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

{England, Lincoln Region} A commercial flock of 3,800 laying ducks. Samples taken were positive for HPAI H5N1. Birds presented clinical signs prior to testing.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7440

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

 

A poultry farm in Zanzan Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7446

____

Cross - #protection against highly pathogenic avian #influenza #H5N1 virus from seasonal influenza #vaccines: a systematic review and meta-analysis of #ferret studies

 

ABSTRACT

The recent surge in spillover events of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b to humans and mammals in North America has raised urgent pandemic concerns. Human H5N1 vaccines are unavailable in most countries. We synthesized data from ferret challenge trials to evaluate whether widely available seasonal influenza vaccines confer cross-protection against lethal H5N1 infection. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for ferret studies of lethal H5N1 challenge published up to 5 July 2025 (PROSPERO #CRD42024520346). Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to compare vaccine efficacy (VE) of seasonal influenza vaccines and H5N1 vaccines against H5N1-related mortality. Seroprotection was defined as a neutralizing antibody titre of ≥1:40. We identified 35 studies (157 trials). Seasonal influenza vaccines without N1 did not confer significant cross-protection (five trials; VE 14.8%, 95% CI –3.6 to 30.0). In contrast, VE was 73% for N1-containing seasonal influenza vaccines (19 trials; 95% CI 54–84) and 77% for H5N1 vaccines overall (133 trials; 95% CI 72–82) (p = 0.52). The VE of N1-containing seasonal influenza vaccines was modestly lower than that of H5N1 vaccines with seroprotection (88%; 66 trials; 95% CI 84–91; p = 0.009), but comparable to H5N1 vaccines that did not achieve seroprotection (63%; 67 trials; 95% CI 52–71; p = 0.29). The VE of seasonal influenza vaccines against H5N1 was robust across sensitivity analyses, with no evidence of publication bias (p = 0.99). Seasonal influenza vaccines significantly reduce H5N1-associated mortality in ferret trials, suggesting the cross-protection potential of currently available vaccines. Human studies are warranted.

Source: 

Link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2026.2654278

____

#SARS-CoV-2 #vaccination and #infection elicit cross-neutralizing responses against clade 3 and 4 #sarbecoviruses

 

Abstract

Two sarbecoviruses, SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 that engage ACE2 through their receptor-binding domains, have caused major human outbreaks. The pandemic potential of sarbecoviruses has prompted the discovery and classification of bat and other zoonotic sarbecoviruses that are also able to use human ACE2 or ACE2 ortholog receptors for infection. However, the current human immunological landscape reactive to these SARS-CoV-2-related viruses is not well profiled. Using a panel of pseudotyped lentiviruses expressing only spike proteins, we assess serum neutralization activity against clade 3 and 4 (also designated as clade 1c) receptor binding domain classified sarbecoviruses in a cohort who received a primary series of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines as well as individuals before and after infection with BA.5 or XBB.1.5 variants. Detectable neutralizing responses against clade 3 and 4 sarbecoviruses are observed in both vaccinees and convalescents and are comparable in magnitude to titers against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Infection with XBB.1.5 increases neutralization titers against SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as against clade 3 and 4 sarbecoviruses. Collectively, our findings suggest that the current immunologic landscape of vaccination and infection may confer some level of immunity against a variety of clade 3 and 4 sarbecoviruses, which should inform future pandemic response and pan-sarbecovirus countermeasure efforts.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-71662-y

____

The virus entry #inhibitor ARN-75039 provides therapeutic #protection against #Lassa virus infection in guinea pigs

 

Abstract

Lassa virus (LASV), a member of the Arenaviridae family, causes Lassa fever. There are no vaccines available for prevention of Lassa fever, and the primary therapeutic for treatment (ribavirin) has questionable antiviral activity and no formal approval for use. Here, we evaluated ARN-75039, an orally bioavailable broad-spectrum mammarenavirus entry inhibitor, against LASV infection in outbred Hartley guinea pigs exposed to a guinea pig–adapted LASV. ARN-75039 was administered for 14 days either 3 or 7 days postexposure (dpe) to LASV. In the first two studies, once-daily dosing at 3 dpe provided protection against lethal infection. A third study with twice-daily dosing at 7 dpe also achieved protection. Both drug regimens offered 100% protection at the lowest tested doses of 3.75 mg/kg (once-daily administration) or 7.5 mg/kg (twice-daily administration). ARN-75039–treated animals exhibited minimal disease signs and undetectable viremia. These results suggest that ARN-75039, for which a phase 1 human clinical trial has now been completed, may offer robust protection against LASV infection.

Source: 

Link: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adx0938

____

Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #H5N1 Virus #RNA in #Bovine #Semen, #California, #USA, 2024

 

Abstract

Since March 2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus has infected dairy cattle in the United States, prompting concern about novel transmission routes. During an outbreak in California, HPAI H5N1 RNA was detected in an asymptomatic bull’s semen. Although infectious virus was not isolated, semen-associated transmission risks and biosecurity practices remain a concern.

Source: 

Link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/32/5/25-1639_article

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#SARS-CoV-2 and #MERS-CoV disrupt #host #protein synthesis via nsp1 with differential effects on the integrated stress response

 

Significance

Coronaviruses cause disease across a wide range of animal species and the human coronaviruses SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV have caused epidemics of severe respiratory illness. Thus, it is imperative to understand how these viruses antagonize host responses and cause lethal disease. We show here that the betacoronavirus nonstructural protein 1 (nsp1) promotes shutdown of host protein synthesis while preserving viral protein synthesis and, in addition, promotes degradation of host mRNAs. However, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV differ in their ability to manipulate the host integrated stress response, indicating that it is important to understand detailed coronavirus–host interactions and how they differ even between lethal coronaviruses. Such insights will inform the development of antiviral therapeutics to treat and prevent current and future coronavirus outbreaks.

Abstract

Coronaviruses pose a serious threat to public health, driving the need for antiviral therapeutics and vaccines. Therefore, it is paramount to understand how this family of viruses evades cellular antiviral responses and establishes productive infection. The conserved coronavirus nonstructural protein 1 (nsp1) has been shown to inhibit host protein synthesis and, in some coronaviruses, promote host messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation while viral mRNAs are protected. We showed previously that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) induces activation of host integrated stress response (ISR) kinases protein kinase R (PKR) and PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), which promote phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α) and consequent inhibition of host protein synthesis. In contrast, eIF2α remains unphosphorylated during Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. To investigate the interactions of nsp1 and the ISR kinases, we utilized recombinant SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV expressing nsp1 with mutations in each of two conserved domains. Upon infection with SARS-CoV-2 nsp1 mutants, translation was shut down in wildtype (WT) and PKR knockout (KO) cells but rescued in PERK KO cells, likely due to reduced p-eIF2α. In contrast, translation was rescued during infection with the analogous MERS-CoV nsp1 mutants even in WT cells. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 WT suppressed expression of GADD34, a negative regulator of eIF2α phosphorylation, while SARS-CoV-2 nsp1 mutants induced GADD34. In contrast, MERS-CoV WT induced GADD34. Utilizing single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization, we found that SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV nsp1 promote host mRNA degradation during WT, but not nsp1 mutant, infection. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV differ in interactions with the ISR and nsp1 control of host protein synthesis.

Source: 

Link: https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2536296123?af=R

____

#Vaccine-Elicited #Antibody Responses to #Influenza #H3N2 Subclade K

 

{Summary}

Influenza A(H3N2) subclade K (J.2.4.1) is a genetic branch of H3N2 with 11 mutations in hemagglutinin compared with the A/H3N2/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2 CR/23) vaccine strain, of which 8 mutations are on the hemagglutinin head surface (...) (...). As of February 2026, influenza A viruses currently represent approximately 96.3% of circulating influenza strains in the US, with H3N2 accounting for 88.4% of influenza isolates and subclade K comprising 91.5% of H3N2 isolates. The rapid expansion of H3N2 subclade K represents a major public health concern. This study reports antibody responses to H3N2 subclade K and other influenza strains before and after influenza vaccination.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2846268

____

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

 

A wild Whooper Swan in Kastoria Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7433

____

Avian #Influenza #Report - Reporting period: April 5 – 11, '26 (Wk 15) (HK CHP April 14, 2026): 2 new #human #H9N2 influenza cases in #China

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

-- Avian influenza A(H9N2): 

- Guangdong Province: 

1) A three-year-old boy with onset on January 20, 2026. 

- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: 

2) A 63-year-old man with onset on February 5, 2026. 

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2026_avian_influenza_report_vol22_wk15.pdf

____

#Population #immunity to clade 2.3.4.4b #H5N1 is dominated by anti - #neuraminidase #antibodies

 

ABSTRACT

Clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses continue to expand geographically and across mammalian hosts, raising concern about pandemic potential. The degree and specificity of pre-existing immunity in humans are key determinants of this risk. We analyzed hemagglutinin (HA)- and neuraminidase (NA)-specific antibody responses in 300 sera collected from adults in New York City. While HA directed binding antibodies to clade 2.3.4.4b H5 were low and hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies were absent, we detected widespread binding and functional NA antibodies against N1 neuraminidases from clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses. Neuraminidase inhibition (NI) titers were highest against North American D1.1 genotype N1 viruses and correlated strongly with neutralizing activity, whereas HA-binding antibodies did not. An additional N-linked glycosylation site, as found in the NA of a human D1.1 isolate from British Columbia, reduced susceptibility to NI antibodies. Antibodies titer to N5 from H5N5 were low to minimal. These findings indicate that population-level immunity to clade 2.3.4.4b H5 viruses is dominated by NA-directed antibodies, with important implications for pandemic risk assessment.

IMPORTANCE

Understanding how pre-existing human immunity shapes susceptibility to emerging influenza viruses is central to pandemic preparedness. Here, we determined that human sera contain widespread, functional antibodies targeting H5N1 neuraminidase, which correlate with virus neutralization, whereas HA-directed responses are limited. We further show that acquisition of an NA glycosylation site reduces antibody inhibition, highlighting a potential pathway for immune evasion. These results identify neuraminidase-specific immunity as a major immunological barrier to severe H5N1 disease in humans and emphasize the need to incorporate NA antigenicity into influenza surveillance, risk assessment, and next-generation vaccine design.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.00445-26

____

#Genomic similarity to quantitatively evaluate the #reassortment #potential of #H7N9 with other subtypes of avian #influenza viruses

 

Abstract

Introduction: 

The H7N9 influenza virus poses a significant public health threat due to its potential for reassortment and cross-species transmission. This study aims to systematically evaluate the genomic similarity between H7N9 and other influenza A subtypes to identify strains with high reassortment potential and characterize their spatiotemporal and host distribution patterns.

Methods: 

We analyzed nearly 4,000 H7N9 sequences from GISAID and NCBI, alongside representative sequences of other influenza A subtypes. Open reading frames were extracted, and a genomic similarity index was constructed using Euclidean distance, dot product, and cosine similarity measures, with weights optimized via principal component analysis. The index was applied to quantify inter-subtype similarity and predict reassortment-prone strains.

Results: 

High sequence similarity was observed between H7N9 and cognate subtypes (e.g., H7N3, H15N9), with H7N3 exhibiting the highest similarity index (1.00). Validation using known reassortant strains, such as A/Yixing/805/2022 (H3N2), confirmed that strains with high reassortment potential showed significantly elevated similarity scores across all gene segments (p< 0.001). High-similarity outliers analysis identified 581 spillover events, temporally concentrated during 2014–2017, and spatially clustered in regions like the United States, Europe, and Hong Kong. Host analysis highlighted birds—especially chickens, ducks, and turkeys—as key reservoirs for reassortment.

Discussion: 

The genomic similarity index effectively identifies influenza A subtypes with high reassortment potential, supported by retrospective validation and spatiotemporal congruence with documented outbreaks. The concentration of high-similarity strains in specific hosts and regions underscores the role of ecological factors in viral evolution. These findings provide a predictive framework for monitoring emergent reassortants and inform targeted surveillance strategies.

Source: 

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2026.1777911/full

____

ONWARD: a #OneHealth, pan - #European multidisciplinary #network advancing #surveillance, #research, clinical management and control of zoonotic #hepeviruses

 

Highlight

• HEV remains the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis in Europe

• Surveillance and diagnostics for HEV are heterogeneous across EU/EEA

• Zoonotic HEV circulates widely in pigs, wildlife and food chains

• Rat HEV expands the zoonotic spectrum and clinical burden in Europe

• ONWARD integrates One Health surveillance, research and capacity building

Abstract

Zoonotic hepeviruses, particularly hepatitis E virus (HEV, species Paslahepevirus balayani) represent a major yet underestimated public health challenge in Europe. Despite being the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis, surveillance, diagnostic practices and prevention strategies remain heterogeneous across EU/EEA countries, limiting comparability and hindering accurate burden estimates. Underdiagnosis is further compounded by extrahepatic manifestations and the growing impact of chronic HEV infection in immunocompromised patients. At the human–animal–environment interface, zoonotic HEV circulates widely in domestic pigs, wildlife and food products, while coordinated surveillance and control measures remain inconsistently implemented. The recent recognition of ratHEV (species Rocahepevirus ratti) as a cause of acute and chronic hepatitis in Europe further expands the spectrum of zoonotic hepevirus infections and underscores the need for integrated One Health approaches. To address these challenges, the One Health Zoonotic Hepevirus Network (ONWARD; COST Action CA24140) was launched in 2025 as a pan-European, multidisciplinary collaboration uniting experts across human, veterinary, food safety and environmental health sectors. ONWARD aims to harmonise diagnostic tools, strengthen clinical research, integrate multisectoral surveillance, promote capacity building and support evidence-based policy development. By fostering coordination with European stakeholders ONWARD provides a structured framework to strengthen preparedness, surveillance and response to zoonotic hepevirus threats across Europe.

Source: 

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1386653226000338?dgcid=rss_sd_all

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The Raising of Lazarus, Rembrandt (1630)

 

Public Domain.

Source: 

Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/rembrandt/the-raising-of-lazarus-1630

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Historical #Pandemic and Contemporary #Influenza A Viruses Reveal #PB2 M631L as a Convergent #Adaptation to #Human ANP32

 

Abstract

Understanding the genetic changes that allow avian influenza A viruses (IAVs) to switch their natural hosts and establish productive infection in humans is important for pandemic risk assessment. Adaptations in the IAV polymerase are required to overcome species-specific restrictions imposed by host ANP32 proteins. Notably, avian virus polymerase is generally only poorly supported by human ANP32 proteins due to species-specific differences. Consequently, efficient polymerase adaptation to the binding interface of human ANP32 requires distinct amino acid changes, such as PB2 E627K. A separate adaptation, PB2 M631L, has recently been reported in mammalian-adapted IAV; however, its functional role across divergent viral lineages and its relationship to host ANP32-dependent adaptation remain incompletely defined. Here, we examine PB2 M631L in the polymerases of a 1918 pandemic strain, a recombinant contemporary H1N1pdm09, and a recent clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 virus. Using polymerase activity and protein-interaction assays, we show that PB2 M631L enhances polymerase activity and ANP32 binding in human—but not avian—contexts, and that this effect is conserved across multiple viral backgrounds. In H1N1pdm09, PB2 M631L also increased virus replication in mammalian cells. These findings indicate that PB2 M631L contributes to enhanced polymerase compatibility with human ANP32 proteins and are consistent with a role in adaptation across multiple influenza virus lineages. Our results highlight how analysis of historical pandemic strains can inform risk assessment for future emerging viruses.

Source: 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/14/4/859

____

History of Mass Transportation: The Vagónka Studénka Krokodýl (Crocodile) Autorail (1962–68)

By Vít Javůrek - http://www.mujweb.cz/www/mhd_jama/vlaky3/Krasa10/olrepc1.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6311434

Source: 

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Czech_locomotive_classes

____

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Predicting the #antigenic #evolution of seasonal #influenza viruses using phylogenetic #convergence

 

Abstract

The antigenic evolution of human seasonal influenza viruses is primarily driven by single amino acid substitutions immediately adjacent to the receptor binding site in the hemagglutinin (HA) protein. The ability to predict these substitutions would allow vaccine strains to be selected with an understanding of likely future antigenic variation. Here, we estimate the effect of HA substitutions on viral fitness using measurements of convergent evolution in a large phylogeny. We show that the substitutions which have historically caused major antigenic changes in H3N2 influenza viruses were nearly always one of few substitutions near the HA receptor binding site estimated to be under positive selection in sequences collected before the antigenic transition, based on convergent acquisition of the substitution in multiple independent lineages. Furthermore, this signal predates the establishment of the major clade containing the antigenic substitution by more than one year, so is highly informative for prospective prediction.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, https://ror.org/043z4tv69, 75N93021C00014

National Institutes of Health, https://ror.org/01cwqze88, R01AI165818

Medical Research Council, https://ror.org/03x94j517, MR/Y004337/1

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.10.717627v1

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Respirable #Aerosol #Production and Reduction of Avian #Influenza #Transmission #Risk during #Chicken Processing, #Bangladesh

 

Abstract

In Bangladesh, influenza A(H5N1) viruses are endemic in poultry. Processing infected chickens can aerosolize viruses, increasing the risk for human infections. We evaluated particulate matter (PM2.5) mass concentration during slaughtering and defeathering methods used in live bird markets in Bangladesh to identify solutions to reduce aerosol exposure. We slaughtered 675 chickens using cones and barrels with 3 lid types and defeathered 45 chickens using a defeathering machine with 5 lid types. We interviewed 3 slaughterers to understand method preference. For slaughtering, barrels with a solid or star-cut lid reduced PM2.5 mass concentrations by 65%–73% compared with uncovered barrels. For defeathering, machines fully covered by a solid lid or lid with a hole and pivot door reduced PM2.5 mass concentrations by 50% compared with machines with no lid. Slaughterers preferred barrels covered with solid lids and defeathering machines covered with solid or hinged lids. Those methods might reduce aerosol exposure during poultry processing.

Source: 

Link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/32/4/25-1878_article

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