Bovine-Derived H5N1 Virus Demonstrates High Replication Efficiency in Human Nasal Epithelial Cells
bioRxiv preprint January 17, 2026 19 January, 2026 In recent years, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b have spread globally, resulting in unprecedented mortality rates among wild birds and poultry. Beyond its devastating impact on avian populations, the virus has increasingly crossed the species barrier to infect various mammals. In early 2024, a significant spillover event was documented for the first time in U.S. dairy cattle. While human infections associated with this outbreak have remained limited and clinically mild thus far, significant concerns have arisen regarding the virus's potential to adapt for efficient replication within the human upper respiratory tract. Read MoreRecombinant H5N1 Avian Influenza Vaccine for Cats
npj Vaccines (2026) 14 January, 2026 A study recently published in the scientific journal npj Vaccines demonstrates that a recombinant H5 protein-based vaccine effectively prevents severe morbidity and mortality in cats exposed to the H5N1 avian influenza virus, while significantly reducing viral shedding into the environment.In recent years, the H5N1 avian influenza virus (Clade 2.3.4.4b) has emerged as a significant global threat, affecting not only avian species but also a wide range of mammals. Domestic cats are particularly vulnerable due to their high susceptibility to the virus and the increased likelihood of contact with infection sources. Recent outbreaks in the United States have linked feline infections to the consumption of unpasteurized milk from infected dairy farms or contact with diseased wild birds. In felines, the disease typically manifests in a severe form characterized by exceptionally high mortality rates. Read More
Two Human H5N1 Cases Detected via Expanded Subtyping
ASM Case Reports | Jan 2026 10 January, 2026 A new study published in ASM Case Reports describes an expanded surveillance protocol for highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in humans. The report details the detection of two H5 RNA-positive individuals in Alameda County, California, neither of whom had documented exposure to infected animals. These findings highlight the limitations of current exposure-based testing strategies in the United States. Between August 2024 and April 2025, researchers implemented universal H5 subtyping on 4,488 influenza A-positive respiratory samples collected within their hospital system, irrespective of patient exposure history. This expanded screening yielded an H5 positivity rate of 0.04%. Read MoreOutbreak of HPAI in South Korea: 2025/2026 Season Update
6 January, 2026 As of January 2026, South Korea is experiencing a marked increase in Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) activity. Official data reported on January 5, 2026, indicate that 30 outbreaks have been confirmed in commercial poultry farms during the 2025/2026 winter season. Epidemiological data demonstrate a pronounced escalation in viral activity, with December 2025 accounting for 22 of these outbreaks, in contrast to the sporadic cases reported between September and November. Read MorePoland: EU Audit Reveals Persistent Gaps in Poultry Salmonella Monitoring
6 January, 2026 A recent follow-up audit conducted by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (Report 2024-8029) has highlighted significant and ongoing failures in the monitoring and control of Salmonella within Poland's poultry sector. The audit, carried out in November 2024, was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of measures implemented by Polish authorities following a 2021 report regarding the traceability and safety of beef and poultry meat. The findings raise serious concerns about the reliability of the industry’s self-monitoring systems. A primary point of contention in the report is the consistent and substantial discrepancy between official testing results and the self-monitoring data provided by food producers. Official controls performed by the authorities show Salmonella detection rates several times higher than those reported by producers, a gap that undermines the credibility of the current monitoring framework. Read MoreNewcastle Disease Resurfaces in Spain
5 January, 2026 Spain’s official veterinary services have reported a series of Newcastle Disease (ND) outbreaks in the Valencia region, specifically within the municipality of Llutxent. This marks the first time the virus has been detected in the country in over three years. The first case was confirmed on December 29, 2025, at a broiler farm housing approximately 15,000 birds. Following intensive surveillance, three additional secondary outbreaks were identified on January 2, 2026. Read MoreOver 700 HPAI Outbreaks Reported in European Commercial Farms in 2025
1 January, 2026 The 2025 annual summary report from the European Commission’s Animal Disease Information System (ADIS) reveals a concerning trend regarding the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) across the continent.Cumulative data collected between January 1 and December 31, 2025, shows a total of 727 reported outbreaks of H5N1 and H5 strains specifically within the commercial poultry sector. Read More
