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; Jason Barley; Shirley McConnell; Anastasia Georgaki; Tarja Sironen; Ari Kauppinen; Tuija Gadd; Erika Lindh; Niina Ikonen; Michael J McMenamy; Ken Lemon

doi:10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2023.28.42.2300526

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection in foxes with PB2-M535I identified as a novel mammalian adaptation, Northern Ireland, July 2023

Euro Surveill. 2023 Oct;28(42):2300526. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2023.28.42.2300526.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Belfast, Northern Ireland.
² Veterinary Service Animal Health Group, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Ballykelly, Northern Ireland.
³ Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland and Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
⁴ Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto), Helsinki, Finland.
⁵ Department of Health Security, The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland.

PMID: 37855904
PMCID: PMC10588307
DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2023.28.42.2300526

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.

Keywords: BB genotype; H5N1; HPAI; Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus; clade 2.3.4.4b; mammalian infection.

MeSH terms

Animals
Foxes
Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype* / genetics
Influenza A virus* / genetics
Influenza in Birds*
Northern Ireland / epidemiology
Phylogeny