Author:
Chestakova Irina V.,van der Linden Anne,Martin Beatriz Bellido,Caliendo Valentina,Vuong Oanh,Thewessen Sanne,Hartung Tijmen,Bestebroer Theo,Dekker Jasja,Poerink Bob Jonge,Gröne Andrea,Koopmans Marion,Fouchier Ron,van den Brand Judith M.A.,Sikkema Reina S.
Abstract
AbstractIn October 2020, a new lineage of clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI virus of the H5 subtype emerged in Europe, resulting in the largest global outbreak of HPAI to date, with unprecedented mortality in wild birds and poultry. The virus appears to have become enzootic in birds, continuously yielding novel HPAI virus variants. The recently increased abundance of infected birds worldwide increases the probability of bird-mammal contact, particularly in wild carnivores. Here, we performed molecular and serological screening of over 500 dead wild carnivores for H5 HPAI virus infection and sequencing of positive materials. We show virological evidence for HPAI H5 virus infection in 0.8%, 1.4% and 9.9% of animals tested in 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively, with the highest proportion of positives in foxes, polecats and stone martens. We obtained near full genome sequences for seven viruses and detected PB2 amino acid substitutions known to play a role in mammalian adaptation in three of these. Infections were also found in animals without associated neurological signs or mortality. Serological evidence for infection was detected in 20% of the study population. These findings suggest that a higher number of wild carnivores are infected but undetected in current surveillance programs. We recommend increased surveillance in susceptible mammals, irrespective of the presence of neurological signs or encephalitis.
Publisher
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Cited by
7 articles.
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