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.

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

Novel amino acid mutations suggest local monkeypox transmission in Guangzhou, China

The monkeypox (mpox) virus has caused worldwide transmission since its initial report in England in early May 2022.

15 Sep 2023

Onset and prognosis of post-COVID-19 condition: A 2-Year observational study

Researchers conducted a prospective cohort analysis over two years.

8 Sep 2023

Mutational changes in Avian flu virus could increase risk of transmission to humans

A new study from researchers in China and Nottingham has discovered that a subtype of avian flu virus, endemic in poultry farms in China, is undergoing mutational changes, which could increase the risk of the disease being passed on to humans.

5 Sep 2023

Study reports highly pathogenic avian influenza A infection in pet dogs and cat on a rural poultry farm in Italy

Researchers presented serological evidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus infection in a pet cat and five dogs on a rural poultry farm in Italy.

4 Sep 2023

Ongoing bird flu outbreak makes Finnish authorities to cull 120,000 animals

Finnish authorities have said that due to the ongoing outbreak of Highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu on 25 farms across the country they will now have to cull 120,000 animals.

25 Aug 2023

UKHSA unveils world-leading Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has today unveiled its world-leading Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre (VDEC), which is building on its pandemic legacy and helping develop life-saving new vaccines for the UK and worldwide.

7 Aug 2023

UKHSA unveils new strategy to prepare for and respond to health threats

The new strategy sets out UKHSA's vision and goals for the next 3 years to prepare for and respond to health threats and build the capabilities and technologies to protect the country in the future.

25 Jul 2023

SOUND-control: A COST Action advancing cattle disease control in Europe

Europe has faced its fair share of animal health crises, like the outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease, Avian influenza in the Netherlands (2003), and African swine fever. But what about the diseases present in many countries that don't grab the headlines?

12 Jul 2023

FOUR PAWS highlights World Zoonoses Day 2023 and outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Today, on World Zoonosis Day, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS flags that governments have not learnt the lesson from COVID-19 that human, environmental and animal health must be addressed together to prevent another pandemic.

10 Jul 2023

Public health concerns as highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus found in cat in France

Study describes the identification of a highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus in a domestic cat.

28 Jun 2023

The battle against avian influenza: genetic analysis unveils the origins of H5N1 outbreak

Researchers analyzed epidemiologic and phylogeographic characteristics of the avian influenza virus.

13 Jun 2023

University Hospital Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases named as a WHO collaborating center for epidemic and pandemic diseases

The World Health Organization (WHO), the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), yesterday formalized the designation of the University Hospital Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases as a WHO collaborating center for epidemic and pandemic diseases.

8 Jun 2023

North American arrival of A(H5N1) influenza raises concerns of potential pandemic outbreak

Rapid global expansion of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses in 2021, including reassortment with North American strains, highlights the need for proactive measures to combat their spread and mitigate the risk of a potential pandemic originating from these reassortants.

31 May 2023