Italy: A cat in Bologna tests positive for avian influenza
18 January, 2025 In Valsamoggia (Bologna), a case of avian influenza was identified in a domestic cat. The feline resided in close proximity to poultry on a small family farm where the avian infection had previously been detected, resulting in the mandated culling of all poultryon the premises. Read More
Pet food makers must address H5N1 in safety plans
18 January, 2025 As the FDA continues to track cases of H5N1 in domestic and wild cats in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington State linked to the consumption of contaminated food products, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that manufacturers of cat and dog foods covered by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Preventive Controls for Animal Food (PCAF) rule must reanalyze their food safety plans. This reanalysis is necessary when using uncooked or unpasteurized materials derived from poultry or cattle (e.g., raw meat, unpasteurized milk, or unpasteurized eggs) to address Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus (specifically H5N1) as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard. Read MoreCampylobacteriosis rates in the UK: Expert analysis
17 January, 2025 Campylobacter is recognized as the primary bacterial agent responsible for foodborne illnesses in the United Kingdom. The majority of cases are predominantly linked to poultry, particularly chicken. In response to this public health concern, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) initiated a Campylobacter reduction program in 2010 aimed at decreasing the levels of Campylobacter contamination in poultry. Through collaborative efforts with the industry, the FSA successfully reduced the proportion of chickens with high levels of Campylobacter contamination (exceeding 1,000 cfu/g) available for retail from 19% in 2014 to 5% in 2017. Recent data suggest that these improvements have been sustained. However, it is noteworthy that the incidence of human cases has remained stable at approximately 100 per 100,000 population. Read MorePathogenesis of bovine-derived H5N1 infection in Cynomolgus Macaques
Nature | 2025 16 January, 2025 A recent study published in Nature examined the infection dynamics and pathological outcomes associated with the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, specifically the clade 2.3.4.4b strain, in Macaca fascicularis (cynomolgus macaques). The investigation revealed that the route of viral inoculation significantly influenced disease severity. Intranasal and intratracheal inoculation resulted in systemic viral dissemination and varying degrees of respiratory pathology, whereas orogastric inoculation predominantly caused localized infection with minimal clinical manifestations. Read More
Bird flu confirmed in LA County cat deaths linked to raw pet food, milk
15 January, 2025 Five indoor-only cats in one household experienced acute onset of illness after consuming two brands of commercially available raw pet food. Four of the cats had severe clinical signs and two of them died. One cat had mild clinical signs. One of the severely affected cats was tested and later confirmed to be infected with H5N1. Both raw pet food diets were tested, and one of the two raw pet foods, Monarch Raw Pet Food, was confirmed to contain live, infective, H5N1 virus.In a second single-cat household, the indoor-only cat had acute onset of illness after consuming three different brands of commercially available raw pet food. This cat was tested and confirmed to be infected with H5 bird flu. Read More
Norway obtains option for 11 Million H5N1 vaccine doses
12 January, 2025 The Norwegian Institute of Public Health is enhancing its preparedness for avian influenza by securing an option for 11 million vaccines doses in the event of a pandemic. The agreement with two suppliers involves the production of vaccines that will be prioritized if a new influenza virus emerges and triggers a pandemic, ensuring two doses for every individual in Norway. The initial doses are expected to be delivered four to six months after the World Health Organization declares a new pandemic.The pharmaceutical companies GSK and Seqirus will supply vaccines to Norway. Read More
H5N5 in a cat in Iceland
9 January, 2025 In December, we reported an outbreak of H5N5 avian influenza in Iceland. The virus has been classified as H5N5 and has been sporadically reported for approximately two years in Canada and Europe. A study published in the esteemed journal Cell details several introductions of the virus from Europe to North America through transatlantic migration and subsequent spillover to mammals . Read MoreU.S. revives avian influenza vaccine plan
9 January, 2025 The United States is renewing its bird flu vaccine strategy as the virus continues to severely impact poultry and dairy industries, causing the deaths of over 130 million birds and leading to human infections. The USDA remains cautious about widespread vaccine use due to potential trade complications. Read MoreAvian influenza surveillance in vaccinated flocks
Emerg Infect Dis. 2025;31(1):115-122. 8 January, 2025 Detecting silent virus circulation is a major challenge in vaccinated flocks, as vaccination markedly reduces mortality and clinical symptoms, which are traditionally used to identify the presence of the virus. Consequently, monitoring vaccinated flocks to control the spread of the virus is a complex issue. A study published in the international journal Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) by scientists from Toulouse, affiliated with UMR IHAP (INRAE/ENVT), demonstrates that enhanced event-based surveillance, utilizing weekly samples from deceased ducks, is the most effective strategy for the rapid detection of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in duck farms vaccinated against HPAI. Read MoreAdaptation of H5N1 virus to dairy cattle and other mammals
bioRxiv preprint | January 6, 2025 8 January, 2025 ANP32 proteins (Acidic Nuclear Phosphoprotein 32) are a family of evolutionarily conserved proteins involved in various cellular processes, including gene regulation, apoptosis, and chromatin remodeling. ANP32 proteins have also been implicated in supporting influenza virus replication. The human acidic nuclear phosphoproteins ANP32A and ANP32B are functionally redundant but essential host factors for the replication of mammalian-adapted influenza A virus (IAV) and influenza B virus (IBV) in human cells. When both proteins are absent, influenza polymerases fail to replicate the viral genome, preventing the propagation of infectious virus particles. Read MoreFirst U.S. H5N1-related human death
7 January, 2025 The Louisiana Department of Health reports the patient who had been hospitalized with the first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, in Louisiana and the U.S. has died. The patient was over the age of 65 and was reported to have underlying medical conditions. The patient contracted H5N1 after exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds. Read MoreHPAI A(H5N1) virus infections in humans
the New England Journal of Medicine | December 31, 2024 2 January, 2025 A new publication in the New England Journal of Medicine examines the emergence and impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infections in humans and livestock in the United States, particularly from March to October 2024. During this period, 46 human cases were reported, primarily linked to occupational exposure to infected poultry and dairy cows. Most cases were mild, with symptoms such as conjunctivitis and respiratory issues, and none required hospitalization or resulted in death. The study highlights the importance of monitoring and preventive measures to address the risk of animal-to-human transmission.The A(H5N1) infections in humans were predominantly mild, with no severe illnesses or fatalities reported among the 46 cases. Most patients experienced conjunctivitis and other mild symptoms. All but one case was associated with occupational exposure to infected animals, highlighting the risks faced by agricultural workers. Importantly, no evidence of human-to- Read More
The severe case of H5N1 in Canada: more details
the New England Journal of Medicine | December 31, 2024 2 January, 2025 A new publication in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) reports a case of critical illness caused by influenza A(H5N1) virus infection in a 13-year-old girl from British Columbia. She initially presented with conjunctivitis and fever and was discharged without treatment but later returned with respiratory distress and other severe symptoms.Upon readmission, she was found to have a high viral load of influenza A, which necessitated her transfer to the pediatric intensive care unit. Despite treatment with oseltamivir and other antiviral medications, her condition worsened, requiring tracheal intubation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Read More
Evolution of H5 and H7 HPAI virus cleavage site
1 January, 2025 A recent review examines the molecular evolution of highly pathogenic viruses, focusing on their natural history, biology, and the critical role of the haemagglutinin cleavage site motif.The review offers a comprehensive analysis of the haemagglutinin cleavage site (HACS) motif in H5 and H7 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) and its implications for pathogenicity. It discusses the structural characteristics of the HACS motif, its function in the cleavage of the haemagglutinin protein, and the evolutionary dynamics that influence the emergence of highly pathogenic strains. The composition of the HACS motif, particularly the number of basic amino acids, is a primary determinant of the pathogenicity of H5 and H7 AIVs. Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) typically possess multiple basic residues, allowing for cleavage by a broader range of host proteases, which facilitates systemic infection. Read More
Strategic challenges in the global control of HPAI
1 January, 2025 A recent scholarly review entitled "Strategic challenges in the global control of high pathogenicity avian influenza" presents a comprehensive analysis of HPAI management strategies. This authoritative publication, authored by leading experts in the field, examines the worldwide proliferation of the H5Nx lineage since 2005 and its consequent implications. The review addresses several critical aspects of HPAI control, including the documented ecological and epidemiological mutations of these viruses, their substantial impact on both wild and domesticated avian populations, and the associated risks of human transmission. Regarding prophylactic measures, the research presents substantial evidence supporting vaccination as an effective preventive intervention. Read MoreAPHIS updates indemnity program for avian influenza
1 January, 2025 The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is introducing an interim final rule aimed at curbing the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and providing farmers with additional tools to manage the disease. Under the new rule, poultry facilities must complete a biosecurity audit before restocking their flocks following an HPAI detection and before becoming eligible for future indemnity payments.While APHIS, in collaboration with state and federal veterinary officials and industry partners, has worked extensively to address biosecurity challenges, some poultry farms continue to face difficulties, with some experiencing multiple outbreaks. Read More
