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

 

{A black headed gull. By © Hans Hillewaert, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5548312}

__

According to article 10.4.1.4 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Member Countries should not impose bans on the trade in poultry commodities in response to notification on the presence of any influenza A virus in birds other than poultry

A wild black-headed gull.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7385

____

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

 

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration has established a 3 km and 10 km zone around the poultry holding and is implementing the necessary measures in accordance with the European Union Animal Health Law.

On 6 October 2025 a clinical suspicion was reported to the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration. The affected poultry holding consists of 150000 laying hens. On 7 October 2025 highly pathogenic avian influenza sub. H5N1 was confirmed by the national reference laboratory. A 3 km protection zone and a 10 km surveillance zone has been established. The culling is planned to be initiated on 8 October 2025.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6858

____

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

 

According to article 10.4.1.4 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Member Countries should not impose bans on the trade in poultry commodities in response to notification on the presence of any influenza A virus in birds other than poultry.

A wild black-headed gull in Vordingborg. 

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6846

____

Characterization of a #MERS-related #betacoronavirus in Danish brown long-eared #bats (Plecotus auritus)

 

Abstract

Background

Bats are recognized as natural reservoir hosts for numerous viruses and are believed to be the evolutionary origin of alpha- and beta-coronaviruses (CoVs), such as SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and possibly MERS-CoV. MERS-related beta-CoVs have been identified in bat species from Africa, America, Asia, and Europe. In this study, we describe the first detection and characterization of a MERS-related beta-CoV in Danish brown long-eared bats (Plecotus auritus).

Methods

Fecal samples collected through a national surveillance program were screened using pan-CoV RT-qPCRs. Positive samples underwent ORF1b sequencing, microarray analysis and Illumina MiSeq sequencing, followed by metagenomic assembly of full-length genomes. A global phylogenetic tree was used to determine placement within the Coronaviridae family and local maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis clarified subgroup placement. The receptor-binding potential of the spike protein to human DPP4, ACE2, and bat ACE2 orthologs was assessed through phylogenetic analysis of the receptor-binding domain (RBD), alongside homology modeling and structural analysis.

Results

Three samples tested positive for CoVs. One sample from a Soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) was identified as alpha-CoV by ORF1b sequencing. The remaining two samples, obtained from a colony of Plecotus auritus, were identified as beta-CoVs, and separate microarray results indicated the presence of a MERS-related CoV. Full genomes were successfully assembled using a metagenomic approach. Phylogenetic analysis placed them within the merbecoviruses, forming a distinct clade with viruses detected in Vespertilionidae bats from Western Europe and East Asia. Analysis of the RBD placed them within the HKU25 clade. Structural modeling suggested hydrogen bonding patterns between the RBD and human/bat ACE2 orthologs or human DPP4, similar to known in vitro complexes, indicating potential receptor binding.

Conclusion

This is the first report of MERS-related beta-CoVs in bats from Denmark. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that these novel viruses belong to the HKU25 clade, a clade with known ACE2 receptor preference. Experimental validation is needed to confirm the receptor-binding potential, as additional interactions at the RBD-receptor interface may differ from previously described bat-merbecoviruses. Continued surveillance is crucial to identify potential intermediate hosts and assess interspecies transmission risk, with focus on the spike protein, receptor specificity, and binding affinity.

Source: Virology Journal, https://virologyj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12985-025-02883-8

____

Effectiveness of #BNT162b2 and #mRNA-1273 #JN1-adapted #vaccines against #COVID19-associated #hospitalisation and #death ...

Summary

Background

Little epidemiological evidence exists on the protective effects of the JN.1-adapted mRNA vaccines against COVD-19 hospitalisation and death. In this study, we estimated vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 hospitalisation and death.

Methods

This nationwide, register-based, cohort study included all Danish residents older than 65 years on Oct 1, 2024. We used Denmark's national COVID-19 surveillance system and comprehensive population-based registers, which are updated daily and linked via the unique civil registration number assigned to all residents. To minimise differences between the comparison groups with regard to vaccination history, participants were required to have completed a primary vaccination course in 2021 and have received the 2023–24 XBB.1.5-adapted vaccine between Oct 1, 2023, and Jan 15, 2024. Participants with a recent recorded infection, or a vaccine dose since the previous season and prior to study start, were excluded. COVID-19 hospitalisation was defined as hospital admissions lasting more than 12 h, with associated ICD-10 primary diagnosis codes B342 or B972 (indicating that COVID-19 was the primary reason for admission) and occurring no earlier than 2 days before, and no later than 14 days after, a positive PCR test. Since cause-of-death data were unavailable, a COVID-19 death was defined as a death due to any cause occurring within 30 days of a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. Participants were followed up from study start on Oct 1, 2024, until Jan 31, 2025, or, if earlier, until their date of death, emigration, first positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test during follow-up, or further vaccination, whichever occurred first. Hazard ratios comparing event rates among those with and without a JN.1 booster dose during follow-up were derived using Cox regression. Vaccine effectiveness was estimated separately by vaccine brand, time since vaccination, and for the predominant circulating variants KP.3.1.1 and XEC. We used a case-only analysis to assess comparative vaccine effectiveness between the two variants.

Findings

Of nearly 6 million people resident in Denmark on Oct 1, 2024, 1 247 315 were older than 65 years and 894 560 met inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Median age was 76 years (IQR 70–81); 484 735 (54·2%) of 894 560 people were female and 409 825 (45·8%) were male. Among those without JN.1 vaccination, 278 COVID-19 hospitalisations and 84 deaths were observed during 25·6 million person-days compared with 197 COVID-19 hospitalisations and 56 deaths observed during 62·9 million person-days in those vaccinated with BNT162b2 JN.1 and ten COVID-19 hospitalisations and one death observed during 9·2 million person-days in those vaccinated with mRNA-1273 JN.1. Vaccine effectiveness for BNT162b2 JN.1 was 70·2% (95% CI 62·0–76·6) against hospitalisation and 76·2% (63·4–84·5) against death. We found little evidence of waning effectiveness 4 months after vaccination. For mRNA-1273 JN.1, vaccine effectiveness was 84·9% (70·9–92·2%) against hospitalisation and 95·8% (69·2–99·4%) against death; however those vaccinated with mRNA-1273 JN.1 were younger and healthier. The BNT162b2 JN.1 vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation was 71·7% (44·4–85·6) after infection with KP.3.1.1 and 76·8% (59·0–86·9) after infection with XEC. BNT162b2 JN.1 vaccine effectiveness against death from these variants was 90·9% (67·4–97·5) for KP.3.1.1 and 76·3% (24·7–92·6) for XEC. The case-only analysis found no differential protection.

Interpretation

Both JN.1-adapted vaccines offered high levels of sustained protection for 4 months against hospitalisation and death. These findings support continued use of regularly updated variant-adapted mRNA vaccines in older adults as an effective strategy to reduce severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Funding

None.

Source: Lancet Infectious Diseases, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(25)00380-9/fulltext?rss=yes

____

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

Credit: Wikipedia. By Bengt Nyman from Vaxholm, Sweden - Larus canus 2203, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49877446

___

On the 16th of January 2025, a herring gull was found dead near a wildlife care station. The gull was received at National Reference Laboratory on the 13th of May 2025, and samples from the bird tested positive for HPAI H5N1 on the 20th of June 2025.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6574

____

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

On 31 March 2025 a clinical suspicion was reported to the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration. The affected poultry holding consists of 24 hens. On 1 April 2025 highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 was confirmed by the national reference laboratory. A 3 km protection zone and a 10 km surveillance zone has been established. The culling was completed on 1 April 2025. Carcasses will be disposed of by rendering.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6392

____

Rapid #Surge of #Reassortant A(#H1N1) #Influenza Viruses in Danish #Swine and their #Zoonotic Potential

Abstract

In 2018, a single detection of a novel reassortant swine influenza A virus (swIAV) was made in Denmark. The hemagglutinin (HA) of the virus was from the H1N1 pandemic 2009 (H1N1pdm09) lineage and the neuraminidase (NA) from the H1N1 Eurasian avian-like swine lineage (H1N1av). By 2022, the novel reassortant virus (H1pdm09N1av) constituted 27% of swIAVs identified through the Danish passive swIAV surveillance program. Sequencing detected two H1pdm09N1av genotypes; Genotype 1 contained an entire internal gene cassette of H1N1pdm09 origin, Genotype 2 differed by carrying an NS gene segment of H1N1av origin. The internal gene cassette of Genotype 2 became increasingly dominant, not only in the H1pdm09N1av population, but also in other Danish enzootic swIAV subtypes. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA genes from H1pdm09N1av viruses revealed a monophyletic source, a higher substitution rate compared to other H1N1pdm09 viruses and genetic differences with human seasonal and other swine adapted H1N1pdm09 viruses. Correspondingly, H1pdm09N1av viruses were antigenically distinct from human H1N1pdm09 vaccine viruses. Both H1pdm09N1av genotypes transmitted between ferrets by direct contact, but only Genotype 1 was capable of efficient aerosol transmission. The rapid spread of H1pdm09N1av viruses in Danish swine herds is concerning for swine and human health. Their zoonotic threat is highlighted by the limited pre-existing immunity observed in the human population, aerosol transmission in ferrets and the finding that the internal gene cassette of Genotype 2 was present in the first two zoonotic infections ever detected in Denmark.

Source: Emerging Microbes and Infections, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2025.2466686

_____

The #hospital and #mortality #burden of #COVID19 compared with #influenza in #Denmark: a national observational cohort study, 2022–24

Summary

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has been on a downward trend since May, 2022, but it continues to cause substantial numbers of hospital admissions and deaths. We describe this burden in the 2 years since May, 2022, and compare it with the burden of influenza in Denmark.

Methods

This observational cohort study included residents in Denmark from May 16, 2022, to June 7, 2024. Data were obtained from national registries, including admissions with COVID-19 or influenza (ie, having a positive PCR test for either virus from 14 days before and up to 2 days after the hospital admission date), deaths, sex, age, COVID-19 and influenza vaccination status, comorbidities, and residence in long-term care facilities. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) to compare rates of hospital admissions between COVID-19 and influenza. To compare the severity of COVID-19 versus influenza among patients admitted to hospital, we used the Kaplan–Meier estimator to produce weighted cumulative incidence curves and adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) of mortality at 30 days between COVID-19 and influenza admissions.

Findings

Among 5 899 170 individuals, COVID-19 admissions (n=24 400) were more frequent than influenza admissions (n=8385; aIRR 2·04 [95% CI 1·38–3·02]), particularly during the first year (May, 2022, to May, 2023) versus the second year (May, 2023, to June, 2024; p=0·0096), in the summer versus the winter (p<0·0001), and among people aged 65 years or older versus younger than 65 years (p<0·0001). The number of deaths was also higher for patients with COVID-19 (n=2361) than patients with influenza (n=489, aIRR 3·19 [95% CI 2·24–4·53]). Among patients admitted in the winter (n=19 286), the risk of mortality from COVID-19 was higher than for influenza (aRR 1·23 [95% CI 1·08–1·37]), particularly among those without COVID-19 and influenza vaccination (1·36 [1·05–1·67]), with comorbidities (1·27 [1·11–1·43]), and who were male (1·36 [1·14–1·59]).

Interpretation

COVID-19 represented a greater disease burden than influenza, with more hospital admissions and deaths, and more severe disease (primarily among non-vaccinated people, those with comorbidities, and male patients). These results highlight the continued need for attention and public health efforts to mitigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2.

Funding

Danish Government.

Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(24)00806-5/fulltext?rss=yes

_____

Rapid #Surge of #Reassortant A(#H1N1) #Influenza Viruses in Danish #Swine and their #Zoonotic Potential

 Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.11.627926v1?rss=1 

Abstract

In 2018, a single detection of a novel reassortant swine influenza A virus (swIAV) was made in Denmark. The hemagglutinin (HA) of the virus was from the H1N1 pandemic 2009 (H1N1pdm09) lineage and the neuraminidase (NA) from the H1N1 Eurasian avian-like swine lineage (H1N1av). By 2022, the novel reassortant virus (H1pdm09N1av) constituted 27 % of swIAVs identified through the Danish passive swIAV surveillance program. Sequencing detected two H1pdm09N1av genotypes; Genotype 1 contained an internal gene cassette of H1N1pdm09 origin, Genotype 2 differed by carrying an NS gene segment of H1N1av origin. The internal gene cassette of Genotype 2 became increasingly dominant, not only in the H1pdm09N1av population, but also in other Danish enzootic swIAV subtypes. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA genes from H1pdm09N1av viruses revealed a monophyletic source, a higher substitution rate compared to other H1N1pdm09 viruses and genetic differences with human seasonal and other swine adapted H1N1pdm09 viruses. Correspondingly, H1pdm09N1av viruses were antigenically distinct from human H1N1pdm09 vaccine viruses. Both H1pdm09N1av genotypes transmitted between ferrets by direct contact, but only Genotype 1 was capable of efficient aerosol transmission. The rapid spread of H1pdm09N1av viruses in Danish swine herds is concerning for swine and human health. Their zoonotic threat is highlighted by the limited pre-existing immunity observed in the human population, aerosol transmission in ferrets and the finding that the internal gene cassette of Genotype 2 was present in the first two zoonotic infections ever detected in Denmark.

___