Avian Influenza News and Research

RSS

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.

Study shows potential for universal flu vaccine with broad antibody response

Study discusses the potential of universal influenza vaccines, emphasizing the importance of antibody breadth and Fc receptor (FcR) effector functions in protecting against various influenza strains, including those with pandemic potential.

15 Apr 2024

Human-wildlife interface: Starling movements linked to E. coli carriage

Research unveils how spotless starlings' movements, monitored via GPS, relate to the carriage and potential spread of Escherichia coli (E. coli), emphasizing the significant role of bird movement patterns in transmitting pathogens across different environments.

10 Apr 2024

Avian flu's leap to humans: Understanding risks and prevention strategies

Comprehensive report by the EFSA and ECDC delves into the factors that could prompt an avian influenza virus to evolve and potentially spark a pandemic, emphasizing the One Health approach for effective prevention and risk mitigation strategies.

10 Apr 2024

H5N1 variant spreads between species, endangering wildlife

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 has adapted to spread between birds and marine mammals, posing an immediate threat to wildlife conservation, according to a study from the University of California, Davis, and the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) in Argentina.

29 Feb 2024

Rising mammal infections signal alarm for potential H5N1 pandemic

Comprehensive review highlights the increasing trend of mammal-to-mammal transmissions of H5N1 avian influenza, emphasizing the need for vigilant surveillance to prevent a potential pandemic.

14 Feb 2024

New study finds 4’-fluorouridine effective against avian influenza in vitro and in vivo

A PLOS Pathogens study reveals 4’-fluorouridine effectively combats avian influenza in vitro and in animal models, showing promise as a treatment that overcomes resistance and reduces disease severity without significant adverse effects.

11 Feb 2024

Promising influenza drug candidate shows activity against resistant variants

Influenza A viruses with induced resistance to a new candidate antiviral drug were found to be impaired in cell culture and weakened in animals, according to a study by researchers in the Center for Translational Antiviral Research at Georgia State University.

6 Feb 2024

UKHSA unveils groundbreaking Pathogen Genomics Strategy for pandemic preparedness

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has today published its Pathogen Genomics Strategy, laying out a 5 year plan for the organization's role in the wider delivery of pathogen genomics to prepare for and respond to infectious disease threats to public health.

24 Jan 2024

AI model predicts future spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants using genomic data

Researchers developed an AI-based model to predict the spread of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, analyzing nine million genomic sequences across 30 countries and incorporating factors like vaccination rates and non-pharmaceutical interventions.

4 Jan 2024

AI tool tracks mutations to predict next COVID variant wave

An AI model can predict which SARS-CoV-2 variants are likely to cause new waves of infection. Current models used to predict the dynamics of viral transmission do not predict variant-specific spread.

2 Jan 2024

Mount Sinai wins $1.3 million NIH award to expand the New York City Virus Hunters program

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has received more than $1.3 million from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand the New York City Virus Hunters program.

14 Dec 2023

Avian influenza A H5N1 virus impacts wide range of wildlife in the U.S., study shows

Study highlights the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus among non-domesticated animals in the U.S., revealing neurological symptoms as a key clinical presentation and expanding the range of species affected by this Eurasian lineage virus.

19 Nov 2023

Pediatric viral threats surge in the 21st century: A call for One Health approach

Scoping review in "Pediatric Research" examines the rise of pediatric viral diseases in the 21st century and underscores the importance of a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and ecosystem health, to combat these emerging and re-emerging infectious threats effectively.

9 Nov 2023

New quantitative analysis of how flu viruses evolved may help predict future strains

Simon Fraser University researchers studying the evolutionary history of flu viruses have found that a new quantitative analysis of how they evolved may help predict future strains.

7 Nov 2023

Avian flu decimates 5% of Peru's sea lions, sparking conservation alarm

Over 5,000 Peruvian sea lions, approximately 5% of Peru's population, succumbed to a mass mortality event linked to the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, signaling an urgent need for research and conservation efforts to prevent further declines. The rapid spread of the virus among these colonially breeding mammals highlights potential risks of cross-species transmission and the necessity for heightened monitoring to avert new pandemics.

5 Nov 2023

Global surge of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1

A recent study published in Nature sheds light on the complex dynamics of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 since 2021, uncovering critical shifts in the virus's behavior and providing insights for more effective mitigation strategies. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the ecological and virological factors driving the intensified global activity of HPAI H5N1 to better prepare for and manage future outbreaks.

22 Oct 2023

Are ecological and evolutionary shifts in highly pathogenic avian influenza pointing to another pandemic threat?

Researchers report significant changes in the ecology and evolution of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses.

20 Oct 2023

Genetically edited chickens show resistance to avian influenza in landmark study

Researchers use CRISPR technology to create chickens resistant to avian influenza, targeting specific genes to inhibit viral replication. The study reveals both the promise and complexities of using genetic editing as a disease control strategy, also shedding light on influenza's adaptability.

11 Oct 2023

Medication and mutations: molnupiravir's impact on SARS-CoV-2 genomes

Researchers discovered molnupiravir-associated mutational signatures in SARS-CoV-2 genomes.

27 Sep 2023

UKHSA agrees a deal to produce life-saving vaccines in the UK

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has agreed a deal for millions of life-saving vaccines to be produced in the UK if a future influenza pandemic is ever declared.

26 Sep 2023