Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection in foxes with PB2-M535I identified as a novel mammalian adaptation, Northern Ireland, July 2023
Paula Lagan, Robyn McKenna, Salam Baleed, Bob Hanna, J. Barley, Shirley McConnell, Anastasia Georgaki, Tarja Sironen, Ari Kauppinen, Tuija Gadd, Erika Lindh, Niina Ikonen, Michael McMenamy, Ken Lemon
Abstract
We report cases of mammalian infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b in Northern Ireland. Two common gulls ( Larus canus ) and two red fox kits ( Vulpes vulpes ), were found dead in close vicinity. Comparison of viral whole genome sequences obtained from the animals identified a novel mammalian adaptation, PB2-M535I. Analysis of genetic sequences from other recent mammalian infections shows that this mutation has arisen on at least five occasions in three European countries since April 2023.
Topics & Concepts
VulpesInfluenza A virus subtype H5N1LarusBiologyCladeAdaptation (eye)Highly pathogenicVirologyZoologyVirusInfluenza A virusPhylogeneticsGeneticsGeneFish <Actinopterygii>EcologyPredationFisheryNeuroscienceHerringInfluenza Virus Research StudiesViral Infections and VectorsAnimal Virus Infections Studies