Marcela M Uhart, etc.,al. [preprint]Massive outbreak of Influenza A H5N1 in elephant seals at Peninsula Valdes, Argentina: increased evidence for mammal-to-mammal transmission. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.05.31.596774
H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the clade 2.3.4.4b have killed thousands of marine mammals in South America since 2022. In October 2023, following outbreaks in sea lions in Argentina, we recorded unprecedented mass mortality (~17,000 individuals) in southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) at Peninsula Valdes. Seal pups were disproportionately affected. Adult seals departed early, disrupting social and breeding structure. Frequent interactions with sea lions and scavenging by seagulls were observed. Deaths of terns concurred with seals but peaked weeks later. HPAI H5N1 was confirmed in seals and terns. Moreover, genomic characterization showed viruses from pinnipeds and terns in Argentina form a distinct clade with marine mammal viruses from Peru, Chile and Brazil. These mammal-clade viruses share an identical set of mammalian adaptation mutations which are notably also found in the terns. Our combined ecological and phylogenetic data support mammal-to-mammal transmission and occasional mammal-to-bird spillover. To our knowledge, this is the first multinational transmission of H5N1 viruses in mammals ever observed globally. The implication that H5N1 viruses are becoming more evolutionary flexible and adapting to mammals in new ways could have global consequences for wildlife, humans, and/or livestock.
See Also:
Latest articles in those days:
- The evolution, complexity, and diversity of swine influenza viruses in China: A hidden public health threat 13 hours ago
- MHC class II proteins mediate sialic acid independent entry of human and avian H2N2 influenza A viruses 13 hours ago
- Histopathologic Features and Viral Antigen Distribution of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Clade 2.3.4.4b from the 2022–2023 Outbreak in Iowa Wild Birds 13 hours ago
- Detection and characterization of H5N1 HPAIV in environmental samples from a dairy farm 17 hours ago
- Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A H5N1 Virus Newly Emerged in Dairy Cattle 17 hours ago
[Go Top] [Close Window]