Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Infection in Free-Ranging Polar Bear, Alaska, USA
Raphaela Stimmelmayr, David S. Rotstein, Mia Kim Torchetti, Robert Gerlach
Abstract
We report a natural infection with a Eurasian highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus in a free-ranging juvenile polar bear (Ursus maritimus) found dead in North Slope Borough, Alaska, USA. Continued community and hunter-based participation in wildlife health surveillance is key to detecting emerging pathogens in the Arctic.
Topics & Concepts
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1CladeWildlifeBiologyInfluenza A virusVirologyAvian influenza virusVirusArcticGeographyZoologyEcologyPhylogeneticsGeneBiochemistryInfluenza Virus Research StudiesViral Infections and VectorsRespiratory viral infections research