UK farmers urge action on HPAI vaccination strategy
31 January, 2025 According to a BBC publication, poultry farmers in the UK are appealing to the government to let them vaccinate their flocks against the "devastating" avian influenza virus spreading across the country.Vaccinating poultry against avian influenza is currently not allowed in the UK. The government says that strong biosecurity measures and culling are the most effective ways of fighting it. Overall levels of the virus have not yet reached the peak of recent years, but without a vaccine, it only a matter of time before the number of outbreaks will increase again. An avian influenza prevention zone enforcing strict hygiene standards around domesticated birds has been declared for England, Wales and Scotland amid a rising number of cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Read More
Japan: Avian Influenza and Rising Egg Prices
31 January, 2025 Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Japan have severely impacted commercial layer flocks, leading to a sharp increase in egg prices. So far this season, 50 bird flu outbreaks have been confirmed at chicken farms across 14 prefectures, resulting in the culling of 9.27 million birds. The spread of this infectious disease has driven a significant spike in egg prices. Read MoreAntibody prophylaxis shields Macaques from severe H5N1
Kanekiyo et al., Science 387, 534–541 (2025) 31 January, 2025 Influenza virus pandemics and seasonal epidemics present significant threats to global health, resulting in numerous fatalities each year. The recurrent zoonotic spillovers of influenza viruses, which possess the potential for human pandemic transmission, underscore the urgent necessity for effective preventive measures. A study published in Science examines the application of the broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) MEDI8852 as a pre-exposure prophylaxis in cynomolgus macaques, with the objective of evaluating its efficacy in preventing severe disease caused by aerosolized highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus infection. The findings of this investigation demonstrate that pre-exposure prophylaxis with MEDI8852 provides substantial protection to cynomolgus macaques against severe respiratory disease following infection with the H5N1 virus. Read MoremRNA vaccine protects chickens from divergent H5N1 viruses
Journal of Nanobiotechnology (2025) 23:55 30 January, 2025 The persistent threat of avian influenza virus (AIV), particularly the H5 subtype, poses substantial risks not only to avian species but also to human health. Traditional vaccination strategies, such as whole-virus inactivated vaccines, encounter numerous challenges, including reliance on chicken embryos for production and limited efficacy against rapidly mutating virus strains. In response to these challenges, a study published in the Journal of Nanobiotechnology by Chinese researchers investigates the development of a novel mRNA vaccine encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), with the aim of providing broad-spectrum immunity against the H5N1 virus. The research evaluates the vaccine's immunogenicity and protective efficacy in both murine and avian models, seeking to establish a new paradigm for avian influenza vaccination strategies. Read MoreThe AHAW & ECDC opinion on avian influenza vaccination of animals
29 January, 2025 The Scientific Opinion of the EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Animal Welfare (AHAW) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) regarding the Vaccination of Animals Against Avian Influenza.Vaccination against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) represents a valuable tool for preventing and controlling the spread of HPAI when integrated into a comprehensive strategy for disease prevention and management. Various vaccines targeting Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses (HPAIVs) are currently available. Additionally, experimental efforts are underway in the United States to develop an avian influenza vaccine intended for use in cattle. Read More
Rose Acre Farms reports a bird flu outbreak at its Seymour facility
29 January, 2025 An outbreak of avian influenza in a poultry flock in the United States may not initially seem like a significant news event. However, the situation becomes far more concerning when the affected farm houses 2.8 million layers from the nation’s second-largest producer. The culling of such a substantial number of birds will further worsen the ongoing table egg shortage and contribute to the sharp price increases that have been observed in the U.S. egg market in recent months. Read MoreUSA: Zoetis and BI receives import permit for TRT vaccine
28 January, 2025 Zoetis Inc. announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) has granted an import permit for a modified live vaccine, PoulvacTRT, to address an increasing demand within the poultry industry for the control of turkey rhinotracheitis (TRT), an upper respiratory tract disease caused by avian metapneumovirus (aMPV).The vaccine strain is a subtype A, K strain of turkey origin. Read MoreUSA: First outbreak of H5N9 avian influenza in poultry
27 January, 2025 The United States has confirmed its first outbreak of H5N9 avian influenza in poultry, specifically on a duck farm located in California. U.S. authorities also identified the more prevalent H5N1 strain at the same farm in Merced County, California. According to the report submitted to WOAH, nearly 119,000 birds on the farm were culled by December 2. This incident marks the first verified occurrence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N9 in poultry within the United States. Read MoreHuman case of avian influenza detected in England
27 January, 2025 The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed a case of influenza A(H5N1) in an individual located in the West Midlands region. The infection was acquired on a farm where the individual had close and prolonged contact with a substantial number of infected birds. Currently, the individual is in stable condition and has been admitted to a High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) unit. The avian population was found to be infected with the DI.2 genotype, which is one of the variants known to be circulating among birds in the UK during the current season. Read MoreReceptor binding and tissue tropism of cattle-infecting H5N1 influenza
Cell 188, 1–11 | February 20, 2025 23 January, 2025 A recent study published in Cell elucidates the receptor-binding properties of the H5N1 avian influenza virus that infects cattle, revealing its potential risks to both animal and public health, particularly in light of recent cattle outbreaks.The article investigates the complex mechanisms through which the H5N1 avian influenza virus (AIV) interacts with host tissues, specifically in cattle. The study centers on the hemagglutinin (HA) protein, analyzing its receptor-binding characteristics, structural properties, and implications for cross-species transmission. Given the zoonotic potential of H5N1, a comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms is crucial for evaluating the associated risks to both animal and human populations.
The research confirms that H5N1 hemagglutinin exhibits a strong binding affinity for sialic acid receptors present in cattle, indicating a significant risk for cross-species transmission. While the virus predominantly binds to avian-like α2-3 sialic acid Read More
Massive culling of laying hens due to avian influenza
23 January, 2025 Two commercial egg-laying flocks, each comprising over one million birds, are being culled due to an outbreak of avian influenza. One flock tested positive on January 21 in Newton, Missouri, while the second was confirmed today in Mercer County, Ohio. The first flock contains 1.175 million birds, and the second has 1.432 million birds. Given this situation, it is not surprising that egg prices are soaring.Furthermore, we must ask ourselves what measures the Veterinary Services in the United States are implementing in an effort to mitigate the spread of the virus that has significantly impacted the poultry and dairy industries since the beginning of 2022 and 2024, respectively? Read More
Avian influenza H5N1: A growing Threat to global biodiversity
nature reviews biodiversity | Volume 1 | January 2025 | 7–9 23 January, 2025 A review by Sergio A. Lambertucci, Andrea Santangeli, and Pablo I. Plazaon the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 to global biodiversity was published in Nature Reviews Biodiversity. The article addresses the emerging threat posed by the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) virus, which carries significant implications for global biodiversity. Since its initial detection in poultry and waterfowl, H5N1 has disseminated globally, resulting in severe outbreaks that have substantially diminished wildlife populations.The authors delineate the critical situation regarding H5N1, describing its rapid proliferation across continents and its devastating effects on various wildlife species. They underscore the urgent necessity for enhanced surveillance, early diagnosis, and international collaboration to mitigate the impacts of this virus on wildlife and ecosystems. Read More
Long Island duck farm hit with avian influenza
22 January, 2025 A Long Island farm is set to euthanize more than 100,000 ducks following a bird flu outbreak at the eastern New York facility. The affected farm is Crescent Duck Farm, located in Aquebogue, New York, and is a family-owned operation. Crescent Duck Farm is the largest commercial duck farm in Suffolk County and one of the last remaining commercial duck farms on Long Island, an area historically known for its extensive duck farming industry. Read MoreBird flu in raw pet food kills or sickens cats, FDA says
22 January, 2025 Avian influenza (H5N1) has transitioned from avian hosts to domestic felines, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirming that 13 domestic cats across eight households, one exotic cat from a separate household, and an unspecified number of animals at two large feline sanctuaries in the United States have either fallen ill or succumbed to the virus. These cases have been documented in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington State. Read MoreImpact of poultry vaccination on H5 avian influenza transmission and evolution
Li et al., Sci. Adv. 11 | 22 January 2025 22 January, 2025 A study published in Scientific Advances examines the impact of mass vaccination of poultry against H5 subtypes of avian influenza virus (AIV) on the spread of the virus, with an acknowledgment that such vaccination might also accelerate viral evolution. This research explores the dynamics of AIV lineages among both vaccinated and unvaccinated poultry, as well as wild birds, from 1996 to 2023.The findings indicate that vaccination in poultry influences transmission dynamics, with unvaccinated poultry exhibiting greater susceptibility to infections from wild birds. This observation suggests that vaccination may serve as a barrier to viral spread.
The analysis reveals a shift from a lineage that circulated among Chinese poultry to one that is now prevalent among wild birds. The lineage from wild birds has been frequently transmitted to unvaccinated European poultry, whereas the spillover from wild birds to vaccinated poultry appears to be hindered. Read More
APHIS tightens turkey surveillance
by Prof. Simon Shane 20 January, 2025 As part of its ongoing, multi-faceted efforts to combat the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is updating its policy for pre-slaughter surveillance to enhance testing of turkey flocks in affected states. In late December 2024, APHIS became aware of a genetic link between turkeys potentially infected with HPAI H5N1, virus detected in raw pet food, and an infected household cat.Out of an abundance of caution, and to remove a potential avenue for ongoing disease spread as well as to bolster consumer and trading partner confidence, APHIS collaborated with state animal health officials and the poultry industry to update its guidance for existing pre-slaughter surveillance steps to further ensure that affected poultry does not enter the food system. Read More
Bird flu continues to affect multiple countries
20 January, 2025 United States: The avian influenza virus has been identified for the first time in a commercial poultry flock in Georgia amidst a nationwide outbreak. This marks the first incidence of the virus affecting a poultry producer in Georgia since the nationwide outbreak in 2022, despite prior detections of the virus in the state occurring exclusively within backyard flocks.Japan: A total of approximately 1.44 million birds are slated for culling across seven farms due to the continued emergence of avian influenza cases in Japan. Read More
Burying poultry carcasses on-farm: Insights from an avian influenza crisis in France
Poultry Science 104 (2025) 19 January, 2025 A study examining the disposal of poultry carcasses during avian influenza outbreaks in France was published in Poultry Science. This research underscores the significance of effective disposal methods, particularly on-farm burial, to ensure both disease control (avian influenza) and environmental protection. The investigation was conducted during a substantial epizootic in France, where rapid and effective disposal methods were critical for controlling the spread of avian influenza. The research encompassed five study sites where poultry carcasses were buried during the avian influenza crisis. The study evaluated various factors, including the persistence of avian influenza virus (AIV) RNA in the burial sites, the microbiological safety of the surrounding environment, and the physical changes in the burial pits over time. Read MoremRNA Vaccine Against H5N1 Protects Ferrets
by Prof. Simon Shane 19 January, 2025 A recent paper reported on development of an mRNA vaccine that protected ferrets against clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1. Challenge viruses were derived from a 2022 avian outbreak and a 2024 human case respectively. Unvaccinated controlled ferrets all died following challenge. Vaccination reduced propagation of virus in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts of infected ferrets. This is important in limiting contagion with respect to a potentially zoonotic strain impacting human populations. The potential of an effective mRNA against H5N1 to reduce the intensity of a pandemic strain of H5N1 is self-evident. Read MoreItaly: A cat in Bologna tests positive for avian influenza
18 January, 2025 In Valsamoggia (Bologna), a case of avian influenza was identified in a domestic cat. The feline resided in close proximity to poultry on a small family farm where the avian infection had previously been detected, resulting in the mandated culling of all poultry on the premises. Read MorePet food makers must address H5N1 in safety plans
18 January, 2025 As the FDA continues to track cases of H5N1 in domestic and wild cats in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington State linked to the consumption of contaminated food products, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that manufacturers of cat and dog foods covered by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Preventive Controls for Animal Food (PCAF) rule must reanalyze their food safety plans. This reanalysis is necessary when using uncooked or unpasteurized materials derived from poultry or cattle (e.g., raw meat, unpasteurized milk, or unpasteurized eggs) to address Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus (specifically H5N1) as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard. Read MoreHHS grants $590M for mRNA flu vaccine development
18 January, 2025 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will provide approximately $590 million to Moderna to accelerate the development of mRNA-based pandemic influenza vaccines and enhance mRNA platform capabilities so that the U.S. is better prepared to respond to other emerging infectious diseases.This funding allows Moderna to accelerate development of an H5N1 mRNA influenza vaccine that is well matched to strains currently circulating in cows and birds and expands the clinical data supporting the use of mRNA vaccines that may be needed if other influenza strains emerge with pandemic potential. Read More
HPAI confirmed in commercial poultry flock in Georgia
17 January, 2025 The Georgia Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed a positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry operation located in Elbert County, Georgia. This is the first confirmed HPAI case in a commercial poultry operation in Georgia, and the fifth detection in the state of Georgia. Read MoreCampylobacteriosis rates in the UK: Expert analysis
17 January, 2025 Campylobacter is recognized as the primary bacterial agent responsible for foodborne illnesses in the United Kingdom. The majority of cases are predominantly linked to poultry, particularly chicken. In response to this public health concern, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) initiated a Campylobacter reduction program in 2010 aimed at decreasing the levels of Campylobacter contamination in poultry. Through collaborative efforts with the industry, the FSA successfully reduced the proportion of chickens with high levels of Campylobacter contamination (exceeding 1,000 cfu/g) available for retail from 19% in 2014 to 5% in 2017. Recent data suggest that these improvements have been sustained. However, it is noteworthy that the incidence of human cases has remained stable at approximately 100 per 100,000 population. Read MorePathogenesis of bovine-derived H5N1 infection in Cynomolgus Macaques
Nature | 2025 16 January, 2025 A recent study published in Nature examined the infection dynamics and pathological outcomes associated with the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, specifically the clade 2.3.4.4b strain, in Macaca fascicularis (cynomolgus macaques). The investigation revealed that the route of viral inoculation significantly influenced disease severity. Intranasal and intratracheal inoculation resulted in systemic viral dissemination and varying degrees of respiratory pathology, whereas orogastric inoculation predominantly caused localized infection with minimal clinical manifestations. Read More
Bird flu confirmed in LA County cat deaths linked to raw pet food, milk
15 January, 2025 Five indoor-only cats in one household experienced acute onset of illness after consuming two brands of commercially available raw pet food. Four of the cats had severe clinical signs and two of them died. One cat had mild clinical signs. One of the severely affected cats was tested and later confirmed to be infected with H5N1. Both raw pet food diets were tested, and one of the two raw pet foods, Monarch Raw Pet Food, was confirmed to contain live, infective, H5N1 virus.In a second single-cat household, the indoor-only cat had acute onset of illness after consuming three different brands of commercially available raw pet food. This cat was tested and confirmed to be infected with H5 bird flu. Read More
Norway obtains option for 11 Million H5N1 vaccine doses
12 January, 2025 The Norwegian Institute of Public Health is enhancing its preparedness for avian influenza by securing an option for 11 million vaccines doses in the event of a pandemic. The agreement with two suppliers involves the production of vaccines that will be prioritized if a new influenza virus emerges and triggers a pandemic, ensuring two doses for every individual in Norway. The initial doses are expected to be delivered four to six months after the World Health Organization declares a new pandemic.The pharmaceutical companies GSK and Seqirus will supply vaccines to Norway. Read More
H5N5 in a cat in Iceland
9 January, 2025 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 . Read MoreU.S. revives avian influenza vaccine plan
9 January, 2025 The United States is renewing its bird flu vaccine strategy as the virus continues to severely impact poultry and dairy industries, causing the deaths of over 130 million birds and leading to human infections. The USDA remains cautious about widespread vaccine use due to potential trade complications. Read MoreAvian influenza surveillance in vaccinated flocks
Emerg Infect Dis. 2025;31(1):115-122. 8 January, 2025 Detecting silent virus circulation is a major challenge in vaccinated flocks, as vaccination markedly reduces mortality and clinical symptoms, which are traditionally used to identify the presence of the virus. Consequently, monitoring vaccinated flocks to control the spread of the virus is a complex issue. A study published in the international journal Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) by scientists from Toulouse, affiliated with UMR IHAP (INRAE/ENVT), demonstrates that enhanced event-based surveillance, utilizing weekly samples from deceased ducks, is the most effective strategy for the rapid detection of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in duck farms vaccinated against HPAI. Read MoreAdaptation of H5N1 virus to dairy cattle and other mammals
bioRxiv preprint | January 6, 2025 8 January, 2025 ANP32 proteins (Acidic Nuclear Phosphoprotein 32) are a family of evolutionarily conserved proteins involved in various cellular processes, including gene regulation, apoptosis, and chromatin remodeling. ANP32 proteins have also been implicated in supporting influenza virus replication. The human acidic nuclear phosphoproteins ANP32A and ANP32B are functionally redundant but essential host factors for the replication of mammalian-adapted influenza A virus (IAV) and influenza B virus (IBV) in human cells. When both proteins are absent, influenza polymerases fail to replicate the viral genome, preventing the propagation of infectious virus particles. Read MoreFirst U.S. H5N1-related human death
7 January, 2025 The Louisiana Department of Health reports the patient who had been hospitalized with the first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, in Louisiana and the U.S. has died. The patient was over the age of 65 and was reported to have underlying medical conditions. The patient contracted H5N1 after exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds. Read MoreHPAI A(H5N1) virus infections in humans
the New England Journal of Medicine | December 31, 2024 2 January, 2025 A new publication in the New England Journal of Medicine examines the emergence and impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infections in humans and livestock in the United States, particularly from March to October 2024. During this period, 46 human cases were reported, primarily linked to occupational exposure to infected poultry and dairy cows. Most cases were mild, with symptoms such as conjunctivitis and respiratory issues, and none required hospitalization or resulted in death. The study highlights the importance of monitoring and preventive measures to address the risk of animal-to-human transmission.The A(H5N1) infections in humans were predominantly mild, with no severe illnesses or fatalities reported among the 46 cases. Most patients experienced conjunctivitis and other mild symptoms. All but one case was associated with occupational exposure to infected animals, highlighting the risks faced by agricultural workers. Importantly, no evidence of human-to- Read More
The severe case of H5N1 in Canada: more details
the New England Journal of Medicine | December 31, 2024 2 January, 2025 A new publication in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) reports a case of critical illness caused by influenza A(H5N1) virus infection in a 13-year-old girl from British Columbia. She initially presented with conjunctivitis and fever and was discharged without treatment but later returned with respiratory distress and other severe symptoms.Upon readmission, she was found to have a high viral load of influenza A, which necessitated her transfer to the pediatric intensive care unit. Despite treatment with oseltamivir and other antiviral medications, her condition worsened, requiring tracheal intubation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Read More
Evolution of H5 and H7 HPAI virus cleavage site
1 January, 2025 A recent review examines the molecular evolution of highly pathogenic viruses, focusing on their natural history, biology, and the critical role of the haemagglutinin cleavage site motif.The review offers a comprehensive analysis of the haemagglutinin cleavage site (HACS) motif in H5 and H7 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) and its implications for pathogenicity. It discusses the structural characteristics of the HACS motif, its function in the cleavage of the haemagglutinin protein, and the evolutionary dynamics that influence the emergence of highly pathogenic strains. The composition of the HACS motif, particularly the number of basic amino acids, is a primary determinant of the pathogenicity of H5 and H7 AIVs. Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) typically possess multiple basic residues, allowing for cleavage by a broader range of host proteases, which facilitates systemic infection. Read More
Strategic challenges in the global control of HPAI
1 January, 2025 A recent scholarly review entitled "Strategic challenges in the global control of high pathogenicity avian influenza" presents a comprehensive analysis of HPAI management strategies. This authoritative publication, authored by leading experts in the field, examines the worldwide proliferation of the H5Nx lineage since 2005 and its consequent implications. The review addresses several critical aspects of HPAI control, including the documented ecological and epidemiological mutations of these viruses, their substantial impact on both wild and domesticated avian populations, and the associated risks of human transmission. Regarding prophylactic measures, the research presents substantial evidence supporting vaccination as an effective preventive intervention. Read MoreAPHIS updates indemnity program for avian influenza
1 January, 2025 The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is introducing an interim final rule aimed at curbing the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and providing farmers with additional tools to manage the disease. Under the new rule, poultry facilities must complete a biosecurity audit before restocking their flocks following an HPAI detection and before becoming eligible for future indemnity payments.While APHIS, in collaboration with state and federal veterinary officials and industry partners, has worked extensively to address biosecurity challenges, some poultry farms continue to face difficulties, with some experiencing multiple outbreaks. Read More
