#Sudan virus disease - #Uganda

Situation at a glance

On 30 January 2025, the Ministry of Health of Uganda declared an outbreak of Sudan virus disease (SVD) following confirmation from three national reference laboratories. 

The case presented with signs and symptoms between 20 and 21 January and died on 29 January at the National Referral Hospital in Kampala. 

As of 30 January 2025, 45 contacts have been identified, including 34 healthcare workers and 11 family members. 

Sudan virus disease belongs to the same family as Ebola virus disease. It is caused by Sudan virus (SUDV). It is a severe disease with high case fatality from 41% to 70% in past outbreaks. 

In the absence of licensed vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of SVD, the risk of potential serious public health impact is high. 

Early supportive patient care and treatment may increase the chance of survival from severe disease.

Description of the situation

On 30 January 2025, the Ministry of Health of Uganda declared an outbreak of Sudan virus disease (SVD) following confirmation from three national reference laboratories.

The confirmed case was an adult male nurse who initially developed fever-like symptoms and sought treatment from a traditional healer as well as at multiple health facilities.

The patient presented with a history of high fever, chest pain, and difficulty in breathing with symptoms onset between 20 and 21 January, which later progressed to unexplained bleeding from multiple body sites. The patient experienced multi-organ failure and died at the National Referral Hospital on 29 January.

Samples taken post-mortem were confirmed for Sudan virus (SUDV).

Forty-five contacts have so far been identified, including 34 healthcare workers and 11 family members.

Epidemiology

Sudan virus disease is a viral hemorrhagic fever disease, belonging to the same family as Ebola virus disease. It is caused by Sudan virus (SUDV). It is a severe disease with high case fatality. 

It is typically characterized by acute onset of fever with non-specific symptoms/signs (e.g., abdominal pain, anorexia, fatigue, malaise, myalgia, sore throat) usually followed several days later by nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and occasionally a variable rash. 

Hiccups may occur. Severe illness may include hemorrhagic manifestations (e.g., bleeding from puncture sites, ecchymoses, petechiae, visceral effusions), encephalopathy, shock/hypotension, multi-organ failure, spontaneous abortion in infected pregnant women. 

Individuals who recover may experience prolonged sequelae (e.g., arthralgia, neurocognitive dysfunction, uveitis sometimes followed by cataract formation), and clinical and subclinical persistent infection may occur in immune-privileged compartments (e.g., CNS, eyes, testes). 

Person-to-person transmission occurs by direct contact with blood, other bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated surfaces and materials with risk beginning at the onset of clinical signs and increasing with disease severity. 

Family members, healthcare providers, and participants in burial ceremonies with direct contact with the deceased are at particular risk. 

The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days, but typically is 7–11 days. 

Public health response

Health authorities are implementing public health measures, including but not limited to the following:

-- The Ministry of Health (MoH) has activated the Incident Management Team and dispatched Rapid Response Teams to the affected district. The MoH team has also listed contacts at the National Reference Hospital.

-- Regional Emergency Operation Centers are being activated in Kampala and the affected district.

-- Facilities have been identified for quarantine of all listed contacts.

-- MoH is organizing to carry out a safe and dignified burial of the patient. 

-- In their official press statement, the MoH provided recommendations to health workers, district leaders, and the public to strengthen detection of suspected cases and implement appropriate infection, prevention and control measures.

-- MoH set up a hotline for notification of suspected cases.

WHO is supporting the national authorities, including through:

-- Risk assessment and investigation.

-- Providing operational, financial and technical support to the Ministry of Health to ensure swift response.  

-- Facilitating access to candidate vaccines and therapeutics

WHO risk assessment

Sudan virus disease (SVD) is a severe, often fatal illness affecting humans. Sudan virus (SUDV) was first identified in southern Sudan in June 1976. Since then, the virus has emerged periodically and up to now and prior to this current one, eight outbreaks caused by SUDV have been reported, five in Uganda and three in Sudan. The case fatality rates of SVD have varied from 41% to 70% in past outbreaks.

SUDV is enzootic and present in animal reservoirs in the region. Uganda reported five SVD outbreaks (one in 2000, one in 2011, two in 2012, and one in 2022).  The current outbreak is the sixth SVD outbreak in Uganda. Uganda also reported a Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in 2007 and an Ebola virus disease outbreak exported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2019. The latest SVD outbreak in Uganda was declared over on 11 January 2023. A total of 164 cases with 77 deaths were reported in nine districts.

Uganda has experience in Ebola disease outbreaks including SVD, and necessary action has been initiated quickly.

In the absence of licensed vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of SVD, the risk of potential serious public health impact is high. Community deaths, care of patients in private facilities and hospitals and other community health services as well as at traditional healers with limited protection and infection prevention and control measures entail a high risk of many transmission chains. 

An investigation is ongoing to determine the scope of the outbreak and the possibility of spread to other districts and potential exportation of cases to neighbouring countries cannot be ruled out at this stage.

WHO advice

Effective Ebola disease outbreak, including SVD, control relies on applying a package of interventions, including case management, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, implementation of infection prevention and control measures in health care and community settings, safe and dignified burials and community engagement and social mobilization. Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks. Raising awareness of risk factors for infection and prevention measures that individuals can take is an effective way to reduce human transmission.

Early initiation of intensive supportive treatment increases the chances of survival. All above-mentioned interventions need to be thoroughly implemented in affected areas to stop chains of transmission and decrease disease mortality. Cases, contacts and individuals in affected areas who present signs and symptoms compatible with case definitions should be advised not to travel and seek early care at designated facilities to improve their chances of survival and limit transmission.

Collaboration with neighbouring countries should be enhanced to harmonize reporting mechanisms, conduct joint investigations, and share critical data in real-time. Surrounding countries should enhance readiness activities to enable early case detection, isolation and treatment.

A range of candidate vaccines and therapeutics are under different stage of development. In 2022, WHO convened expert deliberations to review candidate products prioritization and trial designs. 

One candidate vaccine and two candidate therapeutics (a monoclonal antibody and an antiviral) are available in country and will be made available through clinical trial protocol.

The two vaccines licensed against Ebola virus disease will not provide cross protection against SVD and cannot be used in this outbreak.

WHO advises against any restrictions on travel and/or trade to Uganda based on available information for the current outbreak. 

Further information

-- WHO African Region press release: WHO accelerates efforts to support response to Sudan virus disease outbreak in Uganda. https://www.afro.who.int/countries/uganda/news/who-accelerates-efforts-support-response-sudan-virus-disease-outbreak-uganda

-- The Ministry of Health Uganda confirms the outbreak of Sudan virus disease: https://www.health.go.ug/cause/uganda-confirms-outbreak-of-sudan-ebola-virus-disease/

-- Ebola virus disease fact sheet: http://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ebola-virus-disease

-- Optimized Supportive Care for Ebola Virus Disease. Clinical management standard operating procedures. WHO. 2019. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515894#:s 

-- Ebola: technical guidance documents for medical staff (2014-2016). https://www.who.int/teams/health-care-readiness/ebola-clinical-management 

-- Safety of two Ebola virus vaccines: https://www.who.int/groups/global-advisory-committee-on-vaccine-safety/topics/ebola-virus-vaccines

-- Personal protective equipment for use in a filovirus disease outbreak: rapid advice guideline: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/251426

-- Framework and toolkit for infection prevention and control in outbreak preparedness, readiness and response at the national level: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/framework-and-toolkit-for-infection-prevention-and-control-in-outbreak-preparedness--readiness-and-response-at-the-health-care-facility-level

-- ICD-11 2022 release: https://www.who.int/news/item/11-02-2022-icd-11-2022-release

-- New filovirus disease classification and nomenclature: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6637750/#SD1

-- Sudan Ebolavirus – Experts deliberations Candidate treatments prioritization and trial design discussions, 2022: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/sudan-ebolavirus---experts-deliberations.--candidate-treatments-prioritization-and-trial-design-discussions

-- Considerations for border health and points of entry for filovirus disease outbreaks: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/considerations-for-border-health-and-points-of-entry-for-filovirus-disease-outbreaks

Citable reference: World Health Organization (1 February 2025). Disease Outbreak News; Sudan virus disease in Uganda. Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON555

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Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON555

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Emergence of a novel #reassortant highly pathogenic avian #influenza clade 2.3.4.4b A(#H5N2) Virus, 2024

ABSTRACT

Reassortant highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N2) clade 2.3.4.4.b viruses were detected from ducks and environmental samples in Egypt, June 2024. Genomic and phylogenetic analyses revealed a novel genotype produced by the reassortment of an A(H5N1) clade 2.3.3.4b virus with an A(H9N2) G1-like virus. Monitoring the spread of this virus is important.

Source: Emerging Microbes and Infections, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2025.2455601#abstract

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No #Evidence of Anti - #influenza #Nucleoprotein #Antibodies in Retail #Milk from Across #Canada (April to July 2024)

Abstract

Following reports of HPAI H5N1 infections of dairy cattle in the United States (US) in March 2024, we established a Pan-Canadian Milk network to monitor retail milk in Canada. Milk samples from across Canada that had previously tested negative for influenza A virus (IAV) RNA were tested for the presence of anti-IAV nucleoprotein (NP) antibodies, as an indicator of past infection of dairy cattle. None of the 109 milk samples tested had evidence of anti-IAV NP antibodies. This is consistent with previous findings from our academic group as well as others including federal testing initiatives that have not found any IAV RNA in milk. Although not surprising given that no cases of H5N1 in cattle have been reported in Canada to date, this work further supports that the extensive outbreak in dairy cattle in the US has not extended northward into Canada, and the integrity of the Canadian milk supply remains intact.

Source: MedRxIV, https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.31.25321461v1

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Intraductal #infection with #H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b #influenza virus

LETTER

In March 2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 of the clade 2.3.4.4b was detected in dairy cows in Texas and has since been detected in several other U.S. states (1). Virus has been detected within cow’s milk, indicating that the mammary epithelium may support viral replication (2). Virus has also been detected on milking machines, leading to a hypothesis that influenza is spreading through fomites from udder to udder instead of the intranasal route (3, 4). There have been studies using cows to better understand mammary infections; however, the cow model is costly and limited (1, 5). We sought to establish a model for intramammary infections of H5N1 and H1N1 influenza virus in mice.

(...)

Source: Journal of Virology, https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/jvi.01927-24?af=R

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Monitoring for Avian #Influenza A(#H5) Virus In #Wastewater, January 19-25 2025

{Excerpt}

Time Period: January 19 - January 25, 2025

-- H5 Detection: 33 sites (10.1%)

-- No Detection: 295 sites (89.9%)

-- No samples in last week: 61 sites

(...)

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/h5-monitoring/index.html

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

The laboratory diagnosed type H5 on Thursday, January 23 in one of the sick birds that was sampled in the framework of passive surveillance, on January 24 all birds were culled, on January 29 the laboratory confirmed the detection of Neuraminidase 1 and identification of hemagglutinin genes found in the cleavage site of avian influenza virus type A lineage Goose/Guangdong (Gs/GD) subtype H5, clade 2.3.4.4. highly pathogenic.

Out of the 408 backyard birds, one died and two became sick in Chiriquí Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6225

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#Hungary - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Immediate notification, 2nd

A  foie gras goose holding in Heves Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6227

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

 A breeding goose holding in Pest Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6228

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

 A wild Eurasian Jackdaw in Lounais-Suomen aluehallintovirasto Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6229

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#Mexico’s Laboratory-Confirmed #Human Case of #Infection with the #Influenza A(#H5N2) Virus

Abstract

In April 2024, the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias of Mexico City identified a case of unsubtypeable Influenza A in a 58-year-old immunocompromised patient with renal failure due to diabetic nephropathy and bacterial peritonitis. Through sequencing the M, NS, NA, NP, and HA complete segments, we identified an H5N2 influenza virus with identity of 99% with avian influenza A(H5N2) from Texcoco, Mexico, in 2024. This case is the first reported with direct evidence of human infection caused by the H5N2 influenza virus; the relationship of the virus with the severity of his condition remains unknown.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/2/205

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Suspected and confirmed #mpox cases in #DRC: a retrospective #analysis of national epidemiological and laboratory #surveillance data, 2010–23

Summary

Background

DR Congo has the highest global burden of mpox, a disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. The incidence has risen since 1980, but recent analyses of epidemiological trends are lacking. We aimed to describe trends in suspected and confirmed mpox cases in DR Congo using epidemiological and laboratory mpox surveillance data collected from 2010 to 2023, and provide insights that can better inform the targeting and monitoring of control strategies.

Methods

We analysed aggregated national epidemiological surveillance data and individual-level laboratory data from 2010 to 2023. We calculated incidence based on suspected cases, case-fatality ratios, and percentage of laboratory-confirmed cases and assessed geospatial trends. Demographic and seasonal trends were investigated using generalised additive mixed models.

Findings

Between Jan 1, 2010, and Dec 31, 2023, a total of 60 967 suspected cases and 1798 suspected deaths from mpox were reported in DR Congo (case-fatality ratio 2·9%). The number of reporting provinces increased from 18 of 26 provinces in 2010 to 24 of 26 provinces in 2023. The annual incidence increased from 2·97 per 100 000 in 2010 to 11·46 per 100 000 in 2023. The highest incidence (46·38 per 100 000) and case-fatality ratio (6·0%) were observed in children younger than 5 years. Incidence was higher in rural compared with urban areas. PCR testing was performed for 7438 suspected cases (12·2%), with 4248 (57·1%) of 7438 samples testing positive. Median age of confirmed cases (13·0 years [IQR 6·0–25·0]) remained stable, although the 95th percentile of age increased over time.

Interpretation

The incidence and geographical distribution of suspected mpox cases have increased substantially since 2010. Improvements in surveillance and decentralised testing are essential to monitor mpox trends and direct interventions effectively, to address the public health emergency declarations issued in August, 2024.

Funding

Belgian Directorate-General Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid; European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership; Research Foundation–Flanders; European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations; Department of Economy, Science, and Innovation of the Flemish Government; Canadian Institutes of Health Research; and the International Development Research Centre.

Source: Lancet, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)02669-2/abstract?rss=yes

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Structure of a #zoonotic #H5N1 #hemagglutinin reveals a #receptor-binding site occupied by an auto-glycan

Summary

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has spilled into many mammals, most notably cows and poultry, with several dozen human breakthrough infections. Zoonotic crossovers, with hemagglutinins mutated to enhance viral ability to use human α2-6-linked sialic acid receptors versus avian α2-3-linked ones, highlight the pandemic risk. To gain insight into these crossovers, we determined the cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the hemagglutinin from the zoonotic H5N1 A/Texas/37/2024 strain (clade 2.3.4.4b) in complex with a previously reported neutralizing antibody. Surprisingly, we found that the receptor-binding site of this H5N1 hemagglutinin was already occupied by an α2-3-linked sialic acid and that this glycan emanated from asparagine N169 of a neighboring protomer on hemagglutinin itself. This structure thus highlights recognition by influenza hemagglutinin of an “auto”-α2-3-linked sialic acid from N169, an N-linked glycan conserved in 95% of H5 strains, and adds “auto-glycan recognition,” which may play a role in viral dispersal, to the complexities surrounding H5N1 zoonosis.

Source: Structure, https://www.cell.com/structure/abstract/S0969-2126(25)00001-2?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0969212625000012%3Fshowall%3Dtrue

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Pre-exposure #antibody #prophylaxis protects #macaques from severe #influenza

Abstract

Influenza virus pandemics and seasonal epidemics have claimed countless lives. Recurrent zoonotic spillovers of influenza viruses with pandemic potential underscore the need for effective countermeasures. In this study, we show that pre-exposure prophylaxis with broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) MEDI8852 is highly effective in protecting cynomolgus macaques from severe disease caused by aerosolized highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus infection. Protection was antibody dose–dependent yet independent of Fc-mediated effector functions at the dose tested. Macaques receiving MEDI8852 at 10 milligrams per kilogram or higher had negligible impairment of respiratory function after infection, whereas control animals were not protected from severe disease and fatality. Given the breadth of MEDI8852 and other bnAbs, we anticipate that protection from unforeseen pandemic influenza A viruses is achievable.

Source: Science, https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado6481

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#Pasteurisation temperatures effectively inactivate #influenza A viruses in #milk

Abstract

In late 2023 an H5N1 lineage of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) began circulating in American dairy cattle. Concerningly, high titres of virus were detected in cows’ milk, raising the concern that milk could be a route of human infection. Cows’ milk is typically pasteurised to render it safe for human consumption, but the effectiveness of pasteurisation on influenza viruses in milk was uncertain. To assess this, here we evaluate heat inactivation in milk for a panel of different influenza viruses. This includes human and avian influenza A viruses (IAVs), an influenza D virus that naturally infects cattle, and recombinant IAVs carrying contemporary avian or bovine H5N1 glycoproteins. At pasteurisation temperatures of 63 °C and 72 °C, we find that viral infectivity is rapidly lost and becomes undetectable before the times recommended for pasteurisation (30 minutes and 15 seconds, respectively). We then show that an H5N1 HPAIV in milk is effectively inactivated by a comparable treatment, even though its genetic material remains detectable. We conclude that pasteurisation conditions should effectively inactivate H5N1 HPAIV in cows’ milk, but that unpasteurised milk could carry infectious influenza viruses.

Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56406-8

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#WHO accelerates efforts to support response to #Sudan {hemorrhagic fever} virus disease #outbreak in #Uganda

Brazzaville/Kampala – Following the confirmation of an outbreak of Sudan virus disease – which belongs to the same family as Ebola virus disease – in Uganda today, World Health Organization (WHO) is mobilizing efforts to support the national health authorities to swiftly contain and end the outbreak. 

WHO is deploying senior public health experts and mobilizing staff from the country office to support all the key outbreak response measures. In addition, the Organization has allocated US$ 1 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to help accelerate early action, and is readying medical supplies, including personal protective equipment to deliver to Uganda from its Emergency Response Hub in Nairobi. 

While there are no licensed vaccines for the Sudan virus disease, WHO is coordinating with developers to deploy candidate vaccines as an addition to the other public health measures. The vaccines will be deployed once all administrative and regulatory approvals are obtained. 

So far one confirmed case – a nurse from Mulago National Referral Hospital in the capital Kampala – has been reported. No other health workers or patients have shown symptoms of the disease.  A total of 45 contacts, including health workers and family members of the confirmed case (deceased) have been identified and are currently under close monitoring. The identification of the case in a densely populated urban requires rapid and intense response. 

“We welcome the prompt declaration of this outbreak, and as a comprehensive response is being established, we are supporting the government and partners to scale up measures to quicky identify cases, isolate and provide care, curb the spread of the virus and protect the population,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Uganda’s robust expertise in responding to public health emergencies will be crucial in ending this outbreak effectively.”

There have been eight previous outbreaks of the Sudan virus disease, with five occurring in Uganda and three in Sudan. Uganda last reported an outbreak of Sudan virus disease in 2022. 

“Banking on the existing expertise, we are accelerating all efforts, including expertise, resources and tools to save lives and bring the outbreak to a halt swiftly,” said Dr Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Representative in Uganda. 

Sudan virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness affecting humans and other primates that is due to Orthoebolavirus sudanense (Sudan virus), a viral species belonging to the same genus of the virus causing Ebola virus disease.  Case fatality rates of Sudan virus disease have varied from 41% to 100% in past outbreaks. There are no approved treatments or vaccines for Sudan virus. Early initiation of supportive treatment has been shown to significantly reduce deaths from Sudan virus disease. 

Source: World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, https://www.afro.who.int/countries/uganda/news/who-accelerates-efforts-support-response-sudan-virus-disease-outbreak-uganda

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

A tiger and three leopards in the Widlife Rescue Centre, Gorewada Zoo, Maharashtra State.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6218

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#Perpetuation of Avian #Influenza from Molt to Fall #Migration in Wild Swan #Geese (Anser cygnoides): An Agent-Based Modeling Approach

Abstract

Wild waterfowl are considered to be the reservoir of avian influenza, but their distinct annual life cycle stages and their contribution to disease dynamics are not well understood. Studies of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus have primarily focused on wintering grounds, where human and poultry densities are high year-round, compared with breeding grounds, where migratory waterfowl are more isolated. Few if any studies of avian influenza have focused on the molting stage where wild waterfowl congregate in a few selected wetlands and undergo the simultaneous molt of wing and tail feathers during a vulnerable flightless period. The molting stage may be one of the most important periods for the perpetuation of the disease in waterfowl, since during this stage, immunologically naïve young birds and adults freely intermix prior to the fall migration. Our study incorporated empirical data from virological field samplings and markings of Swan Geese (Anser cygnoides) on their breeding grounds in Mongolia in an integrated agent-based model (ABM) that included susceptible–exposed–infectious–recovered (SEIR) states. Our ABM results provided unique insights and indicated that individual movements between different molting wetlands and the transmission rate were the key predictors of HPAI perpetuation. While wetland extent was not a significant predictor of HPAI perpetuation, it had a large effect on the number of infections and associated death toll. Our results indicate that conserving undisturbed habitats for wild waterfowl during the molting stage of the breeding season could reduce the risk of HPAI transmission.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/2/196

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#NASA Shares #Observations of Recently-Identified Near Earth #Asteroid {2024 YR4}

NASA analysis of a near-Earth asteroid, designated 2024 YR4, indicates it has a more than 1% chance of impacting Earth on Dec. 22, 2032 – which also means there is about a 99% chance this asteroid will not impact. Such initial analysis will change over time as more observations are gathered.  

Currently, no other known large asteroids have an impact probability above 1%. 

Asteroid 2024 YR4 was first reported on Dec. 27, 2024, to the Minor Planet Center– the international clearing house for small-body positional measurements – by the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System station in Chile. 

The asteroid, which is estimated to be about 130 to 300 feet wide, caught astronomers’ attention when it rose on the NASA automated Sentry risk list on Dec. 31, 2024. 

The Sentry list includes any known near-Earth asteroids that have a non-zero probability of impacting Earth in the future.  

An object that reaches this level is not uncommon; there have been several objects in the past that have reached this same rating and eventually dropped off as more data have come in. 

New observations may result in reassignment of this asteroid to 0 as more data come in. 

More information about asteroids, near-Earth objects, and planetary defense at NASA can be found at: https://nasa.gov/planetarydefense

Source: NASA, https://blogs.nasa.gov/planetarydefense/2025/01/29/nasa-shares-observations-of-recently-identified-near-earth-asteroid/

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