Characterization of #H5N1 high pathogenicity avian #influenza virus belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b isolated from Ezo red #fox in #Japan in a mouse model

 

ABSTRACT

H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) has spread in wild birds and poultry worldwide. H5N1 HPAIV belonging to the currently predominant clade 2.3.4.4b has infected not only birds but also mammals (wild and domestic animals), with several human infections also being reported, raising concerns for public health. In 2022, a clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV strain, A/Ezo red fox/Hokkaido/1/2022 (H5N1; Fox/Hok/1/22), was isolated from an Ezo red fox (Vulpes vulpes schrencki) in Hokkaido, Japan; this was the first reported case of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV isolation from a mammalian species in Japan. Several amino acid substitutions in the PB2 protein play an important role in the adaptation of avian influenza viruses to mammals, but Fox/Hok/1/22 PB2 does not have any of these well-known mammalian-adapting PB2 substitutions. Here, we investigated the biological properties of Fox/Hok/1/22 in a mouse model and found that this virus was highly virulent in mice and replicated well in multiple organs, including the lungs and brain. We then examined whether viruses isolated from these organs acquired known mammalian-adapting PB2 amino acid substitutions, such as PB2 E627K. Deep sequencing analysis of viral RNA from mouse brain and lungs revealed that virus with PB2-627E was predominant in three of four mice, whereas the PB2-627K substitution was predominant in one mouse. These results indicate that Fox/Hok/1/22 is highly virulent in mice despite lacking known PB2 substitutions involved in mammalian adaptation.

IMPORTANCE

The H5N1 avian influenza virus has caused severe disease in birds worldwide and is now spreading to mammals, including humans. In 2022, this virus was detected for the first time in an Ezo red fox in Japan. To understand its potential impact on mammals, we studied this virus in mice and found that it caused severe illness, spreading to multiple organs, including the lungs and brain. Surprisingly, despite lacking genetic mutations typically associated with mammalian adaptation, the virus was highly virulent in mice. This finding suggests that the H5N1 virus may pose a greater threat to mammals, including humans, than previously thought. Given their continued spread among wild and domestic animals, our findings underscore the urgent need to monitor how recent H5N1 viruses behave in mammals.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/spectrum.01097-25

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Assessing #Ebola virus circulation in the Tshuapa province (#DRC): A #OneHealth #investigation of wildlife and #human interactions

 

Abstract

The wildlife reservoir and spillover mechanisms of Ebola virus remain elusive despite extensive research efforts in endemic areas. This study employed a One Health approach to examine the virus’ circulation in wildlife and the associated human exposure risks in the Tshuapa province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We screened 1049 samples from 919 animals, predominantly small mammals, collected in 2021, and 380 samples from inhabitants of Inkanamongo village, the site of an Ebola virus disease outbreak in 2014. These samples were screened for evidence of current (RNA) or past (IgG antibodies) Ebola virus infections. We also conducted interviews with 167 individuals in the surrounding districts to assess their interactions with wildlife. While no Ebola virus RNA was detected in the wildlife samples, anti-orthoebolavirus IgG antibodies were found in 13 bats and 38 rodents. Among the human participants, 120 individuals had IgG antibodies against at least 1 orthoebolavirus antigen, with 12 showing seropositivity for 2 antigens of the same orthoebolavirus, despite not having a prior Ebola disease diagnosis. Furthermore, the majority of respondents reported frequent visits to the forest to hunt a variety of wild animals, particularly ungulates and rodents, which could account for occasional viral spillovers. The absence of active Ebola virus circulation in wildlife may reflect seasonal patterns in reservoir ecology, as those observed in bats. Similarly, seasonal human activities, such as hunting and foraging, may result in periodic exposure risks. These findings highlight the importance of continuous, multidisciplinary surveillance to monitor changes in seasonal spillover risks.

Author summary

Since its discovery in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ebola virus (EBOV) has caused more than 20 outbreaks in humans, with fatality rates as high as 90%. While the virus is believed to have an animal origin, naturalist reservoir and the mechanisms of transmission to humans remain poorly understood. Gaining insight into which species may harbour the virus and how transmission occurs is essential to predict and prevent future outbreaks. In this study, we investigate EBOV exposure in wildlife and humans in a region of the DRC with a documented history of outbreaks. Although we did not detect active infection in animals, we found serological evidence of prior exposure in several bat and rodent species, as well as among local residents. Interviews with community members revealed frequent contact with wildlife through hunting and handling, practices that could elevate the risk of animal-to-human transmission. These findings offer new clues about possible EBOV reservoirs and highlight the role of human behaviours in facilitating facilitate spillover events. Our results underscore the need for continued, integrated surveillance to improve understanding of Ebola virus ecology and to help reduce the risk of future Ebola outbreaks in endemic regions.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1013628

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#Bacterial #Colonization and Life-Threatening #RSV #Infection in #children

 

Highlights

• Respiratory tract bacterial colonization was highly prevalent among RSV-infected children.

• Moraxella catarrhalis colonization was significantly associated with mild RSV disease.

• Haemophilus influenzae carriage showed a trend toward increased severity.

• Household crowding independently correlated with severe RSV outcomes.

• Airway microbiota may modulate RSV clinical outcomes.

Abstract

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus is a major cause of acute respiratory infection in children. While most cases are mild, some progress to life-threatening disease. The role of bacterial colonization in shaping respiratory syncytial virus outcomes remains incompletely understood.

Objective

To evaluate the association between respiratory tract bacterial colonization and respiratory syncytial virus disease severity in children.

Study design

Prospective cohort study conducted during 2019 and 2023. Children ≤24 months hospitalized with confirmed positive respiratory syncytial virus infection were enrolled. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected. respiratory syncytial virus subtypes, viral load, and detection of Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis were determined by qPCR.

Results

401 patients were hospitalized with acute respiratory infection, of which 172 (42.9%) had confirmed respiratory syncytial virus infection. Among them, 15 (8.7%) developed life-threatening disease. Bacterial colonization was highly prevalent (92.4%): H. influenzae (68%), S. pneumoniae (64.5%), and M. catarrhalis (52.9%). M. catarrhalis colonization was associated with mild disease (p=0.003), while H. influenzae showed a trend toward increased severity (p=0.054). Viral subtype and viral load were not linked to severity. Household crowding was independently associated with more severe disease (p=0.031).

Conclusions

Our results support the growing evidence that airway microbiota modulates respiratory syncytial virus outcomes and highlights M. catarrhalis as potential microbial determinant of disease progression.

Source: 

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1386653225001337?dgcid=rss_sd_all

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#Transmission, Pathological and Clinical Manifestations of Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza A Virus in #Mammals with Emphasis on #H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b

 

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus (HPAIV) H5N1, clade 2.3.4.4b, has emerged as a significant zoonotic threat. H5N1 is widely circulating in wild birds, and an increasing number of spillover events have been observed in a wide range of mammalian species. These cases are primarily reported in countries on the European and American continents. This review describes the likely transmission routes, lesions, and clinical manifestations of HPAIV H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in naturally infected mammals, with a focus on the involvement of the central nervous system (CNS). In the analysis, pathological findings were categorized by organ system and host species, which were further divided into terrestrial mammals, marine mammals, and dairy cattle. The most frequently reported clinical manifestations were neurological and respiratory signs in marine mammals and neurological signs and lethargy in terrestrial mammals. Macroscopic and histological lesions were commonly found in the CNS and lungs of terrestrial and marine mammals, while dairy cattle showed mainly gastrointestinal and mammary gland involvement. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcriptase real-time PCR analyses confirmed high viral loads in brain tissues, indicating a neurological tropism of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b. Routes of CNS invasion remain uncertain, though both hematogenous and olfactory nerve pathways are discussed. Recent evidence suggests mammal-to-mammal and vertical transmission, raising concerns for the zoonotic and pandemic potential of this virus. In conclusion, the findings emphasize an urgent need for enhanced surveillance to effectively disclose changes in viral pathogenicity and transmissibility among mammalian hosts.

Source: 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/12/1548

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Serological #Evidence of Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #H5N1 in Invasive Wild #Pigs in Western #Canada

 

Abstract

Influenza A virus (IAV) can infect a wide range of hosts, including wild and domestic pigs. Swine play an important role in influenza evolution and epidemiology due to their ability to get infected with both avian and human influenza viruses, potentially leading to reassorted virus variants. Interactions at the wild-domestic swine interface have been documented on multiple occasions, raising concern about pathogen transmission and the emergence of novel influenza strains. This study investigates the occurrence and subtypes of IAV infecting invasive wild pigs in Alberta, Canada. A total of 267 wild pigs were captured between 2021–2024. Exposure to IAV was initially detected by cELISA, with further confirmation of exposure to the H5Nx virus by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralization (VN) assays. Although no IAV genetic material was detected by qPCR, the seropositive samples by cELISA (4.17%; 5/120) coincided with the 2022–2024 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) H5N1 epizootic in Alberta, which involved outbreaks in wild species and domestic birds. These findings, combined with the epidemiological context, suggest interspecies transmission of HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b to wild pigs. These results highlight the potential role of wild pigs as a new host in Canada and emphasize the need for continued surveillance of IAV in wild pig populations to assess the risk of spillover events at the wildlife, livestock, and human interfaces.

Source: 

Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/tbed/2720469

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

Unspecified wild species sample from Jeollabuk-do Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6967

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Reconstructing the early spatial #spread of #pandemic respiratory #viruses in the #USA

 

Abstract

Understanding the geographic spread of emerging respiratory viruses is critical for pandemic preparedness, yet the early spatiotemporal dynamics of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in the United States (US) remain unclear. While mobility and genomic data have revealed important aspects of pandemic spatial spread, several key questions remain: Did the two pandemics follow similar spatial transmission routes? How rapidly did they spread across the US? What role did stochastic processes play in early spatial transmission? To address these questions, we integrated high-resolution disease data with a robust, data-efficient inference framework combining air travel, commuting flows, and pathogen superspreading potentials to reconstruct their spatial spread across US metropolitan areas. The two pandemics exhibited distinct transmission pathways across locations; however, both pandemics established local circulation in most metropolitan areas within weeks, driven by several shared transmission hubs. Early spatial spread was more strongly associated with air travel than with commuting, though stochastic dynamics introduced substantial uncertainty in transmission routes, creating challenges for timely detection and control. Simulations indicate that broad wastewater surveillance coverage beyond top transmission hubs coupled with effective infection control may slow initial spatial expansion. Our findings highlight the rapid, stochastic spread of pandemic respiratory pathogens and the difficulties of early outbreak containment.

Competing Interest Statement

JS and Columbia University disclose partial ownership of SK Analytics. Other authors declare no competing interest.

Funding Statement

This study was supported by funding from National Natural Science Foundation of China 12371516 (RZ), National Science Foundation DMS-2229605 (SP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention U01CK000592 (JS, SP) and 75D30122C14289 (JS), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases R01AI163023 (JS), Princeton Catalysis Initiative (BTG), Princeton Precision Health (BTG), and High Meadows Environmental Institute (BTG). The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the US National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or Department of Health and Human Services.

Source: 

Link: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.24.25340792v1

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Emergence of a novel #reassorted high pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N2 virus associated with severe #pneumonia in a young #adult

 

Abstract

Background 

Infection of backyard and poultry with low pathogenicity avian influenza LPAI A(H5N2) viruses has occurred in Mexico since 1994, and the first human infection caused by this influenza virus was detected in 2024. Since its emergence in the Americas, frequent reassortments between high pathogenicity avian influenza HPAI A(H5N1) and LPAI viruses has occurred. In September 2025, the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias of Mexico City identified an unsubtypeable influenza A virus infection in a young adult patient later determined to be a reassortant HPAI (H5N2) virus with a clade 2.3.4.4b HA. 

Methods 

We analyzed clinical and epidemiologic data from this patient. Respiratory samples were tested for influenza RT-qPCR assays. Genomic sequence and phylogenetics analyses were performed to provisionally assign a new genotype to the novel HPAI A(H5N2) reassortant virus. 

Results 

The patient presented with fever and tachypnea, later developed hemoptysis and thoracic pain, with oxygen saturation decreasing to 70%. CT scan showed bilateral ground-glass opacities consistent with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and zones consistent with consolidation. Clinical improvement was observed and the patient was discharged. Through viral complete genome analysis, we identified an HPAI A(H5N2) virus with genes from both clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) viruses similar to those detected in North America during 2022-2023 and genes from the LPAI A(H5N2) viruses detected in Mexico during 2024. 

Conclusions 

This is the first ever laboratory-confirmed human infection caused by an HPAI A(H5N2) virus infection, suggesting a new genotype provisionally classified as B3.14. The relationship of the virus with the severity of illness remains unknown.

Competing Interest Statement

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare that they have no competing interests. The sponsors had no role in the design, execution, interpretation, or writing of the study. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

Funding Statement

Funding: This work was financially supported by Secretaria de Ciencia, Humanidades, Tecnologia e Innovacion (SECIHTI), Grant CBF-2025-I-3693 to J.A.V.-P.

Source: 

Link: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.21.25340167v1

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#Antibody responses to #SARS-CoV-2 #variants #LP.8.1, LF.7.1, NB.1.8.1, #XFG, and BA.3.2 following KP.2 monovalent #mRNA #vaccination

 

ABSTRACT

The evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in antigenically distinct variants that challenge vaccine-induced immunity. The KP.2 monovalent mRNA vaccine was deployed in 2024 to address immune escape by emerging SARS-CoV-2 subvariants. We assessed neutralizing antibody responses in 56 adults with varied exposure histories following KP.2 vaccination against emerging variants including LP.8.1, LF.7.1, NB.1.8.1, XFG, and BA.3.2. While KP.2 vaccination enhanced neutralization against homologous variants, substantial reductions in neutralizing activity were observed against emerging Omicron variants across all exposure groups. Exposure history showed some influence on neutralization breadth, with self-reported vaccination-only participants exhibiting better cross-neutralization compared to individuals with hybrid immunity. Antigenic cartography revealed substantial antigenic distances between KP.2 and emerging variants, highlighting significant immune escape potential that threatens vaccine protection.

IMPORTANCE

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to evolve, producing variants that escape vaccine-induced immunity. The current work shows that KP.2 monovalent vaccination provides limited protection against antigenically distant Omicron variants (LP.8.1, LF.7.1, NB.1.8.1, XFG and BA.3.2). These findings highlight the ongoing challenge of maintaining vaccine effectiveness against evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants and argue for continuous updating of vaccines.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/mbio.02901-25?af=R

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Structural #insights into #MERS and #SARS #coronavirus #membrane proteins

 

Abstract

The membrane (M) protein of coronaviruses is essential for maintaining structural integrity during membrane virion budding and viral pathogenesis. Given its high conservation in lineages within the betacoronavirus genus, such as sarbecoviruses, the M protein presents as an attractive therapeutic target; however, developing broad-spectrum antivirals targeting coronaviruses such as MERS-CoV is challenging due to lower sequence conservation and limited structural information available beyond that of the SARS-CoV-2 M protein. In this study, we report 3-3.2 Å resolution structures of MERS-CoV M protein, engineered with a SARS-CoV-2-like antibody interface, representing the first human merbecovirus M protein structure, and SARS-CoV M protein structures, with and without a previously identified SARS-CoV-2 M protein inhibitor, JNJ-9676. We highlight the structural differences between the MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 M proteins, and present insights into the conservation of the JNJ-9676 binding pocket as well as key differences that could be targeted to accelerate the design of specific MERS-CoV and broad-spectrum antivirals targeting coronavirus M proteins.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-09042-3

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#USA, #Influenza A #H5: #Situation #summary of confirmed and probable #human cases since 2024 (as of Nov. 25 '25)

 

{Summary}

Confirmed Cases at National Level

[National - Total Cases: 71 {+1}{§}]

[Cases - Exposure Source]

-- 41 - Dairy Herds (Cattle){*}

-- 24 - Poultry Farms and Culling Operations{*}

-- 3 - Other Animal Exposure{†}

-- 3 - Exposure Source Unknown{‡}

Probable Cases at National Level

[National - Total Cases: 7 {no change}]

[Cases - Exposure Source]

-- 1 - Dairy Herds (Cattle){*}

-- 5 - Poultry Farms and Culling Operations{*}

-- 0 - Other Animal Exposure{†}

-- 1 - Exposure Source Unknown{‡}

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

(...)

{§} A case from Washington State, see more at: https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/grays-harbor-county-resident-dies-complications-avian-influenza

Source: 

Link: 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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Avian #influenza virus #H5N1 genotype D1.1 is better adapted to #human nasal and #airway organoids than genotype B3.13

 

Abstract

Three critically ill or fatal avian influenza A(H5N1) human infections have been reported in North America since November 2024. Notably, all were infected with genotype D1.1 instead of B3.13, the dominant genotype before November 2024. Here, we demonstrated that D1.1 could replicate to higher titers in human nasal and airway organoid-derived transwell monolayers from 6 donors. D1.1 exhibited a better binding to α2,3- and α2,6-linked SA than B3.13. No significant differences in most inflammatory or antiviral cytokines/chemokines was observed. These observations suggest that D1.1 is better adapted to both the upper and lower human respiratory tract epithelium than B3.13.

Source: 

Link: https://academic.oup.com/jid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/infdis/jiaf598/8341570#google_vignette

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Direct #airway delivery of a humanized anti - #H7N9 neutralizing #antibody broadly protects against divergent #H7 #influenza viruses in the mouse model

 

ABSTRACT

Passive administration of broadly neutralizing anti-influenza monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) before or after virus infection can prevent or alleviate disease. Unlike seasonal influenza, infection with zoonotic avian influenza viruses can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome and high mortality in humans. Respiratory tract-targeting antibody delivery appears to be more clinically relevant and effective for zoonotic influenza treatment. In this study, the efficacy of an anti-H7N9 murine mAb 4B7 and its humanized form (chi4B7) against H7 subtype influenza viruses administered through the intranasal route was investigated in mice. 4B7 recognizes critical residues in the vestigial esterase domain and receptor-binding sites in the hemagglutinin of H7N9 virus. The antibody had cross-H7 binding, hemagglutination inhibition, and neutralizing activities. In particular, the dose of 4B7 required for prophylactic protection against H7N9 infection was significantly reduced in mice treated locally (intranasal) compared with those treated systemically (intraperitoneal). Intranasal delivery of the antibody also enhanced therapeutic efficacy against H7N9 infection compared to intraperitoneal administration. Chi4B7 generated by grafting the variable regions onto the human IgG1 backbone sustained cross-reactivity with different H7 viruses of the parental murine antibody. Airway-delivered chi4B7 provided broad prophylactic and therapeutic protection against divergent H7 viruses in mice. Moreover, intranasal administration of chi4B7 had a long effective prophylaxis window against H7N9 infection. Our results suggest that airway delivery of the humanized anti-H7 antibody is a favorable approach for broad-spectrum prophylaxis and therapy against the H7 subtype influenza.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jvi.01327-25

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#Nomenclature #updates to the hemagglutinin gene #clade designations resulting from continued #evolution of high pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5 virus clades 2.3.2.1c and 2.3.4.4

 

Abstract

The evolutionary divergence of the A(H5) hemagglutinin (HA) gene of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses (A/goose/Guangdong/96 lineage) was analyzed by phylogenetic and average pairwise distance methods to identify clades that merit nomenclature updates. Based on this assessment, 12 new clade designations were recommended based on division of clade 2.3.2.1c and 2.3.4.4 viruses, which were reported in Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and Oceania since the most recent WHO/WOAH/FAO H5 Evolution Working Group update.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.23.690055v1

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

 

A poultry farm in Opolskie Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7037

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#Concern for Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #Spillover into #Cetaceans

 

Abstract

Influenza A virus (IAV) has a wide range of avian and mammalian hosts, leading to disease outbreaks and increasing the risk of panzootics and pandemics. Subtype H5N1 of clade 2.3.4.4b is causing the current high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) panzootic. Environmental changes are fuelling the spread of HPAI H5N1 in wildlife worldwide, with occasional spillover events from seabirds to cetaceans. Sampling difficulties and limited tests available for diagnosis are a challenge to cetacean virology research. Understanding the risk of HPAI outbreaks in cetaceans requires a comprehensive examination of events of IAV infection. Documented cases relate to IAV subtypes H1N3, H13N2, H13N9, and H5N1 and have been reported in cetaceans sampled in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans. The number of H5N1 IAV isolated from cetaceans is increasing and affects six host species of the families Delphinidae and Phocoenidae of the suborder Odontoceti. The analysis of 40 molecular markers of viral adaptation to mammals in 21 H5N1 cetacean isolates reveals mutations are present in three viral proteins: hemagglutinin (HA), polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2), and nucleoprotein (NP). Phylogenetic analysis of HA and PB2 sequences isolated from cetaceans and co-occurring cases in seabirds and marine mammals do not support sustained transmission of the virus between cetaceans. IAV H5N1 appears to be reaching cetaceans after spillover from seabirds and other marine mammals. Increasing worldwide surveillance of IAV infection of cetaceans is crucial, as these marine mammals are sentinel species for human pandemic preparedness and key species for marine biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health.

Source: 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/12/1536

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A Church among Trees, Samuel Palmer (1830)

 

Public domain.

Source: 

Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/samuel-palmer/a-church-among-trees-1830

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#Rat #Coronavirus Epizootiology in Wild Rattus norvegicus

 

Abstract

From 2006 through 2008, 543 synanthropic Rattus norvegicus were sampled from 20 alleys clustered in five high-density human neighborhoods throughout Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Results indicated that rat coronaviruses (RCV) circulated endemically and infected most rats in the region. Collected animals were tested by serology and RT-PCR for evidence of exposure to RCV and the results were used to characterize the epizootiology of natural infection. Serology showed that 71.8% of rats had IgG antibodies to RCV, indicating previous exposure, while only 3.0% showed evidence of recent infection based on positive PCR results. Incidence was estimated at 16% per month. Antibody and PCR results were uniformly distributed throughout the city. Consistent with historical laboratory studies, RCV appeared to be horizontally transmitted and generated an acute infection with a short period of infectiousness. Evidence of past infection increased with rat age but did not differ significantly between males and females. The low incidence (6/1000) of infectious rats (PCR positive/IgG negative) limits the risk of spillover to nearby species, including humans. These results encourage surveys for other wildlife agents to collect sufficient samples to estimate the power to detect the agents and use serological surveys as a screening tool if active infection is of short duration. Otherwise, substantial efforts may be expended with a low likelihood of detection.

Source: 

Link: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/15303667251396375

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History of Mass Transportation: The Renault ZO Diesel Autorial

 

Par Auteur inconnu — old image Collection Jean-Pierre Vergez-Larrouy, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23989637

Source: 

Link: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autorail_Renault

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History of Mass Transportation: The Diesel Locomotive Brissoneau & Lotz from Chemins de fer de Provence (1951, metric gauge), at Nice-Lingostière Workshop

 

By Eric.Coffinet~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). - No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10366620

Source: 

Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Brissonneau_et_Lotz_locomotives

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