Broad #vaccine #protection against globally diverse #influenza #H5Nx viruses

 

Summary

Influenza A/H5Nx viruses continue to diversify and undergo gene reassortment as they infect avian and mammalian hosts worldwide. The severity of human infections varies substantially between different H5 clades and neuraminidase (NA) reassortants, creating unpredictable pandemic risk. Existing H5 vaccines, typically based on a single hemagglutinin (HA) strain, cannot keep pace with this natural variation. To address this problem, we computationally engineer HA, NA, and M2 antigens representing the global antigenic space of circulating H5Nx viruses, prioritizing N1 and N6 subtypes associated with the highest threat in humans. The resulting digitally immune-optimized mRNA vaccine, DVX-panH5Nx, elicits broad HA neutralization and NA inhibition across divergent clades in mice and ferrets. Compared to WHO candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs), DVX-panH5Nx confers superior protection against antigenically distinct H5N1 challenges spanning two decades of viral evolution, demonstrating that computationally designed multivalent antigen vaccines can overcome natural influenza diversification and provide a scalable strategy for pre-pandemic preparedness.

Source: Cell Reports Medicine Journal, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2026.103131

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#Germany - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) ( #poultry ) - Immediate notification

 

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A Turkeys for Fatteing Farm in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Region.

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Source: World Animal Health Organization, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7963

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Weekly #US #Influenza #Surveillance #Report: Key Updates for Week 43, ending October 31, 2026 (CDC, Summary): #H1N1pdm09 vastly predominated

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Key Points

    ° Multiple seasonal influenza surveillance indicators continue to increase in many parts of the country.

    ° This early-season influenza activity is currently higher than typically observed at this time of year, but an earlier increase in activity does not necessarily lead to a higher seasonal peak or greater overall severity.

    ° During Week 43 (the week ending October 31, 2026), of the 513 influenza viruses reported by public health laboratories, 502 were influenza A and 11 were influenza B. Of the 388 influenza A viruses subtyped during Week 43, 379 (97.7%) were influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, 7 (1.8%) were A(H3N2) and 2 (0.5%) were influenza A(H5).

    ° Since Week 21 (the week ending May 30, 2026), 83.4% of the influenza A viruses reported have been A(H1N1)pdm09 and among these, the majority have been D.3.1.1 HA subclade.

    ° The influenza A(H1N1) viruses detected this season are still A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses, which emerged in 2009 and have caused seasonal epidemics globally since then. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, often requiring updates to influenza vaccine viruses each season.

    ° Historically, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses have changed less often than A(H3N2) viruses. Recently circulating influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses (which are in an HA subclade called "D.3.1.1") have divided into distinct groups with different genetic changes in their HA genes. We are seeing more genetic diversity among co-circulating A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses than we have before.

    ° It is too early to know what viruses may predominate or to say whether there might be implications on flu vaccine effectiveness this season.

    ° Two pediatric deaths associated with season influenza virus infection and occurring during the 2026-27 influenza season were reported to CDC this week.

    ° Because case investigation takes time, flu-associated deaths in children may be reported to CDC weeks after they occur; counts are preliminary and may increase. All reported cases meet the influenza-associated pediatric mortality case definition.

    ° The preliminary in-season severity assessment has classified the severity of influenza activity at this point in the season as low across all ages and for children (0-17years), adults (18-64 years) and older adults (65+ years). The severity assessment for the season may change as flu activity is currently increasing.

    ° CDC estimates that there have been at least 1,700,000 illnesses, 25,000 hospitalizations, and 1,400 deaths from flu so far this season.

    ° CDC’s FluSight forecasts predict a likely increase nationally in both flu hospital admissions and the percentage of emergency department visits due to flu for the week ending November 21. The number of new flu hospital admissions is forecast to range from 6,900 to 30,100 admissions, while the national percentage of emergency department visits due to flu is forecast to range from 1.6% to 6.7%.

    ° Annual seasonal influenza (flu) vaccination is recommended. Influenza vaccines are available for persons aged 6 months and older. People who are recommended for influenza vaccination but have not been vaccinated yet this season are encouraged to be vaccinated now.

    ° There are prescription flu antiviral drugs that can treat flu illness; those should be started as early as possible and are especially important for patients at higher risk for influenza complications.1

    ° Two confirmed cases of avian influenza A(H5) virus infection were reported to CDC this week, including one death. To date, human-to-human transmission of avian influenza A(H5) virus (H5 bird flu) has not been identified in the United States.

    ° Influenza viruses are among several viruses contributing to respiratory disease activity. CDC is providing updated, integrated information about COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity on a weekly basis.

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Novel Influenza A Virus Infections

    ° Two confirmed human infections with avian influenza A(H5) virus were reported to CDC this week, including one death. To date, human-to-human transmission of avian influenza A(H5) virus has not been identified in the United States.

    ° Both cases were reported by the Washington State Department of Health and occurred in adults aged ≥18 years who worked at commercial dairy cattle farms where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus has been detected in cows.

    ° One individual developed respiratory symptoms during the week ending October 24, 2026 (Week 42). The patient presented to an emergency department the following week, was hospitalized, and has died. A respiratory specimen collected at the healthcare facility tested positive for influenza A and was presumptive positive for influenza A(H5) at the University of Washington. The specimen was sent to the Washington State Public Health Laboratory where influenza A(H5) was confirmed using the CDC influenza A(H5) assay. Additional testing conducted by the University of Washington determined this was an avian influenza A(H5N1) virus.

    ° The second individual developed conjunctivitis and sought healthcare. Specimens were collected from the individual and tested at the state public health laboratory using the CDC influenza A(H5) assay during the week ending October 31, 2026 (Week 43). Influenza A(H5) virus was confirmed by the state public health laboratory. The specimen has been shipped to CDC for additional testing.

    ° There has been a total of three influenza A(H5) cases in dairy workers in Washington.

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Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2026-week-43.html

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#Mexico - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) ( #poultry ) - Immediate notification

 

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{Yucatán State}

    As part of efforts to promote reporting, a suspicion of avian influenza at a commercial poultry production facility in the state of Yucatán was reported. 

    Laboratory results confirmed the presence of the high pathogenicity influenza A H5N1 virus through sequencing. 

    The production facility was placed under quarantine to carry out anti-epidemic measures and epidemiological surveillance of poultry and wild birds in the area.

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Source: World Animal Health Organization, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7960

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#USA, #H5 Avian #Influenza: Current #Situation (CDC, Nov. 5 '26): 2 new Human Cases, 1 fatal

 

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National situation summary since 2024

    ° Person-to-person spread: None

        § There is no known person-to-person spread at this time.

    ° Current public health risk: Low

        § The current public health risk is Low.

    ° Cases in the U.S.:

        § 74 cases {+2, Washington State}

    ° Deaths in U.S.: 

        § 3 deaths {+1, Washington State}

    Footnote: 

        Of the 74 total reported human cases of A(H5) bird flu reported in the United States since February 2024, seven were detected through national flu surveillance and 67 were detected through human monitoring.

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Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm

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#Serologic Evidence of Avian #Influenza Virus Exposure in #Livestock, #Egypt, 2024–2026

 

Abstract

Spillover of influenza A(H5N1) virus to cattle in the United States sparked global concern. We investigated whether endemic avian influenza viruses are potentially spilling over into domestic livestock in Egypt. We detected influenza H9N2 antibodies in 2.5% and H5N1 antibodies in 2.9%–4.5% of tested animals. Additional surveillance will elucidate host infection dynamics.

Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal, https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3212.260869

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#Norway - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) ( #poultry ) - Immediate notification

 

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A Poultry Farm in the Rogaland Region.

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Source: World Animal Health Organization, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7956

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#UK - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) ( #poultry ) - Immediate notification

 

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{Scotland}

    Poultry premises with 64,000 free-range laying hens (102 weeks old). 

    Samples taken were positive for HPAI H5N1. 

    Birds presented clinical signs prior to testing.

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Source: World Animal Health Organization, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7952

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#Germany - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) ( #poultry ) - Immediate notification

 

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A Poultry Farm in the Niedersachsen Region.

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Source: World Animal Health Organization (WOAH), https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7950

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#Austria - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 

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A wild Mute Swan in the Niederösterreich Region.

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Source: World Animal Health Organization (WOAH), https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7951

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Avian #Influenza #Report: October 25 - 31 '26 (Wk 44) (HK CHP, November 3, 2026): 2 New Human Infections with #H5N1 virus in #USA & 2 cases with #H9N2 virus in #China

 

{Excerpts}

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Avian influenza A(H5N1)

    ° Washington State:

        § The Washington State Department of Health reported the second and  third human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) from Yakima County.

        § The second case, who had underlying health conditions, was  hospitalised with severe illness and passed away on November 1, 2026.

        § The third case has not experienced severe illness or been hospitalised.

        § Both cases had exposure to dairy cattle infected with avian influenza  A(H5N1) virus at local dairy farms.

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Avian influenza A(H9N2):

    ° Hubei Province:

        § A two-year-old boy with onset on September 22, 2026.

    ° Jiangxi Province:

        § A 77-year-old woman with onset on September 16, 2026.

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Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2026_avian_influenza_report_vol22_wk44.pdf

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#USA, #Washington State: Avian #Influenza in #Humans - Current #Situation and Data (DoH, Nov. 2 '26): 2 new cases of which 1 fatal [18 cases in total since 2024]

 

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Human Bird Flu Cases in Washington State Residents

[Case - Classification - Known Exposure - 2024 - 2025 - 2026 - Total]

    ° Confirmed - Commercial Poultry - 11* - 0- 0 - 11

    ° Confirmed - Backyard Flock - 0 - 1 - 0 - 1

    ° Confirmed - Dairy - 0 - 0 - 3 - 3 {+2}

    ° Probable - Commercial Poultry - 3 - 0 - 0 - 3

        § Total - 14 - 1 - 3 - 18

    {*} Washington residency not confirmed for one case in 2024.

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Source: US State of Washington Department of Health, https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/bird-flu/current-situation-and-data

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#Germany - #Influenza A #H5N5 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 

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A wild Laridae species bird in the Schleswig-Holstein Region.

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Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7945

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#Germany - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 

{Extract}

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A wild Mallard in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7946

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#USA, #Washington State: #Yakima County Resident Dies from Complications of Avian #Influenza { #H5N1 } (DoH, Nov. 2 '26): Third Human case also reported

     

For immediate release: November 1, 2026 | Contact: Stephanie Ruiz,  Communications Specialist (509) 941-7364 

Yakima County Resident Dies from Complications of Avian Influenza

    Yakima, WA - The Yakima County resident who was hospitalized with severe  illness after contracting avian influenza (bird flu) following exposure at a dairy with infected cattle died today.

    The Yakima Health District offers its heartfelt condolences to the  individual’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

    The individual had underlying health conditions. Out of respect for the  family’s privacy, the Yakima Health District is not releasing their name, gender, or  age.

    The risk of avian influenza infection to the general public remains low. 

    People at greater risk include dairy workers and others who have close or  prolonged contact with infected animals or environments contaminated with the  virus. 

    Transmission of avian influenza between humans is extremely rare and  has never been documented in the United States. 

    Public health officials are continuing to monitor individuals who had  close contact with the patient for symptoms. 

Third Confirmed Human Case of Avian Influenza

    The Yakima Health District is reporting a third confirmed human case of  avian influenza in a Yakima County resident who was exposed to infected dairy cattle at a Yakima County dairy. 

    The individual has not experienced severe illness or been hospitalized.

    The Yakima Health District is working with public health partners to  identify and contact individuals who may have been in close contact with the  person to monitor for symptoms.

Ongoing Public Health Updates

    To keep the public informed, Yakima Health District plans to update its  avian influenza webpage every Monday and Thursday at 2:00pm with the latest  available information, including confirmed human case counts in Yakima County. 

    Updates will be shared as new information becomes available.

For the latest information, visit www.YakimaHealthDistrict.org/BirdFlu.

Quote

    “Our hearts go out to the individual's family and loved ones during this difficult  time. Avian influenza can cause severe illness, particularly among people who  have underlying health conditions. While this is a serious and heartbreaking  outcome, the risk to the general public remains low. We continue to work closely  with our public health partners to monitor the situation and protect the health of our community.” -Dr. Dave Atteberry, Health Officer, Yakima Health District

Source: US State of Washington, Yakima County Department of Health, https://www.yakimacounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/46819

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#USA, #Washington State: Second #Yakima County Resident Tests Positive for Avian #Influenza (DoH, Nov. 1 '26): Patient is in serious condition

 

    Yakima, WA- The Yakima Health District (YHD), in coordination with the  Washington State Department of Health (DOH), is reporting a second human case  of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, in a Yakima County resident after  exposure at a dairy with infected cattle. 

    The individual is currently hospitalized with severe illness and has underlying health conditions.

    The risk of avian influenza infection to the general public remains low.  People at greater risk include dairy workers and others who have close or  prolonged contact with infected animals or environments contaminated with the  virus. 

    Transmission of avian influenza between humans is extremely rare and  has never been documented in the United States.

    The Yakima Health District is working with public health partners to  identify and contact individuals who may have been in close contact with the patient to monitor for symptoms. 

    YHD is also continuing to work with impacted dairies and public health  partners to identify people who may have been exposed to infected cattle, monitor  their health, and provide guidance and resources to help protect exposed  individuals. 

    This includes providing testing for exposed individuals who develop  symptoms to support prompt diagnosis and appropriate medical care.

Symptoms and When to Seek Guidance

    Symptoms of avian influenza in people can include eye redness or  irritation, fever or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose,  muscle or body aches, headache, and fatigue. 

Illness can range from mild to severe

    If you work on a dairy farm and develop symptoms after potential  exposure to infected cattle, contact your healthcare provider and let them know  about your exposure or the Yakima Health District at (509) 480-3770 for  guidance.

Updated Information on Avian Influenza in Dairy Cattle

    As of October 29, 33 dairy herds in Yakima County have tested positive  for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1. The Washington State  Department of Agriculture (WSDA) maintains updated information on confirmed  dairy herd detections through its website. The Yakima Health District will also  share public health updates and prevention guidance on its webpage: www.YakimaHealthDistrict.org/BirdFlu.

How to Reduce Your Risk

    The risk of avian influenza infection to the general public is low.  However, people who work with or have contact with potentially infected animals  are at higher risk and should follow workplace safety guidance and use  recommended personal protective equipment. 

    Residents should avoid touching sick or dead animals, animal waste, and  surfaces that may be contaminated. 

    Pasteurized milk and dairy products remain safe to consume.  Pasteurization inactivates avian influenza virus and other harmful pathogens.  

    People should avoid raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products because  they may contain harmful germs, including avian influenza. 

    Do not feed pets raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products, or raw meat,  including raw pet foods. 

    Cats are especially susceptible to avian influenza (H5N1), and exposure can  lead to severe illness or death. 

    Feeding cats raw milk or raw poultry can put them at risk of infection.

    It is especially important that people get a seasonal flu vaccine. While  the seasonal flu vaccine will not prevent bird flu infection, it reduces the risk of  becoming sick with both human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.  Seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older. Talk to  your primary care provider to see if the flu vaccine is recommended for you.

About Avian Influenza

    Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is caused by Type A influenza  viruses that occur naturally in wild birds. The virus can spread from wild birds to  other animals, including poultry and mammals such as dairy cattle. It can also  spread to humans following close contact with infected animals or contaminated  environments. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission at this time.

Reporting Sick or Dead Animals

Domestic Birds:

    • Report sick/dead domestic birds using the online form, or call the  Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Avian Health Program: 1-800-606- 3056. Visit Avian Influenza | Washington State Department of Agriculture for more  information about how to protect backyard flocks.

Wild Birds:

    • Use an online form to report sick/dead wild birds suspected of avian  influenza to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Livestock

    • To report sick livestock, isolate affected animals and contact your  veterinarian and WSDA at 360-902-1878 or email ahealth@agr.wa.gov.

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    “The risk to the general public remains low, but we are taking this situation  seriously. We encourage dairy workers to answer calls and respond to text  messages from public health officials so we can check on their health, provide  guidance, and connect them with care if needed. Early communication helps us  support workers who may have been exposed.” - Dr. Dave Atteberry,  Health Officer, Yakima Health District

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Source: US State of Washington, Yakima County Department of Health, https://www.yakimacounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/46817

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Comparative #Distribution of α2,3- and α2,6-Linked Sialic Acid #Receptors and #Influenza #H5N1 Virus #Binding in #Sheep, #Goats, and #Alpacas

 

ABSTRACT

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 continues to pose a significant threat to animal and human health. Since 2022, an expanded host range has been observed, as illustrated by the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cows. Other minor livestock species, such as sheep, goats, and alpacas, have also tested positive for H5N1 for the first time, raising concerns about its impact on previously overlooked livestock species. In this study, we first characterized the distribution of sialic acid (SA) receptors across respiratory and non-respiratory tissues of sheep, goats, and alpacas using Maackia amurensis (SA α2,3) and Sambucus nigra (SA α2,6) lectins. We found that both SA receptors are present in all tissues across species, with notable differences in their distribution and abundance. Next, we developed recombinant LPAIV H5N1 viruses over a laboratory-adapted backbone to evaluate tissue-specific virus binding profiles. The results show that a representative H5N1 virus from clade 2.3.4.4b binds effectively to respiratory and non-respiratory tissues across all species. The strongest virus binding was observed in sheep, followed by goats and, lastly, alpacas. Similar binding patterns were observed with an LPAIV version of clade 2.3.4.4b and a Gs/Gd lineage precursor prototype virus. Finally, we show that H1N1 and H3N2 viruses also bind to respiratory tissues of sheep and goats. These findings provide important insights into the potential susceptibility of minor livestock species to HPAIV H5N1 and other influenza subtypes. Our results contribute to a better understanding of influenza tissue tropism across livestock species and its potential implications for zoonotic transmission.

IMPORTANCE 

Since 2022, an unprecedented number of Influenza A virus (IAV) H5N1 detections have been reported in mammals. Sheep, goats, and alpacas are often raised in integrated production systems and may serve as hosts at the wildlife-livestock interface. The establishment of H5N1 in any mammalian host also increases its pandemic potential. Our results reveal species- and tissue-dependent patterns of H5N1 attachment and identify tissues that support viral binding. Furthermore, we show that respiratory tissues may be susceptible to other IAV subtypes, suggesting that these species could act as mixing vessels for reassortment events and the emergence of novel IAV strains. These results expand our understanding of the host range and tissue tropism of H5N1 and other IAV subtypes, providing a foundation for targeted surveillance of minor livestock species. Collectively, this work underscores the importance of considering diverse livestock hosts when evaluating the continued spread of H5N1 at the avian-mammalian interface.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Source: BioRxIV, https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.10.26.762033

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Spread of #H5N1 Avian #Influenza Viruses Clade 2.3.4.4b in the #Russian Federation, 2021–2023

 

Abstract

A highly virulent avian influenza virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, which emerged in Europe in 2020 as a result of reassortment of the H5N8 virus, quickly began to spread through wild birds. By 2021, this virus had already been detected in the Russian Federation. Our whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of isolates collected in Russia revealed several instances of virus introduction from European countries. In the period from 2021 to 2023, avian influenza viruses of genotypes EA-2020-C, EA-2021-AB, EA-2022-BB, EA-2023-DA and several ungenotyped reassortant isolates were detected in the Russian Federation. The territories of the Black Sea–Caspian Sea coast and the Russian Far East are noted as the main geographic locations that may serve as centers for the detection of new reassortant forms of viruses. Several key amino acid markers have been identified that indicate an increase in the zoonotic potential of avian influenza viruses; however, no multiple instances of avian influenza virus detection in mammals were documented in the Russian Federation between 2021 and 2023.

Source: Microorganisms Journal, https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14112473

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#USA, DoH Reports #H5N1 Avian #Influenza Detected in Kauaʻi County #Wastewater Sample (Oct. 30 '26)

 

HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) is reporting that a wastewater sample from Kauaʻi County tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza. 

    The sample was collected at a site in East Kauaʻi on Oct. 14, 2026. 

    DOH was notified of the result on Oct. 26. 

    This is the first detection of the H5N1 virus associated with this year’s seasonal bird migration and the first detection of genotype D1.1 in Hawaiʻi.

    In the United States, genotype D1.1 has become the predominant genotype in infected wildlife and domestic poultry and there have also been isolated events of D1.1 infecting dairy cattle. 

    DOH continues to test milk from the local dairy and there have been no detections of H5N1. 

    A small number of human cases of genotype D1.1 have been reported nationally. 

    Human cases of avian flu are rare, and most cases have not caused severe illness. 

    No human-to-human transmission of H5N1 has been reported. 

    Genotype A3 was the strain previously detected in Hawaiʻi.

    “While the risk to the public remains low, avian influenza can cause severe illness and high mortality among certain bird populations, including poultry,” said Deputy State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nathan Tan. 

    “Commercial poultry producers and residents with backyard flocks are strongly advised to increase biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of infection. Avian influenza can also infect dairy cows and while pasteurized milk is safe to consume, raw milk should be avoided.”

    For the municipal wastewater sample collected on Oct. 14 by Kauaʻi County, digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) testing did not detect H5 avian influenza. 

    However, genomic sequencing identified genetic material from H5N1 avian influenza genotype D1.1. 

    The difference in results is not unusual: dPCR tests for specific genetic targets, while sequencing can identify genetic material present in very small amounts. 

    A subsequent sample collected on Oct. 21 tested negative for H5 avian influenza by dPCR; genomic sequencing results for that sample are still being processed.

    It is important to note that the detection of H5 genetic material in wastewater does not mean that live, infectious virus is present. 

    Wastewater testing also cannot determine whether the source of the genetic material is animal, human or environmental contamination. 

    An H5 signal does not confirm a clinical case or indicate community transmission. 

    Instead, it serves as an early indicator that can prompt increased awareness and monitoring. 

    The East Kauaʻi wastewater treatment plant is an open system, meaning the detection could be associated with a variety of sources, including contaminated products or waste from infected animals or people.

    Wastewater sampling is routinely conducted across Hawaiʻi to support infectious disease surveillance. 

    Samples are sent to the DOH State Laboratories Division (SLD) for dPCR testing, as well as to the University of Missouri for advanced genomic sequencing to identify bacterial and viral genetic material associated with community infections. 

    Using both methods provides complementary information and strengthens Hawaiʻi’s ability to detect low-level signals in wastewater. In addition to SLD’s testing, H5 avian influenza is monitored in other Hawaiʻi counties through the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) and WastewaterSCAN.

    The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (HDAB) recommends the following precautions for residents who need to remove a dead wild bird from their property:

    ° Wear disposable gloves or turn a plastic bag inside out and use it to pick up the carcass.

    ° Double-bag the carcass and dispose of it with regular trash.

    ° Wash your hands and disinfect your clothing and shoes after handling a dead wild bird.

    ° Monitor for any health symptoms that may develop afterward.

    To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock or other wild birds or animals on any island in the state, contact HDAB’s Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7100 or email hdoa.ldc@hawaii.gov, Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For reports outside business hours or on holidays, call 808-837-8092.

    Residents who believe they may have been exposed to sick birds or other wildlife should contact the DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division’s Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 for additional guidance.

Resources on avian influenza:

    ° HDAB, Animal Disease Control: https://dab.hawaii.gov/ai/ldc/avian-influenza-information/

    ° HDAB, Avian Influenza – Biosecurity in The Context of Animal Agriculture: https://dab.hawaii.gov/ai/ldc/adconcerns/aiinfo/biosec/

    ° DOH avian influenza information: https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/avian-influenza/

    ° Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/index.html

    ° U.S. Department of Agriculture: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza

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Source: US State of Hawaii Department of Health, https://health.hawaii.gov/

Link: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-reports-h5n1-avian-flu-detected-in-kaua%ca%bbi-county-wastewater-sample/

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#Netherlands - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) ( #poultry ) - Immediate notification

 

{Extract}

(...)

    On 26 October 2026, an outbreak of H5N1 was confirmed on farm for laying hens in Lutjegast, a 3 km protection zone and a 10 km surveillance zone have been established. 

    In the 3 km zone there are no other poultry premises. 

    The subtype HPAI H5N1 is confirmed by the national reference laboratory (NRL). 

    All susceptible animals on the infected premises have been killed.

{Noord-Holland}

    An outbreak of H5N1 is confirmed by the National reference labaratory in the Municipality of Volendam-Edam

{Groningen}

    An outbreak of H5N1 was confirmed by the national reference labaratory on a laying hen farm in the Municipality of Westerkwartier.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7939

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