ETIDIOH - NEW

  10 December 2025 Situation at a glance Seasonal influenza (‘the flu’) is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that circulate globally and year-round.  It can cause illness ranging from mild to severe , sometimes resulting in hospitalization or death.  Seasonal influenza activity has increased globally in recent months, with an increased proportion of seasonal influenza A(H3N2) viruses being detected.  This rise coincides with the onset of winter in the northern hemisphere and an increase in acute respiratory infections caused by influenza and other respiratory viruses typically observed at this time of year.  Although global activity remains within expected seasonal ranges , early increases and higher activity than typical at this time of year have been observed in some regions.  Seasonal influenza viruses, including A(H3N2) viruses, continually evolve over time.  Since August 2025, there has been a rapid increase of A(H3N2) J.2...

  Abstract We describe the clinical symptoms and epidemiologic characteristics of a patient infected with avian influenza A(H10N3) virus in Guangxi Province , China , in December 2024. Whole-genome sequencing showed that the virus was highly homologous to a virus from Yunnan Province . H10 subtype viruses should be monitored for potential zoonotic or reassortant events. {From Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal, US CDC.} Sources:  Link:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41237415/ ____

  Abstract The development of T-cell-based influenza vaccines relies on eliciting broad CD8+ T-cell immunity, wherein T stem cell-like memory (TSCM) cells serve as the ultimate long-lived reservoir for immune memory, thereby unlocking the potential for durable protection against viral drift and shift. However, the specific immunological cues that drive the robust expansion and functional preservation of this self-renewing, multipotent subset remain unknown. Here, utilizing multi-omic systems immunology in a pediatric cohort immunized with live attenuated influenza vaccine , we identified the determinants governing the expansion of influenza virus-reactive TSCM cells . We show that a pre-existing state of innate antiviral readiness , defined by a plasmacytoid dendritic cell-associated type I interferon signature , is the requisite condition for a robust TSCM expansion. Mechanistically, this baseline innate state enhances antigen priming and enforces a qualitative divergence in T-cel...

{Greylag Goose} {Mallards} A Greylag Goose, two Mallards  in Aqmola Region. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7093 ____

  The outbreak affecting captive birds was in an establishment with 4 laying hens , 1 cock and 1 runner duck located in Harju county, Viimsi parish . The outbreak was confirmed on the 9th of December 2025 based on analysis performed tracheal and brain samples at the National Centre for Laboratory Research and Risk Assessment, and in accordance with the case definition. Measures were only applied in the outbreak establishment. Based on a risk assessment, no restricted zone was established around the affected establishment in accordance with Article 21(3)(g). The establishment concerned kept only 6 captive birds and they had no direct or indirect contact with poultry or other establishments keeping captive birds . In the establishment, all captive birds were already dead. No culling was necessary. Preliminary cleaning and disinfection was applied. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7092 ____

  Abstract Wild migratory birds play a major role in the global spread of viruses, yet the diversity, host range and transmission patterns of viruses harboured by migratory species in Aotearoa/New Zealand remain largely unknown . This knowledge gap is critical given New Zealand's position along major migratory flyways spanning Oceania, Antarctica and east Asia , where understanding viral diversity is key to assessing the risk of viral introductions such as highly pathogenic avian influenza virus and viral dispersal across these regions. To address this, we conducted the first large-scale metatranscriptomic survey of wild birds from New Zealand and its subantarctic islands , collecting 1,348 samples from 31 host species spanning four avian orders . We identified 118 avian viruses from 17 families , including 107 novel species , greatly expanding our knowledge of avian viral diversity. Viral communities differed significantly by host order and foraging behaviour, with scavenger birds...