ETIDIOH - NEW

Exposure Source [ State -  Exposure Associated with Commercial Agriculture and Related Operations: Dairy Herds (Cattle) - Poultry Farms and Culling Operations - Other Animal Exposure† - Exposure Source Unknown‡ - State Total ] 1) California -  35 - 0 - 0 - 1 -  36 {+2} 2)  Colorado -  1 - 9 - 0 - 0 -  10 3) Louisiana -  0 - 0 - 1 - 0 -  1 {+1}  4) Michigan -  2 - 0 - 0 - 0 -  2 5) Missouri -  0 - 0 - 0 - 1 -  1 6) Oregon -  0 - 1 - 0 - 0 -  1 7) Texas -  1 - 0 - 0 - 0 -  1 8) Washington -  0 - 11 - 0 - 0 -  11 9) Wisconsin -  0 - 1 - 0 - 0 -  1 {+1} --  Source Total -  39 - 22 - 1 - 2 -  64 {+3} NOTE : One additional case was previously detected in a poultry worker in Colorado in 2022. † Exposure was related to...

Summary The purpose of this guidance is to outline CDC's recommendations for preventing exposures to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses, infection prevention and control measures including the use of personal protective equipment , testing, antiviral treatment , patient investigations , monitoring of exposed persons (including persons exposed to sick or dead wild and domesticated animals and livestock with suspected or confirmed infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus), and antiviral chemoprophylaxis of exposed persons. These recommendations are based on available information and will be updated as needed when new information becomes available. (...) Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/hpai-interim-recommendations.html _____

Abstract During the 2023–2024 winter, 11 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks caused by clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 and H5N6 HPAI viruses were confirmed in Japanese domestic poultry among 10 prefectures (n = 10 and 1, respectively). In this study, we aimed to genetically and pathologically characterize these viruses. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that H5N1 viruses were classified into the G2d-0 genotype , whereas the H5N6 virus was a novel genotype in Japan, designated as G2c-12. The G2c-12 virus shared PB2, PB1, PA, HA, and M genes with previous G2c viruses , but had NP and NS genes originating from avian influenza viruses in wild birds abroad. The N6 NA gene was derived from an H5N6 HPAI virus that was different from the viruses responsible for the outbreaks in Japan in 2016–2017 and 2017–2018. Experimental infections in chickens infected with H5N1(G2d-0) and H5N6(G2c-12) HPAI viruses showed no significant differences in the 50% chicken lethal dose, mean death time, or virus ...

ABSTRACT Neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) are important for the treatment of emerging viral diseases and for effective vaccine development. In this study, we generated and evaluated three nAbs (1H9, 2D7, and C4H4) against H7N9 influenza viruses and found that they differ in their ability to inhibit viral attachment, membrane fusion, and egress . We resolved the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of H7N9 hemagglutinin (HA) alone and in complex with the nAb antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) and identified the HA head-located epitope for each nAb, thereby revealing the molecular basis and key residues that determine the differences in these nAbs in neutralizing H7N9 viruses. Moreover, we found that the humanized nAb CC4H4 provided complete protection in mice against death caused by a lethal H7N9 virus infection, even when nAb was given 3 days after the mice were infected. These findings provide new insights into the neutralizing mechanism and structural basis for the rational desi...

 {Summary} Situation at a glance On 20 December 2024, after two consecutive incubation periods (total of 42 days) since the second negative PCR test was conducted on 7 November for the last confirmed Marburg case, and without a new confirmed case reported , the Ministry of Health of Rwanda declared the end of the Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak , as per the WHO recommendations.  The outbreak had been declared on 27 September 2024 .  As of 19 December 2024, 66 confirmed cases,15 deaths with a case fatality ratio ( CFR) of 23%, and 51 recovered cases have been reported.  The last confirmed case was reported on 30 October 2024 .  WHO through its country office and development partners provided technical and financial support to the government to contain this outbreak.  The risk of re-emergence of MVD still remains even after the official declaration of the end of the outbreak, linked to viral persistence in body fluids (mostly semen) of recovered patients...

 {Excerpt} Influenza at the human-animal interface   Summary and risk assessment, from 2 November to 12 December 2024   • New human cases : From 2 November to 12 December 2024, the detection of influenza A(H5) virus in 16 humans and influenza A( H9N2 ) virus in nine humans were reported officially.   • Circulation of influenza viruses with zoonotic potential in animals: High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) events in poultry and non-poultry continue to be reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) also provides a global update on avian influenza viruses with pandemic potential.   • Risk assessment : Based on information available at the time of the risk assessment, the overall public health risk from currently known influenza viruses at the human-animal interface has not changed remains low . Sustained human to human transmission has not been reported from these eve...

Assessment based on data as of 18 November 2024   12 December 2024  Key points   At the present time , based on available information , FAO-WHO-WOAH assess the global public health risk of influenza A(H5N1) viruses to be low , while the risk of infection for occupationally exposed persons is low to moderate depending on the risk mitigation measures in place and the local avian influenza epidemiological situation.  Transmission between animals continues to occur and, to date, a growing yet still limited number of human infections are being reported.  Although additional human infections associated with exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments are expected to occur, the overall public health impact of such infections at a global level, at the present time, is minor .  This risk assessment from FAO, WHO, and WOAH updates the assessment of the risk of zoonotic transmission (for example, animal to human) considering additional information made a...

 {Excerpt} Time Period: December 08 - December 14, 2024 H5 Detection : 49 sites (14.5%) No Detection : 288 sites (85.5%) No samples in last week : 35 sites (...) Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/h5-monitoring/index.html _____

{Excerpt} Three confirmed cases and one probable influenza A(H5) case were reported to CDC this week .  To date, human-to-human transmission of influenza A(H5) virus has not been identified in the United States . Two of these confirmed cases were reported by the California Department of Public Health. The cases occurred in a workers aged ≥18 years at a commercial dairy cattle farm in an area where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses had been detected in cows. The individuals had mild symptoms , which they reported to local health department officials. There have now been 34 total confirmed cases and one probable case in California. The other confirmed case was reported by the Louisiana Department of Health. This case occurred in an individual aged ≥18 years . This individual developed respiratory symptoms during week 48 and was hospitalized with their illness. A respiratory specimen was collected at the healthcare facility and tested positive for influenza A, b...

 A wild Eurasian Lynx in Troms Og Finnmark. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6117 _____

 Forty Southern elephant seal (WILD), Sealion Island. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6118 _____

 A wild red fox in Podravska Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6119 ____

Abstract A historical perspective of more than one hundred years of influenza surveillance in New York State demonstrates the progression from anecdotes and case counts to next-generation sequencing and electronic database management, greatly improving pandemic preparedness and response . Here, we determined if influenza virologic surveillance at the New York State public health laboratory (NYS PHL) tests sufficient specimen numbers within preferred confidence limits to assess situational awareness and detect novel viruses that pose a pandemic risk. To this end, we analyzed retrospective electronic data on laboratory test results for the influenza seasons 1997–1998 to 2021–2022 according to sample sizes recommended in the Influenza Virologic Surveillance Right Size Roadmap issued by the Association of Public Health Laboratories and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although data solely from specimens submitted to the NYS PHL were insufficient to meet surveillance goals, when ...

{Extract} Since late 2023, more than 10 000 locally acquired cases of Oropouche virus have been reported in the Americas .1 Here, we describe the first cluster of Oropouche virus imported into France from Cuba , where transmission has been ongoing since at least May, 2024.2 Oropouche virus infection was documented in a group of five women (patients 1–5, confirmed cases) travelling to Cuba with two infants (patients 6–7, suspect cases) between July 28 and Aug 14, 2024. During their stay, patients 1–5 developed a dengue-like syndrome lasting 2–11 days, presenting symptoms similar to those described in the literature for Oropouche virus infection (appendix p 8).3 After recovery, patients 1, 2, and 5 experienced symptom relapse upon their return to France; the observed relapse rate aligns with recent estimates suggesting that 60% of patients with Oropouche virus experience a biphasic illness (appendix pp 7–8).4 During relapse, patient 1 sought medical advice, becoming the first diagnosed O...

Abstract Development of an efficacious universal influenza vaccines remains a long-sought goal. Current vaccines have shortfalls such as mid/low efficacy and needing yearly strain revisions to account for viral drift/shift. Horses undergo bi-annual vaccines for the H3N8 equine influenza virus , and surveillance of sera from vaccinees demonstrated very broad reactivity and neutralization to many influenza strains. Subsequently, vaccinating mice using the equine A/Kentucky/1/1991 strain or recombinant hemagglutinin (HA) induced similar broadly reactive and neutralizing antibodies to seasonal and high pathogenicity avian influenza strains. Challenge of vaccinated mice protected from lethal virus challenges across H1N1 and H3N2 strains . This protection correlated with neutralizing antibodies to the HA head, esterase, and stem regions. Vaccinated ferrets were also protected after challenge with H1N1 influenza A/07/2009 virus using whole viral or HA. These data suggest that equine H3N8 indu...

Abstract Background .  Understanding the interference patterns of respiratory viruses could be important for shedding light on potential strategies to combat these human infectious agents.  Objective .  To investigate the possible interactions between adenovirus type 2 (AdV2), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ( SARS-CoV-2 ) and influenza A/H1N1 pandemic (H1N1pdm09) using the A549 cell line .  Methods .  Single infections, co-infections, and superinfections (at 3 and 24 h after the first virus infection) were performed by varying the multiplicity of infection (MOI). Virus replication kinetics and the mRNA expression of IFN-α, IL-1α and IL-6 were assessed by real-time qPCR.  Results .  Co-infection experiments showed different growth dynamics , depending on the presence of the specific virus and time. AdV2 replication remained stable or possibly enhanced in the presence of co-infection with each of the two H1N1pdm09 and SARS-CoV-2 viruses ...

Abstract The emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H5N1 virus in dairy cattle marks a troubling new chapter in the ongoing battle against zoonotic diseases . Since its initial detection in 1955, the H5N1 virus has primarily been associated with poultry , posing significant threats to both animal and human health . However, recent outbreaks in U.S. dairy herds across nine states have revealed an alarming expansion of the virus , with over 190 herds affected as of September 2024. This unprecedented spread in cattle has sparked intense concern among scientists and health officials, especially with reports indicating that up to 20% of dairy products may contain traces of the virus . The implications of the H5N1 virus establishing itself in cattle populations are profound. This potential endemic presence could transform dairy farms into reservoirs of the virus , facilitating its evolution and increasing the risk of human transmission . Mutations enhancing viral replication...

Abstract The duck CD8+ T-cell response effectively defends against H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) infection , but the recognized peptide is rarely identified. Here, we found that the ratio of CD8+ T cells and the expression of IFN-γ and cytotoxicity-associated genes , including granzyme A/K, perforin and IL2, at 7 days post-infection in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from B1 haplotype ducks significantly increased in the context of defending against H5N1 AIV infection in vivo. Moreover, similar results were observed in cultured and sorted H5N1 AIV-stimulated duck CD8+ T cells in vitro. Next, we selected 109 epitopes as candidate epitopes on the basis of the MHC-I restriction binding peptide prediction website database and further identified twelve CD8+ T-cell epitopes that significantly increased IFN-γ gene expression after stimulating B1 haplotype duck memory PBMCs. In particular, NP338−346, NP473−481, M2−10, PB1540−548 and PA80−88 were highly conserv...

Abstract The global spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus poses a serious pandemic threat , necessitating the swift development of effective vaccines. The success of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine technology in the COVID-19 pandemic, marked by its rapid development and scalability , demonstrates its potential for addressing other infectious threats , such as HPAI A(H5N1). We therefore evaluated mRNA vaccine candidates targeting panzootic influenza A(H5) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses, which have been shown to infect a range of mammalian species , including most recently being detected in dairy cattle . Ferrets were immunized with mRNA vaccines encoding either hemagglutinin alone or hemagglutinin and neuraminidase , derived from a 2.3.4.4b prototype vaccine virus recommended by the World Health Organization. Kinetics of the immune responses , as well as protection against a lethal challenge dose of A(H5N1) virus, were assessed. Two doses of mRNA vaccination elicited...

Abstract Since 2016, epizootics of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus have threatened the poultry sector in Europe . Because conventional prevention and control measures alone were insufficient in some contexts, the European Commission authorized poultry vaccination in 2023 . Subsequently, France launched a nationwide duck vaccination campaign combined with a comprehensive surveillance plan. We used a mathematical model to simulate the transmission of HPAI viruses in vaccinated duck flocks and assess the effectiveness of a wide range of surveillance strategies. Sampling and testing dead ducks every week (enhanced passive surveillance) was the most sensitive (≈90%) and the most timely strategy. Active surveillance through monthly testing of a cross-sectional sample of live ducks was the least sensitive and timely strategy. Thus, we advise focusing HPAI surveillance efforts on enhanced passive surveillance and reducing active surveillance of live ducks. Source: Emerging Infec...