#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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#Pathogenicity of Novel #H3 Avian #Influenza Viruses in #Chickens and Development of a Promising #Vaccine

Abstract

Since 2022, three cases of human infections of novel H3N8 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have been confirmed in China. Given the potential for significant public health implications, the prompt detection and containment of the virus is particularly important. Comprehensive analyses were conducted of the complete viral gene sequences of five H3 subtype AIVs that were isolated from chickens, pigeons, and geese in live poultry markets in China in 2023. Four strains exhibited a high degree of homology with the H3N8 viruses responsible for human infections in 2022 and 2023. A subsequent study was conducted to investigate the pathogenicity differences among multiple subtypes of the H3 AIVs in chickens. The study revealed that all infected chickens exhibited clinical signs and viral shedding. Notably, two H3N8 viruses, which were highly homologous to human strains, demonstrated significant differences in adaptability to chickens. The goose-derived H3N5 strain displayed high adaptability to chickens and could replicate in multiple organs, with the highest titer in the cloaca. Additionally, a potential vaccine strain, designated CK/NT308/H3N3, was successfully developed that provided complete clinical protection and effectively prevented viral shedding against both H3N3 and H3N8 viruses. In conclusion, CK/NT308/H3N3 presents a promising vaccine candidate.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/3/288

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#Mycoplasma pneumoniae #infection in #adult inpatients during the 2023–24 #outbreak in #France (MYCADO): a national, retrospective, observational study

Summary

Background

An epidemic of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection has been observed in France since September, 2023. We aimed to describe the characteristics of adults hospitalised for M pneumoniae infection and identify factors associated with severe outcomes of infection.

Methods

MYCADO is a retrospective observational study including adults hospitalised for 24 h or more in 76 hospitals in France for a M pneumoniae infection between Sept 1, 2023, and Feb 29, 2024. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were collected from medical records. We identified factors associated with severe outcomes of infection, defined as a composite of intensive care unit (ICU) admission or in-hospital death, using multivariable logistic regression.

Findings

1309 patients with M pneumoniae infection were included: 718 (54·9%) were men and 591 (45·1%) were women; median age was 43 years (IQR 31–63); 288 (22·0%) had chronic respiratory failure; 423 (32·3%) had cardiovascular comorbidities; and 105 (8·0%) had immunosuppression. The most common symptoms were cough (1098 [83·9%]), fever (1023 [78·2%]), dyspnoea (948 [72·4%]), fatigue (550 [42·0%]), expectorations (473 [36·1%]), headache (211 [16·1%]), arthromyalgia (253 [19·3%]), ear, nose, and throat symptoms (202 [15·4%]), diarrhoea (138 [10·5%]), and vomiting (132 [10·1%]). 156 (11·9%) of 1309 patients had extra-respiratory manifestations, including 36 (2·8%) with erythema multiforme, 19 (1·5%) with meningoencephalitis, 44 (3·4%) with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, and 17 (1·3%) with myocarditis. The median hospital stay was 8 days (IQR 6–11). 424 (32·4%) patients had a severe outcome of infection, including 415 (31·7%) who were admitted to the ICU and 28 (2·1%) who died in hospital. Those more likely to present with severe outcomes of infection were patients with hypertension, obesity, chronic liver failure, extra-respiratory manifestations, pulmonary alveolar consolidation or bilateral involvement on CT scan, as well as elevated inflammatory markers, lymphopenia or neutrophilic polynucleosis, and those who did not versus did receive any antibiotic active against M pneumoniae before admission.

Interpretation

This national, observational study highlighted unexpected, atypical radiological presentations, a high proportion of transfers to the ICU, and an association between severity and delayed administration of effective antibiotics. This should remind clinicians that no radiological presentation can rule out M pneumoniae infection, and encourage them to reassess patients early after prescribing a β-lactam, or even to discuss prescribing macrolides as first-line treatment in the context of an epidemic.

Source: Lancet Infectious Diseases, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(24)00805-3/abstract?rss=yes

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#Global #production #capacity of seasonal and #pandemic #influenza #vaccines in 2023

Abstract

Introduction

Vaccination is a critical part of the response to an influenza pandemic. Future influenza pandemics will likely leverage existing production processes and manufacturing facilities for seasonal influenza to make pandemic vaccines. Therefore, pandemic influenza vaccine response is heavily dependent on seasonal influenza vaccine production capacity.

Methods

WHO monitors global vaccine production to inform pandemic preparedness by regularly surveying influenza vaccine manufacturers to estimate both seasonal and potential pandemic vaccine production capacity overall and by region, vaccine type, and manufacturing process. The last survey estimates were for 2019; here, we report updated estimates based on data from the 2023 survey and compare to estimates from previous surveys.

Results

Our analysis estimates that annual seasonal influenza vaccine production capacity has remained relatively stable since 2019 at 1.53 billion doses and pandemic vaccine capacity at 4.13 and 8.26 billion doses for moderate and best case scenarios, respectively. Over 80 % of seasonal and pandemic vaccine production capacity relies on embryonated eggs, and inactivated influenza virus vaccines comprise the majority of vaccine supply. There is influenza vaccine manufacturing capacity in all WHO regions, except for the African Region, though influenza vaccine production is concentrated in high and upper-middle income countries. The ability to achieve maximum production capacity could be hindered by access to eggs and other ancillary supplies.

Conclusions

While influenza vaccine production capacity has been sustained since 2019, significant gaps persist in its distribution, especially in low and lower-middle income countries, and most notably in the African region. This imbalance in production could result in unequal access to vaccines in the event of a pandemic. Strengthening local vaccine manufacturing, promoting seasonal vaccination programmes, and investing in research and development of next-generation influenza vaccines or improved production platforms are essential to improve pandemic preparedness, sustain the influenza vaccine market, and enable more robust local responses.

Source: Vaccine, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X25001367?via%3Dihub

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#Bat-infecting #merbecovirus HKU5-CoV #lineage 2 can use #human #ACE2 as a cell entry receptor

Highlights

• A distinct HKU5 coronavirus lineage (HKU5-CoV-2) is discovered in bats

• Bat HKU5-CoV-2 uses human ACE2 receptor and ACE2 orthologs from multiple species

• Bat HKU5-CoV-2 RBD engages human ACE2 with a distinct binding mode from other CoVs

• Bat HKU5-CoV-2 was isolated and infect human-ACE2-expressing cells

Summary

Merbecoviruses comprise four viral species with remarkable genetic diversity: MERS-related coronavirus, Tylonycterisbat coronavirus HKU4, Pipistrellusbat coronavirus HKU5, and Hedgehog coronavirus 1. However, the potential human spillover risk of animal merbecoviruses remains to be investigated. Here, we reported the discovery of HKU5-CoV lineage 2 (HKU5-CoV-2) in bats that efficiently utilize human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a functional receptor and exhibits a broad host tropism. Cryo-EM analysis of HKU5-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) and human ACE2 complex revealed an entirely distinct binding mode compared with other ACE2-utilizing merbecoviruses with RBD footprint largely shared with ACE2-using sarbecoviruses and NL63. Structural and functional analyses indicate that HKU5-CoV-2 has a better adaptation to human ACE2 than lineage 1 HKU5-CoV. Authentic HKU5-CoV-2 infected human ACE2-expressing cell lines and human respiratory and enteric organoids. This study reveals a distinct lineage of HKU5-CoVs in bats that efficiently use human ACE2 and underscores their potential zoonotic risk.

Source: Cell, https://www.cell.com/cell/abstract/S0092-8674(25)00144-8?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867425001448%3Fshowall%3Dtrue

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#USA, #Situation #summary of confirmed and probable #H5N1 #influenza virus #human cases since 2024 (as of Feb. 19 '25): One New Case in #Wyoming

{Excerpt}

[Confirmed Cases: State, Exposure Source: Dairy Herds, Poultry Farms and Culling Operations, Other Animal Exposure, Unknown, State Total]

-- National, 41, 23, 2, 3, 69 {+1}

1) California, 36, 0, 0, 2, 38

2) Colorado, 1, 9, 0, 0, 10

3) Iowa, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1

4) Louisiana, 0, 0, 1,0 , 1

5) Michigan, 2, 0, 0, 0, 2

6) Missouri, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1

7) Nevada, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1

8) Oregon, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1

9) Texas, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1

10) Washington, 0, 11, 0, 0, 11

11) Wisconsin, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1

12) Wyoming, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1 {+1} 

[Probable Cases: State, Exposure Source: Dairy Herds, Poultry Farms and Culling Operations, Other Animal Exposure, Unknown, State Total]

-- National, 1, 6, 0, 1, 8

- Arizona, 0, 2, 0, 0, 2

-- California, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1

-- Delaware, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1

-- Ohio, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1

-- Washington, 0, 3, 0, 0, 3

NOTE: One additional case was previously detected in a poultry worker in Colorado in 2022. Louisiana reported the first H5 bird flu death in the U.S.

{*} Exposure Associated with Commercial Agriculture and Related Operations

{†} Exposure was related to other animals such as backyard flocks, wild birds, or other mammals

{‡} Exposure source was not able to be identified

(...)

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/?CDC_AAref_Val=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fflu%2Favianflu%2Favian-flu-summary.htm&cove-tab=1

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

A Great Cormorant in Leiria Region. 

Backyard birds in Aveiro Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6230

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

 A poultry farm in Vlaanderen Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6280

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

Wild Dalmatian Pelicans in Florina Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6281?reportId=172377&fromPage=event-dashboard-url

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

 Ducks and commerical poultry of various age groups.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6278?reportId=172354&fromPage=event-dashboard-url

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

Backyard poultry in Niamey Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6259

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#Neuraminidase #reassortment and #oseltamivir #resistance in clade 2.3.4.4b A(#H5N1) viruses circulating among #Canadian #poultry, 2024

Abstract

We report the detection of a clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) reassortant virus with a neuraminidase surface protein derived from a North American lineage low-pathogenic avian influenza virus. This virus caused a widespread and ongoing outbreak across 45 poultry farms in British Columbia, Canada. Isolates from 8 farms reveal a mutation in the neuraminidase protein (H275Y) that is exceptionally rare among clade 2.3.4.4b viruses (present in 0.045% of publicly available clade 2.3.4.4b isolates). NA-H275Y is a well-known marker of resistance to the neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir. We demonstrate that this substitution maintains its resistance phenotype on the genetic background of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses.

Source: Emerging Microbes and Infections, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2025.2469643

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Two additional Avian #Influenza #H9N2 #Human Cases in #China (HK CHP)

 {Excerpt}

{Avian Influenza H9N2 Human Cases in China}

-- Mainland China: 2 cases (0 death) 

- Avian influenza A(H9N2): 

* Guangdong Province: 

- A 72-year-old woman with onset on December 26, 2024. 

- A 56-year-old woman with onset on January 20, 2025. 

(...)

Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2025_avian_influenza_report_vol21_wk07.pdf

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

National Service of Agri-Food Health and Quality (SENASA) received a notification concerning a high mortality of birds and signs consistent with high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard. The suspicion was immediately addressed and samples were taken for analysis. The samples tested positive for HPAI H5. The affected species are chickens, ducks and turkeys. The affected premises are adjacent to a body of water, so contact with wild birds is presumed. Stamping out, sanitary burial, cleaning and disinfection of all the birds in the premises will be carried out. We will update the quantitative data in subsequent follow-up reports.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6272

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

Avian influenza was found in sick and dead wild birds along the shores of a lake in a bird sanctuary.

Location: Theay commune, Ba Phnum district, Prey Veng province.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6273

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#Canada - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N5 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Immediate notification

On January 24, 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) was notified of mortality in a non-commercial backyard layer poultry farm in Newfoundland and Labrador. The CFIA National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease has confirmed on February 12, 2025 that the virus was H5N5. The HA of the H5 virus from the samples belongs to Eurasian Gs/GD lineage HPAI H5N1 (2.3.4.4b) with cleavage site motif of “PLREKRRKR/GLF”, compatible with HPAI viruses. The sample contained AI virus similar to European like - H5N5 (2023) viruses which came to Canada via the Atlantic flyway. The viruses contained wholly Eurasian H5N5 genome segments. The CFIA has immediately quarantined the IP and is implementing strict movement controls and a stamping out policy. Primary control zone (PCZ) has been put in place around the IP. Surveillance is ongoing in the affected areas. WOAH data on poultry and non-poultry can be visualized and extracted on the AI dashboard in domestic birds available at https://cahss.ca/cahss-networks/poultry-new (select poultry categories to show data related to HPAI poultry events 4294, 5229, 6003, and 6267). Wildlife surveillance as well as the Canadian Notifiable Avian Influenza Surveillance System (CanNAISS) activities for poultry are ongoing in Canada.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6267

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

A total of 390 birds belonging to various individual backyard owners in a village. The birds included various species such as chickens, geese, and ducks. There are no commercial poultry operations within the village or the surrounding 10km surveillance zone.

In Hatay Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6270

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North #American-Origin #Influenza A (#H10) viruses in Eurasian Wild #Birds (2022–2024): Implications for the Emergence of Human #H10N5 Virus

Abstract

During our surveillance of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in wild birds across China, H10Nx viruses were isolated from diverse migratory flyways between 2022 and 2024. We identified one wild-bird H10N5 strain that shared a common ancestor with the human H10N5 virus in multiple gene segments. Phylogenetic and molecular dating revealed the origin and evolution of H10N5, highlighting the need for continued monitoring.

Source: Emerging Microbes and Infections, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2025.2465308

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

Four Mute Swans in Federacija Bosna i Hercegovina. 

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6275?reportId=172294&fromPage=event-dashboard-url

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Combing the haystacks: The #search for highly pathogenic avian #influenza virus using a combined #clinical and research-developed #testing strategy

Abstract

Background: 

Highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza A has caused sporadic human infections, increasing the risk for potential human–to–human spread. In 2024, the U.S. experienced outbreaks among poultry and cattle, prompting enhanced surveillance. 

Objective: 

To evaluate an H5 testing algorithm in subjects with respiratory symptoms presenting for routine care during low influenza A virus circulation. 

Design: 

Observational study using clinical– and research–developed nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and pooled screening methods. 

Setting: 

Academic medical center in Boston, MA. 

Participants: 

5,400 symptomatic individuals contributing 6,935 respiratory specimens from June 23 to August 28, 2024. 

Measurements: 

Specimens underwent initial respiratory pathogen testing per clinical protocols, which did not routinely include influenza due to low summer–month prevalence. Influenza A–positive specimens were subtyped using a clinical assay for H5 assessment. SARS–CoV–2–negative specimens not tested for influenza were screened in pooled batches. Positive pools were deconvoluted to individual specimens and screened for H5 using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. 

Results: 

Influenza A was detected in 40 of 6,935 specimens (0.6%), comprising 35 of 5,400 unique subjects (0.7%). No H5 infections were identified. Of the 35 influenza–positive individuals, 10 cases (29%) were found through research–specific screening of SARS–CoV–2–negative specimens. No deaths attributed to influenza were recorded. 

Limitations: 

Single center design, convenience sampling, absence of ocular specimens, and minimal sampling in high–risk areas may limit generalizability. 

Conclusion: 

Expanded influenza testing using pooled NAATs successfully identified low–prevalence influenza A and ruled out H5 in this cohort. These data support targeted influenza screening to enhance surveillance for emerging subtypes rather than a broad–based clinical testing strategy for influenza A testing.

Source: MedRxIV, https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.12.25321810v1

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