Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection in foxes with PB2-M535I identified as a novel mammalian adaptation, Northern Ireland, July 2023

We report cases of mammalian infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b in Northern Ireland. Two common gulls (Larus canus) and two red fox kits (Vulpes vulpes), were found dead in close vicinity. Comparison of viral whole genome sequences obtained from the animals identified a novel mammalian adaptation, PB2-M535I. Analysis of genetic sequences from other recent mammalian infections shows that this mutation has arisen on at least five occasions in three European countries since April 2023.

Source: Eurosurveillance - October 19, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Paula Lagan, Robyn McKenna, Salam Baleed, Bob Hanna, Jason Barley, Shirley McConnell, Anastasia Georgaki, Tarja Sironen, Ari Kauppinen, Tuija Gadd, Erika Lindh, Niina Ikonen, Michael J McMenamy and Ken Lemon Source Type: research