ETIDIOH - NEW

Abstract Influenza D virus infects primarily cattle , but infrequent reports of infections in cats occur. We detected influenza D virus antibodies in 8 of 360 cats in northern China . Domestic cats showed higher susceptibility than strays. Our results suggest a previously overlooked aspect of epidemiology of this virus in companion animals. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/25-0042_article ____

  Summary -- What is known about this topic? -  Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis , which is transmitted primarily through fleas from rodents . This case highlights an off-season transmission of plague. Plague is most often identified during May–August. -- What is added by this report? - An Oregon man sought care at an emergency department for signs and symptoms of plague on January 30, 2024, the earliest calendar date of plague recorded in the state’s history, possibly indicating a shift in the seasonality of plague incidence . The patient did not have direct contact with rodents, but did have contact with his infected cat after cutting his finger. -- What are the implications for public health practice? -  Public health messaging and diagnostic efforts regarding plague are warranted year-round in areas with endemic disease. Abstract Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis . Y. pestis is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected rode...

Abstract We sequenced sarbecovirus from Rhinolophus spp. bats in Bandarban District , Bangladesh, in a genomic surveillance campaign during 2022–2023. Sequences shared identity with SARS-CoV-1 Tor2, which caused an outbreak of human illnesses in 2003 . Describing the genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of reservoir pathogens can aid in identifying sources of future spillovers. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/25-0071_article ____

{Excerpt} Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5Nx) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses have been circulating in North America since late 2021. Since their initial incursion, they have been associated with unprecedented mortality in wild birds, domestic poultry, and marine mammals throughout the Americas, and are now seen across all global regions except Oceania. Furthermore, transmission among dairy cattle and poultry in the United States has led to growing numbers of human cases, and there was a severe human case in Canada with no known infected animal exposure (1,2). (...) Source: Journal of the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada,  https://utppublishing.com/doi/10.3138/jammi-2025-0307 ____

ABSTRACT Newly emerging or “re-emerging” influenza viruses have been regarded as a huge global threat to human public health . However, there are few reports of human deaths caused by newly emerging influenza viruses derived from pigs and poultry . Here, we described the clinical and virological features of a fatal encephalitis caused by a novel H3N2 reassortant virus generated from swine H3N2 and human H7N9 viruses. A 7-year-old boy was diagnosed with acute encephalitis in Yixing, China, in August 2022. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed mild pneumonia . Brain CT indicated acute encephalitis companied brain parenchyma swelling. Haematological examinations revealed a markedly elevation of lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and cytokines . Pathogenic analysis confirmed that a novel H3N2 virus (A/Yixing/805/2022, YX805) was responsible for this case. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the surface protein-coding genes were origin...

The Official Veterinary Services received a notification concerning bird mortality and signs consistent with high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard in the Buenos Aires province . On the same day, the suspicion was addressed and samples were taken for analysis. The samples were analysed by the Official Laboratory and came back positive for HPAI H5 clade 2.3.4.4. The affected premises are adjacent to bodies of water, so contact with wild birds is presumed On 14/07/2025 , the Official Veterinary Services received a notification concerning bird mortality and signs consistent with high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard in the town of Lezama, in the Buenos Aires province . On the same day, the suspicion was addressed and samples were taken for analysis. On 15/07/2025 the samples were analysed by the Official Laboratory and came back positive for HPAI H5 clade 2.3.4.4. The species involved are chickens, peacocks, pheasants and guinea fowl . The affected premi...

{Excerpt} To the Editor : The article “Henipavirus in northern short-tailed shrew, Alabama, USA,” (1), describing the discovery of Camp Hill virus (family Paramyxoviridae ) in the northern short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda), sparked major media attention and raised concerns about zoonotic transmission and potential pandemic risk. However, it would be advisable to reevaluate this virus discovery within the broader context of related viruses. The increase in identified henipa-like viruses in various shrew species (2–4) led the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses to classify these henipa-like viruses into a distinct genus, Parahenipavirus (5), acknowledging their genetic difference from the highly pathogenic Hendra and Nipah virus. (...) Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/25-0401_article ____

Abstract In 2014, an outbreak of zoonotic Nipah virus (NiV) occurred on Mindanao Island , the Philippines . We investigated the prevalence of NiV in Philippine bats . Because neutralizing antibodies were detected in insectivorous bats on Siargao Island , public health officials should consider that the distribution range of NiV is not limited to Mindanao Island. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/25-0210_article ____

Abstract In 2024, 3 domestic cats in California, USA consumed raw milk contaminated with highly pathogenic avian influenza A( H5N1 ) virus. Fever and neurologic signs developed; 2 cats died. The surviving cat’s urine tested positive for H5N1 virus by reverse transcription PCR. Raw dairy products pose a risk to both animal and human health. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/25-0309_article ____

Abstract Sampling of mammal communities across the United States during 2022–2023 detected evidence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in 3 new species and 2 previously described species and evidence of influenza A antibodies in 2 previously described species . Our analysis provides surveillance and sampling guidance for detection of rare exposure events. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/24-1671_article ____

Abstract Since 2021, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus has affected wild bird populations globally . Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus), a species hitherto considered unexposed, experienced an HPAI H5N1 outbreak in 2022 in southern Europe , leading to moderate mortality and reduced breeding success . The integration of virological, serologic, phylogenetic, and ecologic data revealed a short yet intense viral circulation and a probable common source of infection . The dissemination across Spain and France was likely caused by frequent interpopulation movements of birds. This integrated overview of the 2022 HPAI outbreak in vultures provides novel insights into the role of large-scale movements of wild birds in the spread of such disease. Understanding the epidemiologic dynamics of HPAI H5N1 in these scavenger species is crucial because the birds play vital roles in ecosystem functioning. Their susceptibility to this virus highlights potential broader ecol...

Abstract Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV) are two highly pathogenic RNA viruses with zoonotic potential, which can cause severe diseases with high mortality rates (50–100%) in humans and animals . Given this context, these viruses are classified as Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) pathogens , thus limiting research studies. Despite the high case fatalities , there are currently no human vaccines available for either virus , owing in part to the limitations in research and hesitancy in funding . In the absence of widespread vaccination, diagnostic tests are crucial for the rapid identification of cases and disease surveillance. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and pathogenesis of NiV and HeV to contextualize a detailed assessment of the available diagnostic tools. We examined molecular and serological assays, including RT-PCR, ELISA, and LAMP , highlighting sample sources, detection windows, and performance. Diagnostic considerations...

Abstract Several studies have documented reverse zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2, including in farmed mink which are susceptible to human respiratory viruses and are known for serving as a reservoir capable of generating new virus variants in densely populated farms. Here, we present the results of a genomic investigation launched in response to detected human infections with mink-origin SARS-CoV-2 lineages , and show evidence of at least 14 high-confidence introductions of SARS-CoV-2 from humans into farmed mink in Lithuania where sustained transmission in farmed mink lasted up to a year . We estimated the most likely timeframes for these introductions encompassing at least six SARS-CoV-2 lineages , some of which were already extinct in humans , with Bayesian phylogenetic and molecular clock analyses. This study highlights the public health risks posed by fur farms and underscores that passive genomic surveillance systems are ineffective without the active involvement and expertis...

Abstract The spill-over of Influenza A virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b from cattle to humans highlights the risk of a human H5N1 pandemic . Given the impact of pre-existing immunity on the course and severity of viral infections, we comprehensively assessed the humoral immunity against the H5N1 A/Texas/37/2024 isolate in H5N1- naive individuals . To this end, we performed complementary binding and neutralization assays on 66 subjects and ranked activities among a panel of 76 influenza A virus isolates. We detected low but distinct cross-neutralizing titers against A/Texas/37/2024 with a 3.9 to 15.6-fold reduction compared to selected H1N1 or H3N2 strains. By cloning and evaluating 136 monoclonal antibodies from memory B cells, we identified potent A/Texas/37/2024-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies in five out of six investigated individuals. These antibodies cross-neutralize H1, compete with antibodies targeting the HA stem, and protect mice from lethal H5N1 challenge. Our findings demonstra...

ABSTRACT Effective vaccines are an important public health tool which may be needed to combat the emerging, highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses currently circulating in cattle and poultry in the United States . While nucleic acid-based vaccines such as mRNA -lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have several potential advantages during a viral epidemic compared to traditional seasonal influenza vaccines , their utility and efficacy against H5N1 viruses remain incompletely defined. Here, we developed novel DNA- and mRNA-LNP-based vaccines encoding both hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins from the human-isolated highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 strain, A/Texas/37/2024, in a single open reading frame. This dual-antigen expression approach elicited strong protective immune responses targeting both the HA and NA proteins and provided complete protection against lethal viral challenges in a murine model . The pre-clinical data described in this work suggest that these mu...

Abstract An increase in the number of human cases of influenza A/H5N1 infection in the US has raised concerns about the pandemic potential of the virus . Preexisting population immunity is a key determinant for risk assessment and pandemic potential for any virus. Antibody responses against the bovine A/H5N1 hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins were measured among a population of influenza-vaccinated or influenza-infected individuals . Modest titers of bovine A/H5N1 HA-binding antibodies and low to undetectable neutralizing antibody responses were detected in a cohort of 73 individuals . Conversely, bovine A/H5N1 NA binding and neuraminidase-inhibiting antibody responses were comparable to those against a human A/ H1N1 NA at baseline. Seasonal influenza vaccination failed to significantly increase antibody titers against both HA and NA glycoproteins of bovine A/H5N1. Recent infection with human A/H1N1 but not A/H3N2 viruses induced significant increases in bovine A/H5N1 n...

  By Scott Wieman - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24620634 A wild Herring Gull in Nordland Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6621 ____

Di dierat-stock - Crow-1, CC BY 3.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33155653 A wild Carrion Crow in Khabarovsk Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6622 ____

Abstract Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus has been associated with severe mastitis in dairy cows , leading to decreased milk production . Here we investigated the impact of H5N1 virus infection in health and production parameters in an affected dairy herd in Ohio . Clinical disease , which lasted for about three weeks , was recorded in 20.0% (777/3876) of the adult cows. Milk losses of ~900 kg per cow were recorded in affected cows during a 60 day-post-outbreak period . Seroprevalence was 89.4% (570/637) in the herd, with 76.1% (485/637) of seropositive animals being subclinically infected . Clinically affected cows presented an increased risk of death (6 times) and of premature herd removal (3.6 times) when compared to non-clinical cows. Economic losses due to decreased milk production, mortality, and early herd removal were estimated at $950 per clinically affected cow for a total cost of ~$737,500 for the herd during the observation period. Our results demonstrate...

Abstract Clinical progression and medium-long term morbidity from myocarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations remains an important but undefined public health concern . We conducted prospective follow-up of individuals with either confirmed or probable myocarditis following monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 or Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccination between 21 April 2021 and 5 July 2022 in Australia . Of 256 individuals who consented to follow up, mostly males following a second dose, 60% (133/221) had ongoing symptoms at 3-6 months and 35% (81/231) at 12-18 months. Self-reported ongoing exercise restrictions, medication requirements, and hospital re-presentations were associated with ongoing symptoms, as was a lower self-reported health status and quality of life. Clinical severity remained mild , with low hospitalisation rates and no deaths in the follow-up period and health-related quality of life improved over time. These findings support ongoing use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in at-ri...