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.

Genetic change supercharged spread and severity of epizootic H5N1 avian influenza virus

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists discovered how the current epizootic H5N1 avian influenza virus (bird flu) gained new genes and greater virulence as it spread west.

30 May 2023

Study identifies two novel highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b.2

Researchers investigated the genetic origin, distribution patterns, and antigenicity of novel AIVs.

16 May 2023

A multisectoral, global, and interdisciplinary approach is needed for better pandemic preparedness

Researchers reviewed existing data on pandemics and described the steps needed to prevent the emergence.

4 May 2023

Ethanol vapor inhalation can disable influenza A virus in mice

Inhaling low concentrations of ethanol vapor can disable the influenza A virus in mice, without harmful side effects, says a new study by scientists at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST). The scientists believe it may also treat similar viruses such as the one that causes Covid-19.

27 Apr 2023

What is the risk for symptomatic H5N1 virus infection in humans?

Researchers from the CDC reported on the recent outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus among domesticated and wild birds in 39 U.S. states and discussed the potential risks to humans.

27 Apr 2023

Study suggests the zoonotic-like avian H3N8 virus has limited efficiency for human-to-human transmission and is unlikely to cause severe disease in humans

Researchers demonstrated that the novel and avian hemagglutinin 3 neuraminidase 8 (H3N8) virus showed limited replication in explant cultures of lung and bronchial tissue.

27 Apr 2023

Evolution of H3 avian influenza virus in China: Implications for pandemic preparedness

This paper analyzes the evolution of the H3 subtype of avian influenza virus in China from 2009 to 2022, including its spatial and temporal distribution and genetic changes. The findings have implications for pandemic preparedness.

18 Apr 2023

Could mink serve as an immediate host for Influenza A transmission?

A recent study discussed influenza A virus infections in minks, emphasizing their contribution/role as an intermediate host.

3 Apr 2023

Study finds that current antiviral drugs retain efficacy against newly emerged Omicron subvariants

Researchers assessed the efficacy of antiviral medications against novel Omicron subvariants.

30 Mar 2023

Reinfections with Omicron VOCs occur more frequently and over shorter intervals

In a recent study published in Nature's Communications Biology journal, researchers in the United States of America (USA) employed next-generation sequencing (NGS) data to assess the rise in reinfections with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant.

23 Mar 2023

Emergence and persistency of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.3.7 in Taiwan

Researchers utilize whole-genome surveillance to monitor community transmission and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in Taiwan.

22 Mar 2023

Research reports spillover of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) into marine mammals in the northeastern United States

A recent study published in the United States (U.S.) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) journal Emerging Infectious Diseases reported the outbreak of the highly pathogenic hemagglutinin type 5 and neuraminidase type 1 (H5N1) avian influenza virus among New England gray and harbor seals in the United States (U.S.)

20 Mar 2023

H5N1 avian influenza found in stranded harbor porpoise

In a recent study published in the United States (U.S.) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, researchers from Sweden described the detection of the hemagglutinin type 5 and neuraminidase type 1 (H5N1) avian influenza virus in a stranded harbor porpoise, indicating a potential spillover of this highly pathogenic avian influenza virus into cetacean species.

20 Mar 2023

New influenza virus strain concocted in animals could be the cause of next human pandemic

The next pandemic that cascades through the human population could be caused by a new influenza virus strain concocted in animals, against which humans will have little to no immunity.

13 Mar 2023

Using a mathematical model for future pandemic preparedness

Scientists have developed mathematical models that analyze the data obtained from an initial wave of the influenza pandemic to predict the dynamics of subsequent waves. Such predictions could be useful for pandemic preparedness.

2 Mar 2023

U.S. not prepared for future spread of animal-borne or zoonotic diseases, analysis reveals

The United States, the largest importer of wildlife in the world, is not prepared for future spread of animal-borne, or zoonotic, diseases due to gaps among governmental agencies designed to combat these threats, concludes a new analysis by researchers at Harvard Law School and New York University.

16 Feb 2023

COVID-19 vaccination increases saliva antibody levels after asymptomatic infection

Researchers correlate SARS-CoV-2 load and neutralizing capacity of all saliva immunoglobulins isotypes in asymptomatic individuals.

8 Feb 2023

Do individuals with long COVID ever recover fully?

Researchers investigate the sociodemographic factors that contribute to the remission of long COVID.

7 Feb 2023

Study characterizes mutations in neuraminidase of human-like H5N1 influenza viruses

A study published in PLOS PATHOGENS describes the prevalence and functions of mutations in neuraminidase enzyme of avian H5N1 influenza viruses that are preferentially selected in human H5N1 influenza viruses.

7 Feb 2023

First known epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in farmed mink

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) is a strain of the avian influenza virus that primarily affects birds, particularly poultry. HPAI A(H5N1) is a highly contagious and deadly virus that can cause severe illness and death in birds, including chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys.

22 Jan 2023

Avian Influenza News and Research

Genetic change supercharged spread and severity of epizootic H5N1 avian influenza virus

Study identifies two novel highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b.2

A multisectoral, global, and interdisciplinary approach is needed for better pandemic preparedness

Ethanol vapor inhalation can disable influenza A virus in mice

What is the risk for symptomatic H5N1 virus infection in humans?

Study suggests the zoonotic-like avian H3N8 virus has limited efficiency for human-to-human transmission and is unlikely to cause severe disease in humans

Evolution of H3 avian influenza virus in China: Implications for pandemic preparedness

Could mink serve as an immediate host for Influenza A transmission?

Study finds that current antiviral drugs retain efficacy against newly emerged Omicron subvariants

Reinfections with Omicron VOCs occur more frequently and over shorter intervals

Emergence and persistency of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.3.7 in Taiwan

Research reports spillover of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) into marine mammals in the northeastern United States

H5N1 avian influenza found in stranded harbor porpoise

New influenza virus strain concocted in animals could be the cause of next human pandemic

Using a mathematical model for future pandemic preparedness

U.S. not prepared for future spread of animal-borne or zoonotic diseases, analysis reveals

COVID-19 vaccination increases saliva antibody levels after asymptomatic infection

Do individuals with long COVID ever recover fully?

Study characterizes mutations in neuraminidase of human-like H5N1 influenza viruses

First known epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in farmed mink

Sensing a Healthier Future

Achieving and maintaining ISO/IEC 27001 and BS 10012 certifications

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