Silje Granstad, etc.,al. [preprint]Multiple Introductions of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses into the High Arctic: Svalbard and Jan Mayen, 2022~2025. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.02.17.706283
Between 2022 and 2025, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of clade 2.3.4.4b, including four distinct H5 Eurasian (EA) genotypes, were detected in wild birds and mammals in the Svalbard Archipelago and on the island of Jan Mayen. We describe their epidemiology and genomic characteristics to improve understanding of HPAIV occurrence and transmission in the High Arctic. The initial cases in 2022 occurred during summer and involved a glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus) and great skuas (Stercorarius skua) on Svalbard and Jan Mayen, representing the first detections of HPAIVs in the High Arctic. Three HPAIV genotypes were identified: EA-2020-C (H5N1), EA-2021-AB (H5N1), and EA-2021-I (H5N5). In 2023, HPAIVs were detected in a broader range of bird species, and retrospectively in an Atlantic walrus reported by another research group (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus). Genotypes identified in 2023 were EA-2020-C (H5N1), EA-2021-I (H5N5), and EA-2022-BB (H5N1). No cases were reported in 2024. In 2025, EA-2021-I (H5N5) was detected in Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) on Svalbard, without preceding detections in wild birds. The foxes exhibited neurological symptoms, and necropsy of one individual revealed the presence of feathers in its stomach. All sequenced viruses from the Arctic foxes uniquely carried the combination of PB2-E627K and PB1-H115Q, which is associated with mammalian adaptation. The detection of multiple genotypes indicates repeated and independent introductions of HPAIVs into these regions. The co-circulation of genetically distinct virus strains in areas of high bird density further suggests that Arctic breeding grounds may facilitate local viral amplification, reassortment, and subsequent dissemination along migratory flyways, including transcontinental spread.
See Also:
Latest articles in those days:
- Imported case of avian influenza A(H9N2) virus infection in a patient with miliary tuberculosis, Italy, March 2026 21 hours ago
- Characterization and Genetic Evolution of H6N2 Subtype AIV Isolates from Aquatic Birds 1 days ago
- Evaluation of experiences in mass depopulation of upland gamebirds in response to HPAI H5N1 outbreaks in North America: a mixed-methods study 1 days ago
- Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus RNA in Bovine Semen, California, USA, 2024 2 days ago
- Rapid expansion of genotype D1.1A(H5N1) influenza viruses in wild birds across North America during the 2024 migratory season 2 days ago
[Go Top] [Close Window]


