Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection in farmed minks, Spain, October 2022
Montserrat Agüero, Isabella Monne, Azucena Sánchez, Bianca Zecchin, Alice Fusaro, Marı́a José Ruano, Manuel del Valle Arrojo, Ricardo Fernández-Antonio, Antonio Manuel Souto, Pedro Tordable, Julio Cañás, Francesco Bonfante, Edoardo Giussani, Calogero Terregino, Jesús Javier Orejas
Abstract
In October 2022, an outbreak in Europe of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) in intensively farmed minks occurred in northwest Spain. A single mink farm hosting more than 50,000 minks was involved. The identified viruses belong to clade 2.3.4.4b, which is responsible of the ongoing epizootic in Europe. An uncommon mutation (T271A) in the PB2 gene with potential public health implications was found. Our investigations indicate onward mink transmission of the virus may have occurred in the affected farm.