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

Wild Anatidae (unidentified) in the Yevrey Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7426

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

 

A wild Greylag Goose in Kalmyk Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7410

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#Genetic Diversity of the Non-Polio #Enteroviruses Detected in Samples of Patients with Aseptic #Meningitis in the #Ural Federal District and Western #Siberia

 

Abstract

Human non-polio enteroviruses (NPEVs) cause a plethora of infections in humans, ranging from mild to severe neurological diseases including aseptic meningitis. NPEVs are the leading cause of aseptic meningitis in both children and adults worldwide. In Russia, reports of NPEV infections have surged, especially in the post-COVID era starting in 2022, with elevated infection rates into 2023. A comprehensive examination of the whole genome is crucial for understanding the evolution of NPEV genes and for predicting potential outbreaks. This study focused on identifying the circulating NPEV strains in the Ural Federal District and Western Siberia, using Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methodologies. Biological samples were collected from (n = 225) patients diagnosed with aseptic meningitis. Bioinformatics analysis targeted the nucleotide sequences of the major capsid protein (partial VP1) gene fragment, and the assembly of whole NPEV genomes. A total of 159 NPEVs were characterized, representing 70.7% of the collected samples. The main capsid variants forming the predominant genotypic profile included E30 (n = 39, 24.3%), E6 (n = 31, 19.3%), and CVA9 (n = 25, 15.6%). Using NGS, we successfully assembled 13 whole genomes for E6, E30, EV-B80, CVA9, CVB5, E11, and EV-A71 and 3 partial genomes for E6 and EV-B87. This molecular-genetic analysis provides contemporary insights into the genotypic composition, circulation patterns, and evolutionary dynamics of the dominant NPEV associated with aseptic meningitis in the Ural Federal District and Western Siberia. The laboratory-based monitoring and epidemiological surveillance for genetic changes and evolutionary studies are important for improving prevention and healthcare.

Source: 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/18/1/121

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#Pathobiology of Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza A #H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus from #Pinnipeds on Tyuleniy Island in the Sea of #Okhotsk, #Russia

 

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b has recently emerged as a major threat to wildlife, agriculture, and public health due to its expanding host range and the increasing frequency of spillover into mammals. In July–August 2023, the mass death of over 3500 northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) and at least one Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) was recorded on Tyuleniy Island in the Sea of Okhotsk, Russia. Two HPAI A(H5N1) viruses were isolated from fur seal carcasses and designated A/Northern_fur_seal/Russia_Tyuleniy/74/2023 and A/Northern_fur_seal/Russia_Tyuleniy/75/2023. Both viruses exhibited high pathogenicity in chickens (IVPI 2.7–3.0) and mice (MLD50 1.9–2.5 log10EID50/mL), with distinct differences in disease progression, histopathology, and organ tropism. Experimental infection of mice revealed that strain A/74/2023 induced more severe pulmonary and neurological lesions than A/75/2023. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated close relatedness to HPAI H5N1 strains circulating in the Russian Far East and Japan from 2022 to 2023, with several mutations associated with mammalian adaptation, including NP-N319K and, in one isolate, PB2-E627K. According to our findings, northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) on Tyuleniy Island acted as spillover hosts for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus of clade 2.3.4.4b. Furthermore, the high population density of fur seals and the extensive mortality observed during the outbreak highlight these animals’ potential role as another vessel for the evolution of avian influenza viruses. This study represents the first documented case of HPAI H5N1 in pinnipeds in the North Pacific region and supports previous reports indicating that pinnipeds, including northern fur seals, are highly susceptible to HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses.

Source: 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/18/1/51

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Genotype A3 #influenza #H5N1 isolated from fur #seals shows high virulence in #mammals, but not #airborne transmission

 

Abstract

The global spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses has recently extended to include diverse mammalian species, raising new concerns about pandemic risk. In 2023, this clade was first detected in Russian marine mammals during a mass mortality event among northern fur seals in the Far East. Genetic analyses revealed the causative viruses to belong to genotype A3 of European origin, which is known to have circulated in wild birds across the Far East since 2022. Notably, these isolates harbor the mammalian-adaptive substitutions PB2-K482R and NP-N319K—mutations previously linked to enhanced virulence in non-H5 avian influenza viruses, but whose impact on A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses remained to be characterized. The heightened virulence of A3 genotype viruses is confirmed by data obtained via a mouse model. However, despite these adaptive changes, ferret transmission models showed no evidence of airborne transmission of the fur seal-derived virus. Our findings indicate that while PB2-K482R and NP-N319K may contribute to increased mammalian pathogenicity, they do not significantly increase the efficiency of respiratory transmission—a key prerequisite for human pandemic potential. Although suggesting a limited immediate pandemic threat from this A3 genotype, these results underscore the critical need for continued surveillance and functional assessment of emerging mammalian-adaptive mutations in circulating A(H5N1) viruses.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-28032-3

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#Russia - #Influenza A #H5 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

Di dierat-stock - Crow-1, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33155653

A wild Carrion Crow in Khabarovsk Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6622

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Detection of a Novel #Gull-like Clade of Newcastle Disease Virus and #H3N8 Avian #Influenza Virus in the #Arctic Region of #Russia (Taimyr Peninsula)

Abstract

Wild waterbirds are circulating important RNA viruses, such as avian coronaviruses, avian astroviruses, avian influenza viruses, and avian paramyxoviruses. Waterbird migration routes cover vast territories both within and between continents. The breeding grounds of many species are in the Arctic, but research into this region is rare. This study reports the first Newcastle disease virus (NDV) detection in Arctic Russia. As a result of a five-year study (from 2019 to 2023) of avian paramyxoviruses and avian influenza viruses in wild waterbirds of the Taimyr Peninsula, whole-genome sequences of NDV and H3N8 were obtained. The resulting influenza virus isolate was phylogenetically related to viruses that circulated between 2021 and 2023 in Eurasia, Siberia, and Asia. All NDV sequences were obtained from the Herring gull, and other gull sequences formed a separate gull-like clade in the sub-genotype I.1.2.1, Class II. This may indirectly indicate that different NDV variants adapt to more host species than is commonly believed. Further surveillance of other gull species may help to test the hypothesis of putative gull-specific NDV lineage and better understand their role in the evolution and global spread of NDV.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/7/955

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#IAEA #DG #Statement on #Situation in #Ukraine - #Update 300 (July 4 '25)

 

Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has lost all off-site power for the ninth time during the military conflict and now relies on emergency diesel generators for the electricity it needs, underlining the extremely fragile nuclear safety situation at the site, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

The plant’s connection to its last remaining 750 kilovolt (kV) power line was cut at 17:37 local time today. While the cause was not immediately known, it coincided with air raid alarms in the region, Director General Grossi said, citing information from the Ukrainian nuclear regulator.

It was the first time the ZNPP suffered a complete loss of off-site power since 2 December 2023.

The IAEA team based at the site, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant (NPP), reported that 18 emergency diesel generators immediately started operating to generate the electricity the plant needs to be able to cool the reactors and the spent fuel pools. The plant has diesel fuel for at least 10 days on-site, and arrangements in place to secure further supplies.

“What was once virtually unimaginable – that a major nuclear power plant would repeatedly lose all of its external power connections – has unfortunately become a common occurrence at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. Almost three and a half years into this devastating war, nuclear safety in Ukraine remains very much in danger,” Director General Grossi said.

“Our team on the ground will continue to follow the situation very closely and report on further developments there. For now, the plant’s diesel generators are providing the necessary electricity,” he said.

The ZNPP’s six reactors have been in cold shutdown since 2024 but still require cooling water for their reactor cores and spent fuel pools. The ZNPP lost the connection to its last remaining 330 kV back-up power line on 7 May, leaving the plant dependent on its sole 750 kV line. Before the conflict, it had ten off-site power lines available, highlighting the extent to which nuclear safety has deteriorated since February 2022.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency, https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/update-300-iaea-director-general-statement-on-situation-in-ukraine

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Genomic and #Clinical #Analysis of a #Fatal Human #Lyssavirus irkut Case: Evidence for a Natural Focus in the Russian Far East

Abstract

In this report, we document and analyze a case in which the Irkut virus (IRKV) (Mononegavirales: Rhabdoviridae) caused a fatal human case following a bat bite in June 2021. Unfortunately, the available data did not permit a detailed taxonomic classification of the carrier bat (Chiroptera). The event occurred in the southwestern part of the Sikhote-Alin mountain region (Russian Far East) covered by the Ussuri taiga forest. The symptoms of the illness began with the following: fever; pronounced psychomotor and motor agitation; tremor of the lower jaw and tongue; aphasia; dyslexia; and dysphagia. These rapidly developed, leading to a severe and fatal encephalitis. The patient was not vaccinated for rabies and did not receive rabies immunoglobulin. Using brain sections prepared from the deceased, molecular diagnostics were performed: immunofluorescence (polyclonal anti-rabies immunoglobulin) indicating the presence of the lyssavirus antigen; and RT-PCR indicating traces of viral RNA. Sectional material (brain) was used for whole-genome sequencing, resulting in a near-complete sequence of the lyssavirus genome. The obtained genomic sequence was identified as the Irkut virus. A comparative analysis of the new sequence and other currently available IRKV sequences (NCBI) revealed differences. Specifically, amino acid differences between antigenic sites in the isolate and those of the rabies vaccine strain used regionally were noted. The patient history and subsequent analysis confirm human IRKV infection following bat contact. Like other fatal cases of IRKV infection described earlier, this case occurred in the southern part of the Russian Far East. Two have occurred in the southwestern part of the Sikhote-Alin mountain region. This indicates the possible existence of an active, natural viral focus.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/6/769

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Genetic diversity of #H5N1 avian #influenza viruses isolated from #birds and #seals in #Russia in 2023

Abstract

Thousands of outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in birds and an increasing number of mammal infections are registered annually. In 2023, multiple avian influenza outbreaks were registered among wild birds, poultry and seals in Russia. The genetic characterization of seventy-seven avian viruses and three viruses from seals showed that they belonged to the 2.3.4.4b clade and represented four distinct reassortant genotypes. The majority of viruses represented genotype BB, which was widespread in Europe in 2023. Viruses from seals and four viruses from birds, isolated from outbreaks in the Far East region, belonged to the G1 (A3) genotype and had the amino acid substitution N319K in the NP protein, previously associated with an increased virulence for mammals. In addition, one virus of the G10 genotype and two viruses, representing a previously undescribed genotype (designated as Ru-23-G4) were identified. The viruses analyzed showed normal inhibition by neuraminidase inhibitors. Seven viruses had genetic markers of amantadine resistance. All the influenza A(H5N1) viruses studied showed a binding preference for α2-3-linked sialic acids, suggesting a low risk of transmission among humans. Nevertheless, monitoring of reassortment and mammalian adaptation mutations is essential for the timely identification of viruses with increased pandemic potential.

Source: Scientific Reports, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-00417-4

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Exploring Avian #Influenza Viruses in #Yakutia—The Largest #Breeding #Habitat of Wild Migratory #Birds in Northeastern #Siberia

Abstract

Yakutia, the largest breeding ground for wild migratory birds in Northeastern Siberia, plays a big role in the global ecology of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). In this study, we present the results of virological surveillance conducted between 2018 and 2023, analyzing 1970 cloacal swab samples collected from 56 bird species. We identified 74 AIVs of H3N6, H3N8, H4N6, H5N3, H7N7, H10N3, and H11N9 subtypes in Anseriformes order. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolates belong to the Eurasian lineage and have genetic similarities with strains from East Asia, Europe, and North America. Cluster analysis has demonstrated the circulation of stable AIV genotypes for several years. We assume that Yakutia is an important territory for viral exchange on the migratory routes of migrating birds. In addition, several amino acid substitutions have been found to be associated with increased virulence and adaptation to mammalian hosts, highlighting the potential risk of interspecific transmission. These results provide a critical insight into the ecology of the AIV and highlight the importance of continued monitoring in this geographically significant region.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/5/632

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

 A wild Carrion Crow in Khabarovsk Region.

Source: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6304

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#Russia health authority is conducting additional #monitoring of #birdflu in #livestock #farms with #cows

{Automatic Translation}

Since 2020, the world has seen an increase in the number of outbreaks of avian influenza caused by the highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus and an expansion of the geography of circulation of this virus.

In 2024, more than 1.2 thousand outbreaks of influenza A (H5N1) among wild birds and about 2 thousand outbreaks among poultry were registered in the world. The infection affected 68 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America, and also reached Antarctica.

In addition, in 2024, a large number of cases of detection of the influenza A (H5N1) virus among wild and domestic mammals were recorded, including with subsequent infection of people. These include outbreaks among cattle on US dairy farms, which by the end of the year affected more than 900 dairy farms in 16 states. The avian influenza A (H5N1) virus, isolated from cows, also caused illness in 40 people - farm workers. At the same time, the influenza A(H5N1) viruses detected in cows and humans contained mutations of adaptation to mammals.

High activity of A(H5N1) virus circulation, including among mammals, accumulation of mutations of adaptation to mammals, growth in the number of cases of human infection indicate an increasing risk of interspecies transition of this virus from mammals to humans.

Since 2013, Rospotrebnadzor has created and is operating a system for monitoring the circulation of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the Russian Federation. The system includes regular studies of biomaterial samples taken from birds and animals in Russian regions located in bird migration zones, as well as studies of biomaterial samples obtained from foci of highly pathogenic avian influenza, both from the birds themselves and from people caring for them. In addition, monitoring of the avian influenza situation in foreign countries is carried out.

Primary studies of biomaterial samples are carried out in Rospotrebnadzor laboratories in the regions of Russia. In-depth molecular genetic studies of viruses are carried out at the reference center for zoonotic avian influenza caused by highly pathogenic strains, operating on the basis of the Federal Budgetary Institution of Science State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology Vector of Rospotrebnadzor, which is also a Collaborating Center of the World Health Organization for the Study of Influenza at the Intersection Points of Human and Animal Ecosystems.

As part of the monitoring carried out in 2024, more than 15 thousand samples of biomaterial from wild and domestic birds and pigs, as well as 7.8 thousand samples of material from people who, due to the nature of their work, come into contact with wild or domestic birds, were studied. All viruses isolated in 2024 belong to clade 2.3.4.4b, do not contain mutations of increased pathogenicity and drug resistance, with the exception of the avian influenza virus A (H5N1), isolated from birds in the Sakhalin Oblast - a mutation was identified that can increase virulence and ensure adaptation of the virus to mammalian cells.

Due to the registration of a significant number of outbreaks of avian influenza A (H5N1) on dairy farms in the United States, Rospotrebnadzor has also introduced additional monitoring of avian influenza in livestock farms containing cows in the Russian Federation since December 2024. 

Since December 2024, 11.6 thousand samples of material from cattle, including 5 thousand samples of milk, have been collected and tested in 84 regions; as well as more than 4.2 thousand samples of material from people caring for animals. More than 14.7 thousand samples of material have already been tested, including more than 11.3 thousand samples of material from cattle. No genetic material of avian influenza viruses was found in the tested samples.

The situation is under the control of Rospotrebnadzor.

Source: Ministry of Health, https://rospotrebnadzor.ru/about/info/news/news_details.php?ELEMENT_ID=29425

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Geographical #distribution and evolutionary #dynamics of #H4Nx avian #influenza viruses

Abstract

H4Nx avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have been isolated from wild birds and poultry and can also cross the species barrier to infect mammals (pigs and muskrats). The widespread presence of these viruses in wild birds and poultry and their ability to be transmitted interspecies make them an undeniable hazard to the poultry farming industry. In the present study, we collected fecal and swab samples from wild birds and poultry in Guangdong Province from January 2019 to March 2024, and various subtypes of AIVs were isolated, including 19 strains of H4 subtype AIVs. Further analysis was conducted on the internal genes of the 19 strains. These strains clustered together with high homology to highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV), suggesting that H4Nx AIV may be reassorted from HPAIV. Two H4N8 strains are phylogenetically related to the porcine H4N8 AIV. Molecular characterization revealed that all viruses in this study were less pathogenic but had potential mammalian-adapted mutations. The transmission dynamics of H4Nx AIVs revealed that Europe and Asia, especially the Netherlands and Bangladesh, may be the centers of transmission. This may be linked to the migration of wild birds. The high migration rates from Russia to the Netherlands and from Russia to Bangladesh may also play a role. Therefore, continuous and systematic monitoring of wild birds to clarify the spatial and temporal distribution and prevalence of influenza viruses in wild birds is significant for early warning of avian influenza outbreaks in poultry and for risk assessment for public health and safety.

Source: Frontiers in Microbiology, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1505203/full

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