -- The WHO TAG-CO-VAC advises retaining the use of a monovalent JN.1 lineage variant as the antigen in future formulations of COVID-19 vaccines. -- In accordance with WHO SAGE policy, vaccination should not be delayed in anticipation of access to vaccines with an updated composition; vaccination programmes ca...