Avian Influenza News and Research

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Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These influenza viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian influenza is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.

Comparing the genomic landscapes of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from animal species relative to that in humans

A recent study identified six candidate mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome adaptive to animal hosts.

21 Feb 2022

UK's fight against zoonotic diseases receives a £200 million boost

The UK's fight against zoonotic diseases, including avian flu and bovine tuberculosis received a major boost today (16 February) with the allocation of £200 million for a programme of investment into world leading research facilities.

15 Feb 2022

First case of avian influenza A(H5N1) in asymptomatic flock owner in Europe

Following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in a flock of around 125 Muscovy ducks in a domestic setting in South West England on 22 December 2021, the virus was later also confirmed in the asymptomatic flock owner.

6 Feb 2022

How did the COVID pandemic affect the spread of other zoonotic diseases?

In new research, scientists from the Beijing University of Technology have been investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and mortality of zoonotic diseases in China. Their work is published in the journal BMJ Global Health.

12 Jan 2022

Single-step RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant detection in respiratory samples

A new preprint describes a single-step molecular diagnostic test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 infection caused by the Omicron variant that is behind the unprecedented rise in cases over the last few weeks.

11 Jan 2022

SARS-CoV-2 Delta binds more strongly to furin protease than other existing variants

Researchers conducted a computational analysis of the furin cleavage domain (FCD) of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, as well as several other viruses.

10 Jan 2022

Study explores relative reproduction of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant in South Africa

A new study, focused on the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, presented a modeling result from an analysis of genome surveillance data in Gauteng province, South Africa, using an existing estimation technique.

30 Dec 2021

Genomic study of furin cleavage sites validates the natural evolutionary origin of SARS-CoV-2 in bats

A team of researchers describes the genomic region encompassing the furin cleavage site in SARS-CoV-2.

20 Dec 2021

A new rapid and inexpensive PCR method to detect SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

A new study reports a method using four PCR tests to distinguish infection with the Omicron variant from that caused by other variants.

12 Dec 2021

Possible impact of spike protein mutations on SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

The current study not only analyses the mutations in the Omicron spike variant but classifies various combinations of spike mutations into groups.

7 Dec 2021

New prevention zone to protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza

From 8pm on 21 November 2021, a new avian influenza prevention zone will be declared in parts of North Yorkshire in England, namely the districts of Harrogate, Hambleton and Richmondshire, which means that it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers in that area to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.

21 Nov 2021

Public health strategies associated with reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Switzerland

The current study attempts to estimate the quantitative effects of specific measures, using a combination of phylogenetic and phylodynamic approaches.

15 Nov 2021

The impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on the COVID-19 epidemic in South Africa

A new study explores the role of new SARS-CoV-2 variants in sustaining the pandemic in South Africa.

31 Oct 2021

A study on the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.620 lineage

In a recently published Nature Communications study, the authors describe the B.1.620 lineage discovered in Lithuania.

27 Oct 2021

Large-scale SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mutants analysis identifies subclonal variants indicative of within-host viral diversity

Researchers have investigated a vast SARS-CoV-2 assembly and NGS data set to detect non-synonymous S protein mutations.

29 Sep 2021

SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics in Nordic countries

Scientists have recently assessed the strategies adopted by the Nordic countries to curb the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic.

10 Sep 2021

Increased evolutionary rates seen in SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

An Australian study conducted at the University of Melbourne describes that the emergence of more deadly variants of concern (VOCs) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with an induction in episodic evolutionary rate. The study is currently available on the medRxiv* preprint server.

2 Sep 2021

Frameshift deletion mutation in ORF7a may provide fitness advantage to Australia's SARS-CoV-2 delta variants

A team of scientists from Australia has recently identified a frameshift deletion mutation in ORF7a of the delta variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The mutation results in the production of a truncated peptide with altered functionality. The study is currently available on the medRxiv* preprint server while awaiting peer review.

24 Aug 2021

Rare gene variant increases zoonotic H7N9 virus susceptibility in humans

Rare, single-nucleotide variants in the MX1 gene increase human susceptibility to zoonotic H7N9 avian influenza infection, according to a new study.

19 Aug 2021

WHO outlines the next series of studies on the origins of SARS-CoV-2 virus

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO has been working with the Member States and the scientific community to better understand how this pandemic began so that we can be better prepared for the next one.

13 Aug 2021