H5N5 in a cat in Iceland
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 (1). In Europe, cases have also been documented in commercial poultry in Iceland, the UK, and Norway. Currently, Iceland has reported that a deceased 10-week-old kitten tested positive for the H5N5 avian influenza virus. The mother cat and another kitten from the same litter, which died a few days prior, were not tested.
1. Erdelyan CN, Kandeil A, Signore AV, Jones ME, Vogel P, Andreev K, Bøe CA, Gjerset B, Alkie TN, Yason C, Hisanaga T. Multiple transatlantic incursions of highly pathogenic avian influenza clade 2.3. 4.4 b A (H5N5) virus into North America and spillover to mammals. Cell reports. 2024 Jul 23;43(7).
