ETIDIOH - NEW

{Excerpt} [ State - Exposure Source: 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 -  36 - 0 - 0 - 2 -  38 2) Colorado -  1 - 9 - 0 - 0 -  10 3) Iowa -  0 - 1 - 0 - 0 -  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 {+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 -- Source Total -  41 - 23 - 1 - 3 -  68 {+1} NOTE : One additional case was previ...

Abstract As a rare subtype of avian influenza virus, H16 viruses are predominant in gulls but rarely found in domestic birds . The low prevalence of H16 viruses has limited our understanding of their epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics . In this study, we isolated three novel H16N3 viruses from migratory gulls in East Asian–Australasian Flyway in eastern China in 2023, which are significantly different from previously identified isolates. To fully understand the epidemiology and genetics characteristics of the global H16 viruses, we compared the host divergence of several rare subtypes and determined that the H13 and H16 subtypes were predominantly pooled into different species of gulls by sharing their internal genes, whereas the waterfowl of Anatidae served as the primary natural reservoirs of the H8, H11, H12, H14, and H15 subtypes. Detailed phylogenetic analysis revealed the evolutionary divergence of globally circulating H16 viruses and their frequent gene reassortment . Furthe...

Abstract Vaccination is a common influenza A virus (IAV) control strategy for pigs. Vaccine efficacy depends on strain cross-protection and effective vaccination program implementation. We evaluated a multi-faceted IAV vaccination strategy which included (a) monthly surveillance of pigs at weaning , (b) selection of epidemiologically relevant strains from farms under surveillance, (c) updating IAV strains in custom-made vaccines, and (d) seasonal mass vaccination with custom-made vaccines given to sows in 35 farrow-to-wean farms within an integrated swine farm system. Reduction of IAV in pigs from vaccinated sows was determined by monthly monitoring of farms for 30 months by IAV rRT-PCR (PCR) testing of nasal wipes collected from litters of piglets at weaning. Hemagglutinin (HA) nucleotide and amino acid (AA) sequence homology of the circulating and vaccine strains was determined by pairwise alignment and AA comparison at antigenic sites. Of the 35 farms monitored, 28 (80%) tested posi...

Juba, 7 February 2025—Today the Ministry of Health has declared a mpox outbreak in Juba, Central Equatoria State. This declaration follows a confirmation mpox Case by the National Public Health Laboratory on 6 February 2025 . “The first case was reported on 6 February 2025 at Gudele Hospital from a Ugandan national and a resident of Kupuri Camp in Juba. The confirmed case is under isolation and is being managed at Gudele Hospital”, said the Acting Health Minister, Honorable James Hoth Mai, in a press conference in Juba.  A team of experts from national and subnational levels , WHO, and other partners have been mobilized to conduct a detailed field investigation, list all contacts, and ensure close follow-up, Hon. Mai added. He also added that the Ministry of Health and WHO have taken steps to manage the reported case properly, ensuring that every contact on the ground is followed. He assured the citizens not to panic but to stay calm and follow safety measures that the government i...

 Public Domain. Source: WikiArt,  https://www.wikiart.org/en/pieter-bruegel-the-elder/christ-and-the-woman-taken-in-adultery-1565-1 _____

Abstract Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Europe have raised questions regarding the epidemiological role of commensal wild birds on free-range poultry farms . This study aimed to assess the prevalence of avian influenza viruses (AIV), avulaviruses, coronaviruses and Chlamydia sp. in commensal wild birds on a free-range duck farm in southwestern France and to evaluate possible transmission events at the wild‒domestic interface . From 2019 through 2021, a longitudinal study was conducted on wild birds, domestic ducks and their shared environment on farms. Commensal wild birds were captured and sampled for blood and swabs, and fresh feces from cattle egrets visiting the farm were collected. In parallel, domestic ducks were sampled, and environmental samples were collected. The presence of the four pathogens was tested by q(RT-)PCR, and the immunity of wild birds to AIV and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was tested by ELISA. Wild birds were found to shed AIV and Chl...

Abstract In 2023, an unprecedented outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 resulted in the death of thousands of pinnipeds along the Argentinean coast , raising concerns about its ecological and epidemiological impact . Here, we present clinical, pathological, and molecular findings associated with HPAI H5N1 infection in pinnipeds from Chubut, Argentina . Necropsies were conducted on three South American Sea Lions (SASLs) (Otaria flavescens) and one Southern Elephant Seal (SES) (Mirounga leonina), followed by histopathological, immunohistochemical and RT-sqPCR analyses. Neurological clinical signs were observed in two SASLs, with one also exhibiting respiratory distress . Neuropathological findings included lymphoneutrophilic meningoencephalomyelitis and choroiditis, neuronal necrosis , gliosis, hemorrhages , and perivascular cuffing. Viral antigen was localized in neurons, glial cells, choroid plexus epithelial cells, ependymal cells, and the neuropil. Systemic manif...

Background    In March 2024, the USDA confirmed the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spreading between dairy cattle herds in the United States.  This followed reports from dairy producers of an unusual illness in their lactating cows over the preceding 2-3 months.  Virus whole genome sequencing and modeling performed by USDA suggested a single spillover of HPAI H5N1, clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13 from wild birds into dairy cattle likely occurred between October 2023 and January 2024 (1).  Since then, federal, state, and industry partners have collaborated to address the HPAI threat in dairy cattle, resulting in two federal orders and the implementation of the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS).  States began enrolling in the NMTS in December 2024, in which they are continuing to conduct or now implementing state-wide bulk tank surveillance and/or milk processing plant silo monitoring.  Nevada was among the first to participate...

 {Excerpt} Time Period: January 26 - February 01, 2025 -- H5 Detection : 17 sites ( 4.9% ) -- No Detection : 331 sites ( 95.1% ) -- No samples in last week : 51 sites ___ Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/h5-monitoring/index.html _____

{Excerpt} Novel Influenza A Virus Infections One human infection with influenza A(H1N2) variant (A(H1N2)v) virus was reported by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services . The patient is ≥18 years of age and sought health care during the week ending January 18, 2025 (Week 3), was hospitalized , and has recovered from their illness.  An investigation by state public health officials did not identify direct or indirect swine contact by the patent.  No illness was identified among the patient's close contacts.  No human-to-human transmission has been identified associated with this case. This is the first human infection with a variant influenza virus reported during the 2024-2025 season in the United States. When an influenza virus that normally circulates in swine (but not people) is detected in a person, it is called a "variant" influenza virus.  Most human infections with variant influenza viruses occur following exposure to swine, but human-to-human transmi...

Redwood City — State veterinary and health officials have confirmed a case of H5N1 (bird flu) in a domestic stray cat in San Mateo County.  The infection, which is not related to the recent instance of bird flu in a backyard flock , was found in a stray cat in Half Moon Bay that had been taken in by a family .  When it showed symptoms, they took it to Peninsula Humane Society, whose veterinarians examined it and requested testing. Lab results confirmed H5N1.  It is not known how the cat was infected and it was euthanized due to its condition. Cats may be exposed to bird flu by consuming infected bird , being in environments contaminated with the virus and consuming unpasteurized milk from infected cows or raw food. Inside domestic animals, such as cats and dogs, that go outside are also at risk of infection.​​​​​​​ According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of cats spreading H5N1 to people is extremely low, though it is possible for cats to spre...

Abstract Double-crested Cormorants (Nannopterum auritum) have historically exhibited low levels of infection and antibodies to avian influenza virus (AIV). The recent global expansion of clade 2.3.4.4b A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996 highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza virus H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) has resulted in large-scale mortalities across diverse waterbird taxa including cormorants . We sampled 32 and 29 Double-crested Cormorants breeding in the Chesapeake Bay, US , during the summers of 2023 and 2024, respectively, to assess HPAI H5N1 infection and AIV antibodies. Although no mortality was observed in the area, one bird sampled in 2023 was infected with HPAI H5N1. Additionally, 21/31 individuals in 2023 and 10/25 individuals in 2024 for which sera were collected had AIV antibodies . Based on additional testing using hemagglutination inhibition, virus neutralization , and an enzyme-linked lectin assay , 94 and 100% (2023 and 2024, respectively) of the seropositive birds tested positive for ...

Abstract After nearly a decade without reported human A/H5N1 infections , Cambodia faced a sudden resurgence with 16 cases between February 2023 and August 2024, all caused by A/H5 clade 2.3.2.1c viruses . Fourteen cases involved a novel reassortant A/H5N1 virus with gene segments from both clade 2.3.2.1c and clade 2.3.4.4b viruses. The emergence of this novel genotype underscores the persistent and ongoing threat of avian influenza in Southeast Asia . This study details the timeline and genomic epidemiology of these infections and related poultry outbreaks in Cambodia. Source: MedRxIV,  https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.04.24313747v2 _____

 One Cygnus species wild bird in Sachsen Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6245 _____

Abstract Since early-2024 unprecedented outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b have been ongoing in dairy cattle in the United States with significant consequences for the dairy industry and public health. Estimation of key epidemiological parameters is required to support outbreak response, including predicting the likely effectiveness of interventions and testing strategies. Here we pool limited publicly available data from three studies of naturally and experimentally infected dairy cattle. We quantify Ct value trajectories of infected dairy cattle and the relationship between Ct value and the log-titre of infectious virus, a proxy for infectiousness. We estimate that following infection peak Ct values are rapidly reached within 1--2 days with a population mean Ct value of 16.9 (13.2, 20.5). We identify a critical threshold Ct value of 21.5 (20.1, 23.6), with values of Ct value above this threshold representing little-to-no infectious viral load. Finally,...

On January 31, 2025, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed by whole genome sequence the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype D1.1 in dairy cattle .  This confirmation was a result of State tracing and investigation, following an initial detection on silo testing under the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) in Nevada.  USDA APHIS continues to work with the Nevada Department of Agriculture by conducting additional on-farm investigation, testing, and gathering additional epidemiological information to better understand this detection and limit further disease spread.  This is the first detection of this virus genotype in dairy cattle (all previous detections in dairy cattle have been HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13 ).  Genotype D1.1 represents the predominant genotype in the North American flyways this past fall an...

Abstract The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly evolved over short timescales, leading to the emergence of more transmissible variants such as Alpha and Delta.  The arrival of the Omicron variant marked a major shift, introducing numerous extra mutations in the spike gene compared with earlier variants. These evolutionary changes have raised concerns regarding their potential impact on immune evasion, disease severity and the effectiveness of vaccines and treatments. In this epidemiological study, we identified two distinct patterns in the protective effect of natural infection against reinfection in the Omicron versus pre-Omicron eras. Before Omicron, natural infection provided strong and durable protection against reinfection, with minimal waning over time. However, during the Omicron era, protection was robust only for those recently infected , declining rapidly over time and diminishing within a year. These results demonstrate that SARS-CoV...

 A wild Barnacle Goose in Rogaland Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6244 _____

The Database of Global Administrative Boundaries (GADM) used by WAHIS, provides Crespellano as the municipality corresponding to the given coordinates. As a matter of fact the location of the infected premises is the municipality of Valsamoggia Domestic cat found dead on 13 January 2025 at a family poultry farm located in the municipality of Valsamoggia (BO). As expected, the virus has the highest genetic similarity to the H5N1 virus sequenced from poultry from the same farm that tested positive on December 31st. These results confirm that the cat likely became infected following direct exposure to infected poultry at the same site where it was found dead. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6243 _____

{Excerpt} In response to the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 , vaccine manufacturers have released updated COVID-19 vaccines annually since 2022. For much of 2024, the global spread was dominated by the JN.1 lineage of viruses,1 which are antigenically quite distant from the XBB.1.5 variant that was used in the previous vaccine booster.2 In August 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration authorised two updated mRNA vaccines (Pfizer–BioNTech and Moderna) based on the spike sequence of KP.2 , a subvariant in the JN.1 lineage.3 In the UK and the EU, a KP.2-based mRNA vaccine (BioNTech) was also authorised later in the year.4,5 We have now provided the first indication of the acute boosting effect of updated KP.2 monovalent mRNA vaccines (KP.2 MV) on serum SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies in humans. Since the authorisation of the updated vaccine boosters, SARS-CoV-2 has evolved beyond KP.2, with the subvariant KP.3.1.1 becoming dominant globally and the subvariant XEC now gaining tracti...