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{{For|the H5N1 subtype of avian influenza|Influenza A virus subtype H5N1}}
{{For|the H5N1 subtype of avian influenza|Influenza A virus subtype H5N1}}
{{cs1 config|name-list-style=vanc|display-authors=6}}
{{cs1 config|name-list-style=vanc|display-authors=6}}
{{flu}}'''Avian influenza''', also known as '''avian flu''' or '''bird flu''', is a disease caused by the [[influenza A virus]] which primarily affects birds but can sometimes affect mammals including humans.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Avian Influenza A H5N1 - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |url=https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON468 |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=www.who.int |language=en}}</ref> Wild aquatic birds are the primary host of the influenza A virus, which is endemic in many bird populations.<ref name="li">{{cite journal | vauthors = Li YT, Linster M, Mendenhall IH, Su YC, Smith GJ | title = Avian influenza viruses in humans: lessons from past outbreaks | journal = British Medical Bulletin | volume = 132 | issue = 1 | pages = 81–95 | date = December 2019 | pmid = 31848585 | pmc = 6992886 | doi = 10.1093/bmb/ldz036 }}</ref><ref name="joseph">{{cite journal | vauthors = Joseph U, Su YC, Vijaykrishna D, Smith GJ | title = The ecology and adaptive evolution of influenza A interspecies transmission | journal = Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses | volume = 11 | issue = 1 | pages = 74–84 | date = January 2017 | pmid = 27426214 | pmc = 5155642 | doi = 10.1111/irv.12412 }}</ref><!--Symptoms and prognosis - chickens-->
{{flu}}'''Avian influenza''', also known as '''avian flu''' or '''bird flu''', is a disease caused by the [[influenza A virus]], which primarily affects birds but can sometimes affect mammals including humans.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Avian Influenza A H5N1 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |url=https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON468 |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=www.who.int |language=en}}</ref> Wild aquatic birds are the primary host of the influenza A virus, which is [[enzootic]] (continually present) in many bird populations.<ref name="li">{{cite journal | vauthors = Li YT, Linster M, Mendenhall IH, Su YC, Smith GJ | title = Avian influenza viruses in humans: lessons from past outbreaks | journal = British Medical Bulletin | volume = 132 | issue = 1 | pages = 81–95 | date = December 2019 | pmid = 31848585 | pmc = 6992886 | doi = 10.1093/bmb/ldz036 }}</ref><ref name="joseph">{{cite journal | vauthors = Joseph U, Su YC, Vijaykrishna D, Smith GJ | title = The ecology and adaptive evolution of influenza A interspecies transmission | journal = Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses | volume = 11 | issue = 1 | pages = 74–84 | date = January 2017 | pmid = 27426214 | pmc = 5155642 | doi = 10.1111/irv.12412 }}</ref>


Symptoms of avian influenza vary according to both the strain of virus underlying the infection, and on the species of bird or mammal affected. Classification of a virus strain as either Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) or High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is based on the severity of symptoms in domestic [[chicken]]s and does not predict severity of symptoms in other species.<ref name=":132">{{Cite web |date=2022-06-14 |title=Avian Influenza in Birds |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-birds.htm |access-date=2024-05-06 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref> Chickens infected with LPAI display mild symptoms or are [[asymptomatic]], whereas HPAI causes serious breathing difficulties, significant drop in egg production, and sudden death.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-13 |title=Bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot and report it in poultry or other captive birds |url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency |language=en}}</ref> Domestic poultry may potentially be protected from specific strains of the virus by vaccination.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-10 |title=Vaccination of poultry against highly pathogenic avian influenza – Available vaccines and vaccination strategies |url=https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/vaccination-poultry-against-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-available-vaccines-and |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=www.efsa.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref><!--Symptoms and prognosis - humans & mammals-->
Symptoms of avian influenza vary according to both the strain of virus underlying the infection, and on the species of bird or mammal affected. Classification of a virus strain as either low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) or high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is based on the severity of symptoms in domestic [[chicken]]s and does not predict severity of symptoms in other species.<ref name=":132">{{Cite web |date=2022-06-14 |title=Avian Influenza in Birds |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-birds.htm |access-date=2024-05-06 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref> Chickens infected with LPAI display mild symptoms or are [[asymptomatic]], whereas HPAI causes serious breathing difficulties, significant drop in egg production, and sudden death.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-13 |title=Bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot and report it in poultry or other captive birds |url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency |language=en}}</ref> Domestic poultry may potentially be protected from specific strains of the virus by vaccination.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-10 |title=Vaccination of poultry against highly pathogenic avian influenza – Available vaccines and vaccination strategies |url=https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/vaccination-poultry-against-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-available-vaccines-and |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=www.efsa.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref>


Humans and other mammals can only become infected with avian influenza after prolonged close contact with infected birds.<ref name=":112">{{Cite web |date=2024-02-01 |title=Influenza Type A Viruses |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/influenza-a-virus-subtypes.htm |access-date=2024-05-03 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref> In mammals including humans, infection with avian influenza (whether LPAI or HPAI) is rare. Symptoms of infection vary from mild to severe, including fever, diarrhoea, and cough.<ref name=":022">{{Cite web |date=2021-11-18 |title=Avian influenza: guidance, data and analysis |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/avian-influenza-guidance-data-and-analysis |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref><!--Transmission-->
Humans and other mammals can only become infected with avian influenza after prolonged close contact with infected birds.<ref name=":112">{{Cite web |date=2024-02-01 |title=Influenza Type A Viruses |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/influenza-a-virus-subtypes.htm |access-date=2024-05-03 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref> In mammals including humans, infection with avian influenza (whether LPAI or HPAI) is rare. Symptoms of infection vary from mild to severe, including fever, diarrhea, and cough.<ref name=":022">{{Cite web |date=2021-11-18 |title=Avian influenza: guidance, data and analysis |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/avian-influenza-guidance-data-and-analysis |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref>


Influenza A virus is shed in the saliva, mucous, and feces of infected birds; other infected animals may shed bird flu viruses in respiratory secretions and other body fluids (e.g., cow milk).<ref name=":142">{{Cite web |date=2024-04-19 |title=Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Bird Flu Viruses in People |url=https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/prevention.htm |website=Centers for Disease Control |language=en-us}}</ref> The virus can spread rapidly through poultry flocks and among wild birds.<ref name=":142" /> A particularly virulent strain, [[Influenza A virus subtype H5N1]] (A/H5N1) has the potential to decimate domesticated poultry stocks and an estimated half a billion farmed birds have been slaughtered in efforts to contain the virus.<ref name=":122">{{Cite web | vauthors = Bourk I |date=26 April 2024 |title='Unprecedented': How bird flu became an animal pandemic |url=https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240425-how-dangerous-is-bird-flu-spread-to-wildlife-and-humans |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Influenza A virus is shed in the saliva, mucus, and feces of infected birds; other infected animals may shed bird flu viruses in respiratory secretions and other body fluids (e.g., cow milk).<ref name=":142">{{Cite web |date=2024-04-19 |title=Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Bird Flu Viruses in People |url=https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/prevention.htm |website=Centers for Disease Control |language=en-us}}</ref> The virus can spread rapidly through poultry flocks and among wild birds.<ref name=":142" /> A particularly virulent strain, [[influenza A virus subtype H5N1]] (A/H5N1) has the potential to decimate domesticated poultry stocks and an estimated half a billion farmed birds have been slaughtered in efforts to contain the virus.<ref name=":122">{{Cite web | vauthors = Bourk I |date=26 April 2024 |title='Unprecedented': How bird flu became an animal pandemic |url=https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240425-how-dangerous-is-bird-flu-spread-to-wildlife-and-humans |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>


== Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza ==
== Highly pathogenic avian influenza ==
Because of the impact of avian influenza on economically important chicken farms, a classification system was devised in 1981 which divided avian virus strains as either highly pathogenic (and therefore potentially requiring vigorous control measures) or low pathogenic. The test for this is based solely on the effect on chickens - a virus strain is '''highly pathogenic avian influenza''' (HPAI) if 75% or more of chickens die after being deliberately infected with it. The alternative classification is '''low pathogenic avian influenza''' (LPAI).<ref name=":AA6">{{cite journal | vauthors = Alexander DJ, Brown IH | title = History of highly pathogenic avian influenza | journal = Revue Scientifique et Technique | volume = 28 | issue = 1 | pages = 19–38 | date = April 2009 | pmid = 19618616 | doi = 10.20506/rst.28.1.1856 | doi-access = }}</ref> This classification system has since been modified to take into account the structure of the virus' haemagglutinin protein.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-06-15 |title=Factsheet on A(H5N1) |url=https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/zoonotic-influenza/facts/factsheet-h5n1 |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=www.ecdc.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref> Other species of birds, especially water birds, can become infected with HPAI virus without experiencing severe symptoms and can spread the infection over large distances; the exact symptoms depend on the species of bird and the strain of virus.<ref name=":AA6" /> Classification of an avian virus strain as HPAI or LPAI does not predict how serious the disease might be if it infects humans or other mammals.<ref name=":AA6" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-05 |title=Current U.S. Bird Flu Situation in Humans |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/inhumans.htm |access-date=2024-05-22 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref>
Because of the impact of avian influenza on economically important [[chicken farm]]s, a classification system was devised in 1981 which divided avian virus strains as either highly pathogenic (and therefore potentially requiring vigorous control measures) or low pathogenic. The test for this is based solely on the effect on chickens a virus strain is '''highly pathogenic avian influenza''' (HPAI) if 75% or more of chickens die after being deliberately infected with it. The alternative classification is '''low pathogenic avian influenza''' (LPAI).<ref name=":AA6">{{cite journal | vauthors = Alexander DJ, Brown IH | title = History of highly pathogenic avian influenza | journal = Revue Scientifique et Technique | volume = 28 | issue = 1 | pages = 19–38 | date = April 2009 | pmid = 19618616 | doi = 10.20506/rst.28.1.1856 | doi-access = }}</ref> This classification system has since been modified to take into account the structure of the virus' haemagglutinin protein.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-06-15 |title=Factsheet on A(H5N1) |url=https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/zoonotic-influenza/facts/factsheet-h5n1 |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=www.ecdc.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref> Other species of birds, especially water birds, can become infected with HPAI virus without experiencing severe symptoms and can spread the infection over large distances; the exact symptoms depend on the species of bird and the strain of virus.<ref name=":AA6" /> Classification of an avian virus strain as HPAI or LPAI does not predict how serious the disease might be if it infects humans or other mammals.<ref name=":AA6" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-05 |title=Current U.S. Bird Flu Situation in Humans |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/inhumans.htm |access-date=2024-05-22 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref>


Since 2006, the [[World Organisation for Animal Health|World Organization for Animal Health]] requires all LPAI H5 and H7 detections to be reported because of their potential to mutate into highly pathogenic strains.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2013 |title=National H5/H7 Avian Influenza surveillance plan |url=https://www.aphis.usda.gov/media/document/1295/file |website=United States Department of Agriculture |publisher=Animal Plant Health Inspection Service}}</ref>
Since 2006, the [[World Organisation for Animal Health|World Organization for Animal Health]] requires all LPAI H5 and H7 detections to be reported because of their potential to mutate into highly pathogenic strains.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2013 |title=National H5/H7 Avian Influenza surveillance plan |url=https://www.aphis.usda.gov/media/document/1295/file |website=United States Department of Agriculture |publisher=Animal Plant Health Inspection Service}}</ref>
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== Virology ==
== Virology ==
{{Main|Influenza A virus}}
{{Main|Influenza A virus}}
[[File:EM_of_influenza_virus.jpg|thumb|A transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of the reconstructed 1918 pandemic influenza virus. The bottom structure represents membrane debris from the cells used to amplify the virus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Recreated 1918 Influenza virions |url=https://phil.cdc.gov/details.aspx?pid=8160 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026131210/https://phil.cdc.gov/details.aspx?pid=8160 |archive-date=26 October 2020 |access-date=24 April 2018 |website=U.S. [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] (CDC)}}</ref>]]
[[File:EM_of_influenza_virus.jpg|thumb|A [[Transmission electron microscopy|transmission electron micrograph]] (TEM) of the reconstructed 1918 pandemic influenza virus. The bottom structure represents membrane debris from the cells used to amplify the virus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Recreated 1918 Influenza virions |url=https://phil.cdc.gov/details.aspx?pid=8160 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026131210/https://phil.cdc.gov/details.aspx?pid=8160 |archive-date=26 October 2020 |access-date=24 April 2018 |website=U.S. [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] (CDC)}}</ref>]]
Avian influenza is caused by the ''[[Influenza A virus]]'' which principally affects birds but can also infect humans and other mammals.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=2023-03-30 |title=Types of Influenza Viruses |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/types.htm |access-date=2024-05-22 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite web |date=3 October 2023 |title=Influenza (Avian and other zoonotic) |url=https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(avian-and-other-zoonotic) |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=World Health Organization |language=en}}</ref> Influenza A is an [[RNA virus]] with a genome comprising a [[Sense (molecular biology)|negative-sense]], RNA segmented genome that encodes for 11 viral genes.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Samji T | title = Influenza A: understanding the viral life cycle | journal = The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine | volume = 82 | issue = 4 | pages = 153–159 | date = December 2009 | pmid = 20027280 | pmc = 2794490 }}</ref> The virus particle (also called the virion) is 80–120 nanometers in diameter and elliptical or filamentous in shape.<ref name="pmid22291683">{{cite journal | vauthors = Noda T | title = Native morphology of influenza virions | journal = Frontiers in Microbiology | volume = 2 | pages = 269 | date = 2011 | pmid = 22291683 | pmc = 3249889 | doi = 10.3389/fmicb.2011.00269 | title-link = doi | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="pmid27365089">{{cite journal | vauthors = Dadonaite B, Vijayakrishnan S, Fodor E, Bhella D, Hutchinson EC | title = Filamentous influenza viruses | journal = The Journal of General Virology | volume = 97 | issue = 8 | pages = 1755–1764 | date = August 2016 | pmid = 27365089 | pmc = 5935222 | doi = 10.1099/jgv.0.000535 }}</ref> There is evidence that the virus can survive for long periods in freshwater after being excreted in feces by its avian host, and can withstand prolonged freezing.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Shoham D, Jahangir A, Ruenphet S, Takehara K | title = Persistence of avian influenza viruses in various artificially frozen environmental water types | journal = Influenza Research and Treatment | volume = 2012 | pages = 912326 | date = 2012-10-04 | pmid = 23091712 | pmc = 3471417 | doi = 10.1155/2012/912326 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
Avian influenza is caused by the ''[[influenza A virus]]'' which principally affects birds but can also infect humans and other mammals.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=2023-03-30 |title=Types of Influenza Viruses |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/types.htm |access-date=2024-05-22 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite web |date=3 October 2023 |title=Influenza (Avian and other zoonotic) |url=https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(avian-and-other-zoonotic) |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=World Health Organization |language=en}}</ref> Influenza A is an [[RNA virus]] with a genome comprising a [[Sense (molecular biology)|negative-sense]], RNA segmented genome that encodes for 11 viral genes.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Samji T | title = Influenza A: understanding the viral life cycle | journal = The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine | volume = 82 | issue = 4 | pages = 153–159 | date = December 2009 | pmid = 20027280 | pmc = 2794490 }}</ref> The virus particle (also called the virion) is 80–120 nanometers in diameter and elliptical or filamentous in shape.<ref name="pmid22291683">{{cite journal | vauthors = Noda T | title = Native morphology of influenza virions | journal = Frontiers in Microbiology | volume = 2 | pages = 269 | date = 2011 | pmid = 22291683 | pmc = 3249889 | doi = 10.3389/fmicb.2011.00269 | title-link = doi | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="pmid27365089">{{cite journal | vauthors = Dadonaite B, Vijayakrishnan S, Fodor E, Bhella D, Hutchinson EC | title = Filamentous influenza viruses | journal = The Journal of General Virology | volume = 97 | issue = 8 | pages = 1755–1764 | date = August 2016 | pmid = 27365089 | pmc = 5935222 | doi = 10.1099/jgv.0.000535 }}</ref> There is evidence that the virus can survive for long periods in freshwater after being excreted in feces by its avian host, and can withstand prolonged freezing.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Shoham D, Jahangir A, Ruenphet S, Takehara K | title = Persistence of avian influenza viruses in various artificially frozen environmental water types | journal = Influenza Research and Treatment | volume = 2012 | pages = 912326 | date = 2012-10-04 | pmid = 23091712 | pmc = 3471417 | doi = 10.1155/2012/912326 | doi-access = free }}</ref>


There are two [[proteins]] on the surface of the viral envelope; hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.<ref name=":132" /> These are the major antigens of the virus against which neutralizing antibodies are produced. Influenza virus epidemics and epizootics are associated with changes in their antigenic structure.<ref name=":0222">{{Cite web |date=2018-10-17 |title=Avian Influenza |url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/avianflu/ |website=NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic |publisher=National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health}}</ref>
There are two [[proteins]] on the surface of the [[viral envelope]]; hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.<ref name=":132" /> These are the major antigens of the virus against which neutralizing antibodies are produced. Influenza virus epidemics and epizootics are associated with changes in their antigenic structure.<ref name=":0222">{{Cite web |date=2018-10-17 |title=Avian Influenza |url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/avianflu/ |website=NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic |publisher=National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health}}</ref>


[[hemagglutinin_(influenza)|Hemagglutinin]] (H) is an [[Antigen|antigenic]] [[glycoprotein]] which allows the virus to bind to and enter the host cell. [[Neuraminidase]] (N) is an antigenic glycosylated [[enzyme]] which facilitates the release of progeny viruses from infected cells.<ref name="Couch2">{{cite book | vauthors = Couch R |title=Medical Microbiology |publisher=The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston |year=1996 |isbn=978-0-9631172-1-2 | veditors = Baron S |location=Galveston |chapter=Chapter 58. Orthomyxoviruses Multiplication |pmid=21413353 |chapter-url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=mmed.section.3069 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503145221/http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=mmed.section.3069 |archive-date=May 3, 2009}}</ref> There are 18 known types of hemagglutinin, of which H1 thru H16 have been found in birds, and 11 types of neuraminidase.<ref name=":02" />
[[hemagglutinin_(influenza)|Hemagglutinin]] (H) is an [[Antigen|antigenic]] [[glycoprotein]] which allows the virus to bind to and enter the host cell. [[Neuraminidase]] (N) is an antigenic glycosylated [[enzyme]] which facilitates the release of progeny viruses from infected cells.<ref name="Couch2">{{cite book | vauthors = Couch R |title=Medical Microbiology |publisher=The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston |year=1996 |isbn=978-0-9631172-1-2 | veditors = Baron S |location=Galveston |chapter=Chapter 58. Orthomyxoviruses Multiplication |pmid=21413353 |chapter-url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=mmed.section.3069 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503145221/http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=mmed.section.3069 |archive-date=May 3, 2009}}</ref> There are 18 known types of hemagglutinin, of which H1 thru H16 have been found in birds, and 11 types of neuraminidase.<ref name=":02" />


=== Subtypes ===
=== Subtypes ===
Subtypes of Influenza A are defined by the combination of H and N proteins in the [[viral envelope]]; for example, "[[Influenza A virus subtype H5N1|H5N1]]" designates an influenza A subtype that has a type-5 hemagglutinin (H) protein and a type-1 neuraminidase (N) protein.<ref name=":112" /> The subtyping scheme only takes into account the two envelope proteins, not the other proteins coded by the virus' RNA. Almost all possible combinations of H (1 thru 16) and N (1 thru 11) have been isolated from wild birds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FluGlobalNet - Avian Influenza |url=https://science.vla.gov.uk/fluglobalnet/about_ai.html |access-date=2024-06-05 |website=science.vla.gov.uk}}</ref> Further variations exist within the subtypes and can lead to very significant differences in the virus's ability to infect and cause disease.<ref name="Eisfeld">{{cite journal | vauthors = Eisfeld AJ, Neumann G, Kawaoka Y | title = At the centre: influenza A virus ribonucleoproteins | language = En | journal = Nature Reviews. Microbiology | volume = 13 | issue = 1 | pages = 28–41 | date = January 2015 | pmid = 25417656 | pmc = 5619696 | doi = 10.1038/nrmicro3367 }}</ref>
Subtypes of influenza A are defined by the combination of H and N proteins in the [[viral envelope]]; for example, "[[Influenza A virus subtype H5N1|H5N1]]" designates an influenza A subtype that has a type-5 hemagglutinin (H) protein and a type-1 neuraminidase (N) protein.<ref name=":112" /> The subtyping scheme only takes into account the two envelope proteins, not the other proteins coded by the virus' RNA. Almost all possible combinations of H (1 thru 16) and N (1 thru 11) have been isolated from wild birds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FluGlobalNet Avian Influenza |url=https://science.vla.gov.uk/fluglobalnet/about_ai.html |access-date=2024-06-05 |website=science.vla.gov.uk}}</ref> Further variations exist within the subtypes and can lead to very significant differences in the virus's ability to infect and cause disease.<ref name="Eisfeld">{{cite journal | vauthors = Eisfeld AJ, Neumann G, Kawaoka Y | title = At the centre: influenza A virus ribonucleoproteins | language = En | journal = Nature Reviews. Microbiology | volume = 13 | issue = 1 | pages = 28–41 | date = January 2015 | pmid = 25417656 | pmc = 5619696 | doi = 10.1038/nrmicro3367 }}</ref>

Influenza viruses are constantly changing as small genetic [[Mutation|mutations]] accumulate, a process known as [[antigenic drift]]. Over time, mutation may lead to a change in antigenic properties such that host antibodies (acquired through vaccination or prior infection) do not provide effective protection, causing a fresh outbreak of disease.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-12 |title=How Flu Viruses Can Change |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/change.htm |access-date=2024-05-22 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref>


=== Influenza virus nomenclature ===
=== Influenza virus nomenclature ===
[[File:InfluenzaNomenclatureDiagram.svg|right|thumb|Diagram of influenza nomenclature]]
[[File:InfluenzaNomenclatureDiagram.svg|thumb|upright=1.1|Diagram of influenza nomenclature]]
To unambiguously describe a specific [[Isolation (microbiology)|isolate]] of virus, researchers use the internationally accepted ''Influenza virus nomenclature,''<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = | title = A revision of the system of nomenclature for influenza viruses: a WHO memorandum | journal = Bulletin of the World Health Organization | volume = 58 | issue = 4 | pages = 585–591 | date = 1980 | pmid = 6969132 | pmc = 2395936 | quote = This Memorandum was drafted by the signatories listed on page 590 on the occasion of a meeting held in Geneva in February 1980. }}</ref> which describes, among other things, the species of animal from which the virus was isolated, and the place and year of collection. As an example - '''A/chicken/Nakorn-Patom/Thailand/CU-K2/04(H5N1)''':
To unambiguously describe a specific [[Isolation (microbiology)|isolate]] of virus, researchers use the internationally accepted ''Influenza virus nomenclature,''<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = | title = A revision of the system of nomenclature for influenza viruses: a WHO memorandum | journal = Bulletin of the World Health Organization | volume = 58 | issue = 4 | pages = 585–591 | date = 1980 | pmid = 6969132 | pmc = 2395936 | quote = This Memorandum was drafted by the signatories listed on page 590 on the occasion of a meeting held in Geneva in February 1980. }}</ref> which describes, among other things, the species of animal from which the virus was isolated, and the place and year of collection. As an example, '''A/chicken/Nakorn-Patom/Thailand/CU-K2/04(H5N1)''':<ref>{{Cite web |last=CDC |date=2024-09-27 |title=Types of Influenza Viruses |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses-types.html |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |language=en-us}}</ref>


* '''A''' stands for the genus of influenza ([[Influenzavirus A|A]], [[Influenzavirus B|B]] or [[Influenzavirus C|C]]).
* '''A''' stands for the genus of influenza ([[Influenzavirus A|A]], [[Influenzavirus B|B]] or [[Influenzavirus C|C]])
* '''chicken''' is the animal species the isolate was found in (note: human isolates lack this component term and are thus identified as human isolates by default)
* '''chicken''' is the animal species the isolate was found in (note: human isolates lack this component term and are thus identified as human isolates by default)
* '''Nakorn-Patom/Thailand''' is the place this specific virus was isolated
* '''Nakorn-Patom/Thailand''' is the place this specific virus was isolated
* '''CU-K2''' is the laboratory reference number that identifies it from other influenza viruses isolated at the same place and year
* '''CU-K2''' is the laboratory reference number that identifies it from other influenza viruses isolated at the same place and year
* '''04''' represents the year of isolation 2004
* '''04''' represents the year of isolation 2004
* '''H5''' stands for the fifth of several known types of the protein [[Hemagglutinin_(influenza)|hemagglutinin]].
* '''H5''' stands for the fifth of several known types of the protein [[Hemagglutinin_(influenza)|hemagglutinin]]
* '''N1''' stands for the first of several known types of the protein [[Viral neuraminidase|neuraminidase]].
* '''N1''' stands for the first of several known types of the protein [[Viral neuraminidase|neuraminidase]].


Other examples include: A/duck/Hong Kong/308/78(H5N3), A/avian/NY/01(H5N2), A/chicken/Mexico/31381-3/94(H5N2), and A/shoveler/Egypt/03(H5N2).<ref name="Payungporn">{{cite journal | vauthors = Payungporn S, Chutinimitkul S, Chaisingh A, Damrongwantanapokin S, Nuansrichay B, Pinyochon W, Amonsin A, Donis RO, Theamboonlers A, Poovorawan Y | title = Discrimination between highly pathogenic and low pathogenic H5 avian influenza A viruses | journal = Emerging Infectious Diseases | volume = 12 | issue = 4 | pages = 700–701 | date = April 2006 | pmid = 16715581 | pmc = 3294708 | doi = 10.3201/eid1204.051427 }}</ref>
Other examples include: A/duck/Hong Kong/308/78(H5N3), A/avian/NY/01(H5N2), A/chicken/Mexico/31381-3/94(H5N2), and A/shoveler/Egypt/03(H5N2).<ref name="Payungporn">{{cite journal | vauthors = Payungporn S, Chutinimitkul S, Chaisingh A, Damrongwantanapokin S, Nuansrichay B, Pinyochon W, Amonsin A, Donis RO, Theamboonlers A, Poovorawan Y | title = Discrimination between highly pathogenic and low pathogenic H5 avian influenza A viruses | journal = Emerging Infectious Diseases | volume = 12 | issue = 4 | pages = 700–701 | date = April 2006 | pmid = 16715581 | pmc = 3294708 | doi = 10.3201/eid1204.051427 }}</ref>


=== Genetic Characterization ===
=== Genetic characterization ===
[[Whole genome sequencing|Analysis of the virus' genome]] enables researchers to determine the order of its nucleotides. Comparison of the genome of a virus with that of a different virus can reveal differences between the two viruses.<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |date=2024-02-27 |title=Influenza Virus Genome Sequencing and Genetic Characterization |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/professionals/genetic-characterization.htm |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |language=en-us}}</ref> Genetic variations are important because they can change amino acids that make up the influenza virus’ proteins, resulting in structural changes to the proteins, and thereby altering properties of the virus. Some of these properties include the ability to evade immunity and the ability to cause severe disease.<ref name=":17" />
[[Whole genome sequencing|Analysis of the virus' genome]] enables researchers to determine the order of its nucleotides. Comparison of the genome of a virus with that of a different virus can reveal differences between the two viruses.<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |date=2024-02-27 |title=Influenza Virus Genome Sequencing and Genetic Characterization |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/professionals/genetic-characterization.htm |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |language=en-us}}</ref> [[Genetic variation|Genetic variations]] are important because they can change amino acids that make up the influenza virus’ proteins, resulting in structural changes to the proteins, and thereby altering properties of the virus. Some of these properties include the ability to evade immunity and the ability to cause severe disease.<ref name=":17" />


Genetic sequencing enables influenza strains to be further characterised by their [[clade]] or [[Cladistics|subclade]], revealing links between different samples of virus and tracing the evolution of the virus over time.<ref name=":17" />
Genetic sequencing enables influenza strains to be further characterised by their [[clade]] or [[Cladistics|subclade]], revealing links between different samples of virus and tracing the evolution of the virus over time.<ref name=":17" />


=== Species barrier ===
=== Species barrier ===
Rarely, humans can become infected by the avian flu if they are in close contact with infected birds. Symptoms vary from mild to severe (including death), but these instances have not sustained transmission from one person to another. Five subtypes (H5, H6, H7, H9, and H10) are known to have caused disease in humans.<ref name=":132" /><ref name=":22" />
Humans can become infected by the avian flu if they are in close contact with infected birds. Symptoms vary from mild to severe (including death), but as of December 2024, instances of infection have not sustained transmission from one person to another.<ref name=":132" /><ref name=":22" />


There are a number of factors that generally prevent the avian flu from causing epidemics in humans or other mammals.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Petric PP, Schwemmle M, Graf L | title = Anti-influenza A virus restriction factors that shape the human species barrier and virus evolution | journal = PLOS Pathogens | volume = 19 | issue = 7 | pages = e1011450 | date = July 2023 | pmid = 37410755 | pmc = 10325056 | doi = 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011450 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Koçer ZA, Jones JC, Webster RG | title = Emergence of Influenza Viruses and Crossing the Species Barrier | journal = Microbiology Spectrum | volume = 1 | issue = 2 | date = December 2013 | pmid = 26184958 | doi = 10.1128/microbiolspec.OH-0010-2012 | veditors = Atlas RM, Maloy S }}</ref> One of them is that the HA protein of avian influenza binds to alpha-2,3 [[sialic acid]] receptors, which are present in the respiratory tract and intestines of avian species, while human influenza HA binds to alpha-2,6 sialic acid receptors, which are present in the human upper respiratory tract.<ref name="pmid206290463">{{cite journal | vauthors = Bertram S, Glowacka I, Steffen I, Kühl A, Pöhlmann S | title = Novel insights into proteolytic cleavage of influenza virus hemagglutinin | journal = Reviews in Medical Virology | volume = 20 | issue = 5 | pages = 298–310 | date = September 2010 | pmid = 20629046 | pmc = 7169116 | doi = 10.1002/rmv.657 | quote = The influenza virus HA binds to alpha 2–3 linked (avian viruses) or alpha 2–6 linked (human viruses) sialic acids presented by proteins or lipids on the host cell surface. }}</ref><ref name="pmid33567791">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kuchipudi SV, Nelli RK, Gontu A, Satyakumar R, Surendran Nair M, Subbiah M | title = Sialic Acid Receptors: The Key to Solving the Enigma of Zoonotic Virus Spillover | journal = Viruses | volume = 13 | issue = 2 | page = 262 | date = February 2021 | pmid = 33567791 | pmc = 7915228 | doi = 10.3390/v13020262 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Other factors include the ability to replicate the viral RNA genome within the host cell nucleus, to evade host immune responses, and to transmit between individuals.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Long JS, Mistry B, Haslam SM, Barclay WS | title = Host and viral determinants of influenza A virus species specificity | journal = Nature Reviews. Microbiology | volume = 17 | issue = 2 | pages = 67–81 | date = January 2019 | pmid = 30487536 | doi = 10.1038/s41579-018-0115-z }}</ref>
There are a number of factors that generally prevent avian flu from causing epidemics in humans or other mammals.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Petric PP, Schwemmle M, Graf L | title = Anti-influenza A virus restriction factors that shape the human species barrier and virus evolution | journal = PLOS Pathogens | volume = 19 | issue = 7 | pages = e1011450 | date = July 2023 | pmid = 37410755 | pmc = 10325056 | doi = 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011450 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Koçer ZA, Jones JC, Webster RG | title = Emergence of Influenza Viruses and Crossing the Species Barrier | journal = Microbiology Spectrum | volume = 1 | issue = 2 | date = December 2013 | pmid = 26184958 | doi = 10.1128/microbiolspec.OH-0010-2012 | veditors = Atlas RM, Maloy S }}</ref> One of them is that the HA protein of avian influenza binds to alpha-2,3 [[sialic acid]] receptors, which are present in the [[respiratory tract]] and intestines of avian species, while human influenza HA binds to alpha-2,6 sialic acid receptors, which are present in the human upper respiratory tract.<ref name="pmid206290463">{{cite journal | vauthors = Bertram S, Glowacka I, Steffen I, Kühl A, Pöhlmann S | title = Novel insights into proteolytic cleavage of influenza virus hemagglutinin | journal = Reviews in Medical Virology | volume = 20 | issue = 5 | pages = 298–310 | date = September 2010 | pmid = 20629046 | pmc = 7169116 | doi = 10.1002/rmv.657 | quote = The influenza virus HA binds to alpha 2–3 linked (avian viruses) or alpha 2–6 linked (human viruses) sialic acids presented by proteins or lipids on the host cell surface. }}</ref><ref name="pmid33567791">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kuchipudi SV, Nelli RK, Gontu A, Satyakumar R, Surendran Nair M, Subbiah M | title = Sialic Acid Receptors: The Key to Solving the Enigma of Zoonotic Virus Spillover | journal = Viruses | volume = 13 | issue = 2 | page = 262 | date = February 2021 | pmid = 33567791 | pmc = 7915228 | doi = 10.3390/v13020262 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Other factors include the ability to replicate the viral [[RNA genome]] within the host cell nucleus, to evade host immune responses, and to transmit between individuals.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Long JS, Mistry B, Haslam SM, Barclay WS | title = Host and viral determinants of influenza A virus species specificity | journal = Nature Reviews. Microbiology | volume = 17 | issue = 2 | pages = 67–81 | date = January 2019 | pmid = 30487536 | doi = 10.1038/s41579-018-0115-z }}</ref>


Influenza viruses are constantly changing as small genetic [[Mutation|mutations]] accumulate, a process known as [[antigenic drift]]. Over time, mutation may lead to a change in antigenic properties such that host [[Antibody|antibodies]] (acquired through vaccination or prior infection) do not provide effective protection, causing a fresh outbreak of disease.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-12 |title=How Flu Viruses Can Change |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/change.htm |access-date=2024-05-22 |work=U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref>
The segmented genome of influenza viruses facilitates [[Reassortment|genetic reassortment]]. This can occur if a host is infected simultaneously with two different strains of influenza virus; then it is possible for the viruses to interchange genetic material as they reproduce in the host cells.<ref>{{Citation | vauthors = Steel J, Lowen AC |title=Influenza a Virus Reassortment |date=2014 |work=Influenza Pathogenesis and Control - Volume I |series=Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology |pages=377–401 | veditors = Compans RW, Oldstone MB |place=Cham |publisher=Springer International Publishing |language=en |doi=10.1007/82_2014_395 |isbn=978-3-319-11155-1 |volume=385 |pmid=25007845 }}</ref> Thus, an avian influenza virus can acquire characteristics, such as the ability to infect humans, from a different virus strain. The presence of both alpha 2,3 and alpha 2,6 sialic acid receptors in [[pig]] tissues allows for co-infection by avian influenza and human influenza viruses. This susceptibility makes pigs a potential "melting pot" for the reassortment of influenza A viruses.<ref name="pmid198098722">{{cite journal | vauthors = Schnitzler SU, Schnitzler P | title = An update on swine-origin influenza virus A/H1N1: a review | journal = Virus Genes | volume = 39 | issue = 3 | pages = 279–292 | date = December 2009 | pmid = 19809872 | pmc = 7088521 | doi = 10.1007/s11262-009-0404-8 | quote = If an avian virus mutates or reassorts and gains the ability to bind to α2,6 linked sialic acids, it might cross the species barrier and infect humans. Swine tissues express both forms of sialic acid and can be coinfected with human and avian viruses. Thus, pigs serve as a melting vessel for human, avian and swine influenza strains. }}</ref>

The segmented genome of influenza viruses facilitates [[Reassortment|genetic reassortment]]. This can occur if a host is infected simultaneously with two different strains of influenza virus; then it is possible for the viruses to interchange genetic material as they reproduce in the host cells.<ref>{{Citation |title=Influenza a Virus Reassortment |vauthors=Steel J, Lowen AC |date=2014 |work=Influenza Pathogenesis and Control Volume I |volume=385 |pages=377–401 |series=Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology |veditors=Compans RW, [[Michael Oldstone|Oldstone MB]] |place=Cham |publisher=Springer International Publishing |language=en |doi=10.1007/82_2014_395 |isbn=978-3-319-11155-1 |pmid=25007845}}.</ref> Thus, an avian influenza virus can acquire characteristics, such as the ability to infect humans, from a different virus strain. The presence of both alpha 2,3 and alpha 2,6 sialic acid receptors in [[pig]] tissues allows for co-infection by avian influenza and human influenza viruses. This susceptibility makes pigs a potential "melting pot" for the reassortment of influenza A viruses.<ref name="pmid198098722">{{cite journal | vauthors = Schnitzler SU, Schnitzler P | title = An update on swine-origin influenza virus A/H1N1: a review | journal = Virus Genes | volume = 39 | issue = 3 | pages = 279–292 | date = December 2009 | pmid = 19809872 | pmc = 7088521 | doi = 10.1007/s11262-009-0404-8 | quote = If an avian virus mutates or reassorts and gains the ability to bind to α2,6 linked sialic acids, it might cross the species barrier and infect humans. Swine tissues express both forms of sialic acid and can be coinfected with human and avian viruses. Thus, pigs serve as a melting vessel for human, avian and swine influenza strains. }}</ref>


== Epidemiology ==
== Epidemiology ==


=== History ===
=== History ===
Avian influenza (historically known as fowl plague) is caused by bird-adapted strains of the [[Influenza A virus|influenza type A virus]].<ref name=":132" /> The disease was first identified by [[Edoardo Perroncito]] in 1878 when it was differentiated from other diseases that caused high mortality rates in birds; in 1955 it was established that the fowl plague virus was closely related to human influenza. In 1972 it became evident that many subtypes of avian flu were [[Endemic (epidemiology)|endemic]] in wild bird populations.<ref name=":AA6" />
Avian influenza (historically known as fowl plague) is caused by bird-adapted strains of the [[Influenza A virus|influenza type A virus]].<ref name=":132" /> The disease was first identified by [[Edoardo Perroncito]] in 1878 when it was differentiated from other diseases that caused high mortality rates in birds; in 1955 it was established that the fowl plague virus was closely related to human influenza. In 1972, it became evident that many subtypes of avian flu were [[Endemic (epidemiology)|endemic]] in wild bird populations.<ref name=":AA6" />


Between 1959 and 1995, there were 15 recorded outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry, with losses varying from a few birds on a single farm to many millions. Between 1996 and 2008, HPAI outbreaks in poultry have been recorded at least 11 times and 4 of these outbreaks have resulted in the death or culling of millions of birds.<ref name=":AA6" /> Since then, several virus strains (both LPAI and HPAI) have become endemic among wild birds with increasingly frequent outbreaks among domestic poultry, especially of the H5 and H7 subtypes.
Between 1959 and 1995, there were 15 recorded outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry, with losses varying from a few birds on a single farm to many millions. Between 1996 and 2008, HPAI outbreaks in poultry have been recorded at least 11 times and 4 of these outbreaks have resulted in the death or culling of millions of birds.<ref name=":AA6" /> Since then, several virus strains (both LPAI and HPAI) have become endemic among wild birds with increasingly frequent outbreaks among domestic poultry, especially of the H5 and H7 subtypes.


=== Avian Flu Transmission & Prevention ===
=== Transmission and prevention ===

[[File:Avian influenza roee shpernik 02.jpg|thumb|Birds that have been put down because of avian influenza]]
[[File:Main international flyways - bird migration-fr.svg|thumb|upright=1.6|The eight major flyways used by shorebirds (waders) on migration<ref>{{Cite book |last=Thompson |first=Des |title=Shorebirds |last2=Byrkjedal |first2=Ingvar |publisher=Colin Baxter Photography Ltd |year=2001 |isbn=978-1841070759}}</ref><br />
'''Birds''' - Influenza A viruses of various subtypes have a large reservoir in wild waterfowl, which can infect the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract without affecting the health of the host. They can then be carried by the bird over large distances. Infected birds can shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces; susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with the virus as it is shed by infected birds.<ref name=":B4">{{Cite web |date=2024-05-15 |title=Transmission of Bird Flu Viruses Between Animals and People |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/virus-transmission.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref> The virus can survive for long periods in water and at low temperatures, and can be spread from one farm to another on farm equipment.<ref name=":B5">{{Cite web |title=Avian Influenza |url=https://www.woah.org/en/disease/avian-influenza/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=WOAH - World Organisation for Animal Health |language=en-GB}}</ref> Domesticated birds (chickens, turkeys, ducks, etc.) may become infected with avian influenza A viruses through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry, or through contact with contaminated feces or surfaces.

{{Legend|#54A1FF|Pacific}}
{{Legend|#EEDCD0|Mississippi}}
{{Legend|#EAD27A|West Atlantic}}
{{Legend|#CDDBC3|East Atlantic}}
{{Legend|#ff187a|Mediterranean and Black Sea}}
{{Legend|#D7C6D9|West Asia and Africa}}
{{Legend|#FFC6C6|Central Asia and India}}
{{Legend|#53F05A|East Asia and Australasia}}
]]
'''Birds''' Influenza A viruses of various subtypes have a large reservoir in wild waterbirds of the orders [[Anseriformes]] (for example, ducks, geese, and swans) and [[Charadriiformes]] (for example, gulls, terns, and waders) which can infect the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract without affecting the health of the host.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 March 2024 |title=Mitigation strategy for avian influenza in wild birds in England and Wales |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mitigation-strategy-for-avian-influenza-in-wild-birds-in-england-and-wales/mitigation-strategy-for-avian-influenza-in-wild-birds-in-england-and-wales--2 |access-date=2024-07-25 |website=GOV.UK – Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs |language=en}}</ref> They can then be carried by the bird over large distances, especially during annual migration. Infected birds can shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces; susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with the virus as it is shed by infected birds.<ref name=":B4">{{Cite web |date=2024-05-15 |title=Transmission of Bird Flu Viruses Between Animals and People |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/virus-transmission.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref> The virus can survive for long periods in water and at low temperatures, and can be spread from one farm to another on farm equipment.<ref name=":B5">{{Cite web |title=Avian Influenza |url=https://www.woah.org/en/disease/avian-influenza/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=WOAH World Organisation for Animal Health |language=en-GB}}</ref> Domesticated birds (chickens, turkeys, ducks, etc.) may become infected with avian influenza A viruses through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry, or through contact with contaminated feces or surfaces.


Avian influenza outbreaks in domesticated birds are of concern for several reasons. There is potential for low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAI) to evolve into strains which are high pathogenic to poultry (HPAI), and subsequent potential for significant illness and death among poultry during outbreaks. Because of this, international regulations state that any detection of H5 or H7 subtypes (regardless of their pathogenicity) must be notified to the appropriate authority.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 2020 |title=Prevention and Control of H5 and H7 Avian Influenza in the Live Bird Marketing System |url=https://www.aphis.usda.gov/media/document/309/file |access-date=15 June 2024 |website=United States Department of Agriculture}}</ref><ref name=":B7">{{Cite web |date=11 June 2024 |title=Questions and Answers on Avian Influenza |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_24_3169 |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=An official website of the European Commission}}</ref> It is also possible that avian influenza viruses could be transmitted to humans and other animals which have been exposed to infected birds, causing infection with unpredictable but sometimes fatal consequences.
Avian influenza outbreaks in domesticated birds are of concern for several reasons. There is potential for low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAI) to evolve into strains which are high pathogenic to poultry (HPAI), and subsequent potential for significant illness and death among poultry during outbreaks. Because of this, international regulations state that any detection of H5 or H7 subtypes (regardless of their pathogenicity) must be notified to the appropriate authority.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 2020 |title=Prevention and Control of H5 and H7 Avian Influenza in the Live Bird Marketing System |url=https://www.aphis.usda.gov/media/document/309/file |access-date=15 June 2024 |website=United States Department of Agriculture}}</ref><ref name=":B7">{{Cite web |date=11 June 2024 |title=Questions and Answers on Avian Influenza |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_24_3169 |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=An official website of the European Commission}}</ref> It is also possible that avian influenza viruses could be transmitted to humans and other animals which have been exposed to infected birds, causing infection with unpredictable but sometimes fatal consequences.


When an HPAI infection is detected in poultry, it is normal to [[Culling|cull]] infected animals and those nearby in an effort to rapidly contain, control and eradicate the disease. This is done together with movement restrictions, improved hygiene and biosecurity, and enhanced surveillance. <ref name=":B5" />
When an HPAI infection is detected in poultry, it is normal to [[Culling|cull]] infected animals and those nearby in an effort to rapidly contain, control and eradicate the disease. This is done together with movement restrictions, improved hygiene and biosecurity, and enhanced surveillance. <ref name=":B5" />


'''Humans -''' Avian flu viruses, both HPAI and LPAI, can infect humans who are in close, unprotected contact with infected poultry. Incidents of cross-species transmission are rare, with symptoms ranging in severity from no symptoms or mild illness, to severe disease that resulted in death.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-30 |title=Avian Influenza A Virus Infections in Humans |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-humans.htm |access-date=2024-06-11 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name=":B7" /> As of February, 2024 there have been very few instances of human-to-human transmission, and each outbreak has been limited to a few people.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-01 |title=Reported Human Infections with Avian Influenza A Viruses |url=https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/php/avian-flu-summary/reported-human-infections.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/reported-human-infections.htm |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |language=en-us}}</ref> All subtypes of avian Influenza A have potential to cross the species barrier, with [[Influenza A virus subtype H5N1|H5N1]] and [[Influenza A virus subtype H7N9|H7N9]] considered the biggest threats.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zoonotic influenza |url=https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/influenza-are-we-ready/zoonotic-influenza |access-date=2024-06-16 |website=Wordl Health Organization |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The next pandemic: H5N1 and H7N9 influenza? |url=https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/next-pandemic/h5n1-and-h7n9-influenza |access-date=2024-06-16 |website=Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance |language=en}}</ref>
'''Humans''' Avian flu viruses, both HPAI and LPAI, can infect humans who are in close, unprotected contact with infected poultry. Incidents of cross-species transmission are rare, with symptoms ranging in severity from no symptoms or mild illness, to severe disease that resulted in death.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-30 |title=Avian Influenza A Virus Infections in Humans |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-humans.htm |access-date=2024-06-11 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name=":B7" /> As of February, 2024 there have been very few instances of human-to-human transmission, and each outbreak has been limited to a few people.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-01 |title=Reported Human Infections with Avian Influenza A Viruses |url=https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/php/avian-flu-summary/reported-human-infections.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/reported-human-infections.htm |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |language=en-us}}</ref> All subtypes of avian Influenza A have potential to cross the species barrier, with [[Influenza A virus subtype H5N1|H5N1]] and [[Influenza A virus subtype H7N9|H7N9]] considered the biggest threats.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zoonotic influenza |url=https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/influenza-are-we-ready/zoonotic-influenza |access-date=2024-06-16 |website=Wordl Health Organization |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The next pandemic: H5N1 and H7N9 influenza? |url=https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/next-pandemic/h5n1-and-h7n9-influenza |access-date=2024-06-16 |website=Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance |language=en}}</ref>


In order to avoid infection, the general public are advised to avoid contact with sick birds or potentially contaminated material such as carcasses or feces. People working with birds, such as conservationists or poultry workers, are advised to wear appropriate personal protection equipment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-05 |title=Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus in Animals: Interim Recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations |url=https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/hpai-interim-recommendations.html |access-date=2024-06-13 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |language=en-us}}</ref>
In order to avoid infection, the general public are advised to avoid contact with sick birds or potentially contaminated material such as carcasses or feces. People working with birds, such as conservationists or poultry workers, are advised to wear appropriate personal protection equipment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-05 |title=Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus in Animals: Interim Recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations |url=https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/hpai-interim-recommendations.html |access-date=2024-06-13 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |language=en-us}}</ref>


'''Other animals''' - [[List of mammals that can get H5N1|a wide range of other animals]] have been affected by avian flu, generally due to eating birds which had been infected.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-02-02 |title=Bird flu 'spills over' to otters and foxes in UK |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-64474594 |access-date=2024-06-11 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> There have been instances where transmission of the disease between mammals, including seals and cows, may have occurred.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-15 |title=Study of H5N1 avian flu seal deaths reveals multiple lineages |url=https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/study-h5n1-avian-flu-seal-deaths-reveals-multiple-lineages |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":B22">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kozlov M | title = Huge amounts of bird-flu virus found in raw milk of infected cows | journal = Nature | date = June 2024 | pmid = 38840011 | doi = 10.1038/d41586-024-01624-1 }}</ref>
'''Other animals''' [[List of mammals that can get H5N1|a wide range of other animals]] have been affected by avian flu, generally due to eating birds which had been infected.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-02-02 |title=Bird flu 'spills over' to otters and foxes in UK |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-64474594 |access-date=2024-06-11 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> There have been instances where transmission of the disease between mammals, including seals and cows, may have occurred.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-15 |title=Study of H5N1 avian flu seal deaths reveals multiple lineages |url=https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/study-h5n1-avian-flu-seal-deaths-reveals-multiple-lineages |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":B22">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kozlov M | title = Huge amounts of bird-flu virus found in raw milk of infected cows | journal = Nature | date = June 2024 | pmid = 38840011 | doi = 10.1038/d41586-024-01624-1 }}</ref>


=== Pandemic potential ===
=== Pandemic potential ===
Influenza viruses have a relatively high mutation rate that is characteristic of [[RNA virus|RNA viruses]].<ref name="SanjuanNebot2010">{{cite journal | vauthors = Sanjuán R, Nebot MR, Chirico N, Mansky LM, Belshaw R | title = Viral mutation rates | journal = Journal of Virology | volume = 84 | issue = 19 | pages = 9733–9748 | date = October 2010 | pmid = 20660197 | pmc = 2937809 | doi = 10.1128/JVI.00694-10 }}</ref> The segmentation of the influenza A virus [[genome]] facilitates [[genetic recombination]] by segment [[reassortment]] in hosts who become infected with two different strains of influenza viruses at the same time.<ref name="Kou2">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kou Z, Lei FM, Yu J, Fan ZJ, Yin ZH, Jia CX, Xiong KJ, Sun YH, Zhang XW, Wu XM, Gao XB, Li TX | title = New genotype of avian influenza H5N1 viruses isolated from tree sparrows in China | journal = Journal of Virology | volume = 79 | issue = 24 | pages = 15460–15466 | date = December 2005 | pmid = 16306617 | pmc = 1316012 | doi = 10.1128/JVI.79.24.15460-15466.2005 }}</ref><ref name="WHOinfluenza2">{{cite journal | vauthors = ((The World Health Organization Global Influenza Program Surveillance Network)) | title = Evolution of H5N1 avian influenza viruses in Asia | journal = Emerging Infectious Diseases | volume = 11 | issue = 10 | pages = 1515–1521 | date = October 2005 | pmid = 16318689 | pmc = 3366754 | doi = 10.3201/eid1110.050644 }} ''Figure 1 shows a diagramatic representation of the genetic relatedness of Asian H5N1 [[hemagglutinin_(influenza)|hemagglutinin]] genes from various isolates of the virus''</ref> With reassortment between strains, an avian strain which does not affect humans may acquire characteristics from a different strain which enable it to infect and pass between humans - a [[Zoonosis|zoonotic]] event.<ref name=":B4" /> It is thought that all influenza A viruses causing outbreaks or [[Pandemic|pandemics]] among humans since the 1900s originated from strains circulating in wild aquatic birds through reassortment with other influenza strains.<ref name=":B0">{{cite journal | vauthors = Taubenberger JK, Morens DM | title = Influenza: the once and future pandemic | journal = Public Health Reports | volume = 125 | issue = Suppl 3 | pages = 16–26 | date = April 2010 | pmid = 20568566 | pmc = 2862331 | doi = 10.1177/00333549101250S305 }}</ref><ref name=":B3">{{cite journal | vauthors = Webster RG, Bean WJ, Gorman OT, Chambers TM, Kawaoka Y | title = Evolution and ecology of influenza A viruses | journal = Microbiological Reviews | volume = 56 | issue = 1 | pages = 152–179 | date = March 1992 | pmid = 1579108 | pmc = 372859 | doi = 10.1128/mr.56.1.152-179.1992 }}</ref> It is possible (though not certain) that pigs may act as an intermediate host for reassortment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-06-15 |title=Factsheet on swine influenza in humans and pigs |url=https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/swine-influenza/factsheet |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=European Centre for Disease Control |language=en}}</ref>
Influenza viruses have a relatively high mutation rate that is characteristic of [[RNA virus|RNA viruses]].<ref name="SanjuanNebot2010">{{cite journal | vauthors = Sanjuán R, Nebot MR, Chirico N, Mansky LM, Belshaw R | title = Viral mutation rates | journal = Journal of Virology | volume = 84 | issue = 19 | pages = 9733–9748 | date = October 2010 | pmid = 20660197 | pmc = 2937809 | doi = 10.1128/JVI.00694-10 }}</ref> The segmentation of the influenza A virus [[genome]] facilitates [[genetic recombination]] by segment [[reassortment]] in hosts who become infected with two different strains of influenza viruses at the same time.<ref name="Kou2">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kou Z, Lei FM, Yu J, Fan ZJ, Yin ZH, Jia CX, Xiong KJ, Sun YH, Zhang XW, Wu XM, Gao XB, Li TX | title = New genotype of avian influenza H5N1 viruses isolated from tree sparrows in China | journal = Journal of Virology | volume = 79 | issue = 24 | pages = 15460–15466 | date = December 2005 | pmid = 16306617 | pmc = 1316012 | doi = 10.1128/JVI.79.24.15460-15466.2005 }}</ref><ref name="WHOinfluenza2">{{cite journal | vauthors = ((The World Health Organization Global Influenza Program Surveillance Network)) | title = Evolution of H5N1 avian influenza viruses in Asia | journal = Emerging Infectious Diseases | volume = 11 | issue = 10 | pages = 1515–1521 | date = October 2005 | pmid = 16318689 | pmc = 3366754 | doi = 10.3201/eid1110.050644 }} ''Figure 1 shows a diagramatic representation of the genetic relatedness of Asian H5N1 [[hemagglutinin_(influenza)|hemagglutinin]] genes from various isolates of the virus''</ref> With reassortment between strains, an avian strain which does not affect humans may acquire characteristics from a different strain which enable it to infect and pass between humans a [[Zoonosis|zoonotic]] event.<ref name=":B4" /> It is thought that all influenza A viruses causing outbreaks or [[Pandemic|pandemics]] among humans since the 1900s originated from strains circulating in wild aquatic birds through reassortment with other influenza strains.<ref name=":B0">{{cite journal | vauthors = Taubenberger JK, Morens DM | title = Influenza: the once and future pandemic | journal = Public Health Reports | volume = 125 | issue = Suppl 3 | pages = 16–26 | date = April 2010 | pmid = 20568566 | pmc = 2862331 | doi = 10.1177/00333549101250S305 }}</ref><ref name=":B3">{{cite journal | vauthors = Webster RG, Bean WJ, Gorman OT, Chambers TM, Kawaoka Y | title = Evolution and ecology of influenza A viruses | journal = Microbiological Reviews | volume = 56 | issue = 1 | pages = 152–179 | date = March 1992 | pmid = 1579108 | pmc = 372859 | doi = 10.1128/mr.56.1.152-179.1992 }}</ref> It is possible (though not certain) that pigs may act as an intermediate host for reassortment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-06-15 |title=Factsheet on swine influenza in humans and pigs |url=https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/swine-influenza/factsheet |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=European Centre for Disease Control |language=en}}</ref>


As of June 2024, there is concern about two subtypes of avian influenza which are circulating in wild bird populations worldwide, [[Influenza A virus subtype H5N1|H5N1]] and [[Influenza A virus subtype H7N9|H7N9]]. Both of these have potential to devastate poultry stocks, and both have jumped to humans with relatively high [[Case fatality rate|case fatality rates]].<ref name=":222">{{Cite web |date=29 July 2020 |title=Global AIV with Zoonotic Potential |url=https://www.fao.org/animal-health/situation-updates/global-aiv-with-zoonotic-potential/en |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations |language=en}}</ref>
As of June 2024, there is concern about two subtypes of avian influenza which are circulating in wild bird populations worldwide, [[Influenza A virus subtype H5N1|H5N1]] and [[Influenza A virus subtype H7N9|H7N9]]. Both of these have potential to devastate poultry stocks, and both have jumped to humans with relatively high [[Case fatality rate|case fatality rates]].<ref name=":222">{{Cite web |date=29 July 2020 |title=Global AIV with Zoonotic Potential |url=https://www.fao.org/animal-health/situation-updates/global-aiv-with-zoonotic-potential/en |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations |language=en}}</ref>


=== Surveillance ===
=== Surveillance ===
The '''[[Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System]] (GISRS)''' is a global network of laboratories that monitor the spread of [[influenza]] with the aim to provide the [[World Health Organization]] with influenza control information and to inform vaccine development.<ref name="Fange">{{cite book | vauthors = Lee K, Fang J |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9zCEmpopjG0C&dq=%22WHO%22+%22GISRS+is+a%22&pg=PA163 |title=Historical Dictionary of the World Health Organization |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |year=2013 |isbn=9780810878587}}</ref> Several millions of specimens are tested by the GISRS network annually through a network of laboratories in 127 countries.<ref name=":B03">{{Cite web |date=19 September 2022 |title=70 years of GISRS – the Global Influenza Surveillance & Response System |url=https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/seventy-years-of-gisrs---the-global-influenza-surveillance---response-system |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=World Health Organization |language=en}}</ref> As well as human viruses, GISRS monitors avian, swine, and other potentially [[Zoonosis|zoonotic]] influenza viruses.
The '''[[Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System]] (GISRS)''' is a global network of laboratories that monitor the spread of [[influenza]] with the aim to provide the [[World Health Organization]] with influenza control information and to inform vaccine development.<ref name="Fange">{{cite book | vauthors = Lee K, Fang J |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9zCEmpopjG0C&dq=%22WHO%22+%22GISRS+is+a%22&pg=PA163 |title=Historical Dictionary of the World Health Organization |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |year=2013 |isbn=9780810878587}}</ref> Several millions of specimens are tested by the GISRS network annually through a network of laboratories in 127 countries.<ref name=":B03">{{Cite web |date=19 September 2022 |title=70 years of GISRS – the Global Influenza Surveillance & Response System |url=https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/seventy-years-of-gisrs---the-global-influenza-surveillance---response-system |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=World Health Organization |language=en}}</ref> As well as human viruses, GISRS monitors avian, swine, and other potentially [[Zoonosis|zoonotic]] influenza viruses.


=== Vaccine ===
=== Vaccine ===
'''Poultry''' - it is possible to vaccinate poultry against specific strains of HPAI influenza. Vaccination should be combined with other control measures such as infection monitoring, early detection and biosecurity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-10 |title=Vaccination of poultry against highly pathogenic avian influenza – Available vaccines and vaccination strategies |url=https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/vaccination-poultry-against-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-available-vaccines-and |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=efsa.europa.eu |publisher= |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-03 |title=Making a Candidate Vaccine Virus (CVV) for a HPAI (Bird Flu) Virus |url=https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/php/severe-potential/candidate-vaccine-virus.html |access-date=2024-06-15 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref>
'''Poultry''' it is possible to vaccinate poultry against specific strains of HPAI influenza. Vaccination should be combined with other control measures such as infection monitoring, early detection and biosecurity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-10 |title=Vaccination of poultry against highly pathogenic avian influenza – Available vaccines and vaccination strategies |url=https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/vaccination-poultry-against-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-available-vaccines-and |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=efsa.europa.eu |publisher= |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-03 |title=Making a Candidate Vaccine Virus (CVV) for a HPAI (Bird Flu) Virus |url=https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/php/severe-potential/candidate-vaccine-virus.html |access-date=2024-06-15 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref>


'''Humans''' - Several "candidate vaccines" are available in case of an avian virus acquires the ability to infect and transmit among humans. There are strategic stockpiles of vaccines against the H5N1 subtype which is considered the biggest risk.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vaccines for pandemic influenza |url=https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory-overview/public-health-threats/pandemic-influenza/vaccines-pandemic-influenza |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=European Medicines Agency}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=February 4, 2020 |title=FDA Approves Seqirus' Audenz as Vaccine Against Potential Flu Pandemic |url=https://www.biospace.com/article/seqirus-wins-fda-approval-of-vaccine-for-potential-flu-pandemic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205184348/https://www.biospace.com/article/seqirus-wins-fda-approval-of-vaccine-for-potential-flu-pandemic/ |archive-date=February 5, 2020 |access-date=February 5, 2020 |website=BioSpace |vauthors=Keown A}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=January 31, 2020 |title=Audenz |url=http://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/audenz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806022227/https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/audenz |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |access-date=February 5, 2020 |publisher=U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) |id=STN: 125692}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> A vaccine against the H7N9 subtype, which has also infected humans, has undergone a limited amount of testing.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Zheng D, Gao F, Zhao C, Ding Y, Cao Y, Yang T, Xu X, Chen Z | title = Comparative effectiveness of H7N9 vaccines in healthy individuals | journal = Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics | volume = 15 | issue = 1 | pages = 80–90 | date = 2018-09-14 | pmid = 30148691 | pmc = 6363152 | doi = 10.1080/21645515.2018.1515454 }}</ref> In the event of an outbreak, the "candidate" vaccine would be rapidly tested for safety as well as efficacy against the zoonotic strain, and then authorised and distributed to vaccine manufacturers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-03 |title=Making a Candidate Vaccine Virus (CVV) for a HPAI (Bird Flu) Virus |url=https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/php/severe-potential/candidate-vaccine-virus.html |access-date=2024-06-22 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |language=en-us}}</ref>
'''Humans''' Several "candidate vaccines" are available in case an avian virus acquires the ability to infect and transmit among humans. There are strategic stockpiles of vaccines against the H5N1 subtype, which is considered the biggest risk.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vaccines for pandemic influenza |url=https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory-overview/public-health-threats/pandemic-influenza/vaccines-pandemic-influenza |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=European Medicines Agency}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=February 4, 2020 |title=FDA Approves Seqirus' Audenz as Vaccine Against Potential Flu Pandemic |url=https://www.biospace.com/article/seqirus-wins-fda-approval-of-vaccine-for-potential-flu-pandemic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205184348/https://www.biospace.com/article/seqirus-wins-fda-approval-of-vaccine-for-potential-flu-pandemic/ |archive-date=February 5, 2020 |access-date=February 5, 2020 |website=BioSpace |vauthors=Keown A}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=January 31, 2020 |title=Audenz |url=http://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/audenz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806022227/https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/audenz |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |access-date=February 5, 2020 |publisher=U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) |id=STN: 125692}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> A vaccine against the H7N9 subtype, which has also infected humans, has undergone a limited amount of testing.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Zheng D, Gao F, Zhao C, Ding Y, Cao Y, Yang T, Xu X, Chen Z | title = Comparative effectiveness of H7N9 vaccines in healthy individuals | journal = Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics | volume = 15 | issue = 1 | pages = 80–90 | date = 2018-09-14 | pmid = 30148691 | pmc = 6363152 | doi = 10.1080/21645515.2018.1515454 }}</ref> In the event of an outbreak, the "candidate" vaccine would be rapidly tested for safety as well as efficacy against the zoonotic strain, and then authorised and distributed to vaccine manufacturers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-03 |title=Making a Candidate Vaccine Virus (CVV) for a HPAI (Bird Flu) Virus |url=https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/php/severe-potential/candidate-vaccine-virus.html |access-date=2024-06-22 | work = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) }}</ref>

[[Zoonotic influenza vaccine Seqirus]] is authorized for use in the European Union.<ref name="Zoonotic Influenza Vaccine Seqirus EPAR">{{cite web | title=Zoonotic Influenza Vaccine Seqirus EPAR | website=European Medicines Agency (EMA) | date=9 October 2023 | url=https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/zoonotic-influenza-vaccine-seqirus | access-date=26 September 2024}}</ref> It is an H5N8 vaccine that is intended to provide [[acquired immunity]] against H5 subtype influenza A viruses.<ref name="Zoonotic Influenza Vaccine Seqirus EPAR" />


=== Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 ===
=== Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 ===
Line 97: Line 110:
A/H5N1 has killed millions of poultry in a growing number of countries throughout Asia, Europe, and Africa. Health experts are concerned that the coexistence of human flu viruses and avian flu viruses (especially H5N1) will provide an opportunity for genetic material to be exchanged between species-specific viruses, possibly creating a new virulent influenza strain that is easily transmissible and lethal to humans.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Poovorawan Y, Pyungporn S, Prachayangprecha S, Makkoch J | title = Global alert to avian influenza virus infection: from H5N1 to H7N9 | journal = Pathogens and Global Health | volume = 107 | issue = 5 | pages = 217–223 | date = July 2013 | pmid = 23916331 | pmc = 4001451 | doi = 10.1179/2047773213Y.0000000103 }}</ref>
A/H5N1 has killed millions of poultry in a growing number of countries throughout Asia, Europe, and Africa. Health experts are concerned that the coexistence of human flu viruses and avian flu viruses (especially H5N1) will provide an opportunity for genetic material to be exchanged between species-specific viruses, possibly creating a new virulent influenza strain that is easily transmissible and lethal to humans.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Poovorawan Y, Pyungporn S, Prachayangprecha S, Makkoch J | title = Global alert to avian influenza virus infection: from H5N1 to H7N9 | journal = Pathogens and Global Health | volume = 107 | issue = 5 | pages = 217–223 | date = July 2013 | pmid = 23916331 | pmc = 4001451 | doi = 10.1179/2047773213Y.0000000103 }}</ref>


Influenza A/H5N1 was first recorded in a small outbreak among poultry in Scotland<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-10 |title=1880-1959 Highlights in the History of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Timeline |url=https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/avian-timeline/1880-1959.html |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |language=en-us}}</ref> in 1959, with [[Global spread of H5N1|numerous outbreaks]] subsequently in every continent.<ref>{{Cite news | vauthors = Weston P |date=2024-03-26 |title='Cautious optimism' as penguins test positive for bird flu but show no symptoms |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/26/bird-flu-asymptomatic-penguins-adelie-penguins-antarctic |access-date=2024-07-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The first known transmission of A/H5N1 to a human occurred in [[Hong Kong]] in 1997, when there was an outbreak of 18 human cases resulting in 6 deaths. It was determined that all the infected people had been exposed to infected birds in poultry markets. As the disease continued to spread among poultry flocks in the territory, the decision was made to cull all 1.6 million poultry in the area and to impose strict controls on the movement and handling of ppoultry.This terminated the outbreak.<ref>{{Cite web | vauthors = Sencer DJ |date=2024 |title=Outbreak in Hong Kong, 1997 · Influenza: Complex Virus/Complex History · CDC Museum Digital Exhibits |url=https://www.cdcmuseum.org/exhibits/show/influenza/avian-influenza/outbreak-hong-kong |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=CDC Museum}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Recommendations for Worker Protection and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Reduce Exposure to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A H5 Viruses : Avian Influenza (Flu) |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h5/worker-protection-ppe.htm |access-date=2015-07-25 |website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention}}</ref>
Influenza A/H5N1 was first recorded in a small outbreak among poultry in Scotland<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-10 |title=1880-1959 Highlights in the History of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Timeline |url=https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/avian-timeline/1880-1959.html |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |language=en-us}}</ref> in 1959, with [[Global spread of H5N1|numerous outbreaks]] subsequently in every continent.<ref>{{Cite news | vauthors = Weston P |date=2024-03-26 |title='Cautious optimism' as penguins test positive for bird flu but show no symptoms |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/26/bird-flu-asymptomatic-penguins-adelie-penguins-antarctic |access-date=2024-07-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The first known transmission of A/H5N1 to a human occurred in [[Hong Kong]] in 1997, when there was an outbreak of 18 human cases resulting in 6 deaths. It was determined that all the infected people had been exposed to infected birds in poultry markets. As the disease continued to spread among poultry flocks in the territory, the decision was made to cull all 1.6 million poultry in the area and to impose strict controls on the movement and handling of poultry. This terminated the outbreak.<ref>{{Cite web | vauthors = Sencer DJ |date=2024 |title=Outbreak in Hong Kong, 1997 · Influenza: Complex Virus/Complex History · CDC Museum Digital Exhibits |url=https://www.cdcmuseum.org/exhibits/show/influenza/avian-influenza/outbreak-hong-kong |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=CDC Museum}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Recommendations for Worker Protection and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Reduce Exposure to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A H5 Viruses : Avian Influenza (Flu) |url=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h5/worker-protection-ppe.htm |access-date=2015-07-25 |website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention}}</ref>


There is weak evidence to support limited human-to-human transmission of A/H5N1 in 139 outreaks between 2005 and 2009 in Sumatra. The [[Basic reproduction number|reproduction number]] was well below the threshold for sustained transmission.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Aditama TY, Samaan G, Kusriastuti R, Sampurno OD, Purba W, Santoso H, Bratasena A, Maruf A, Sariwati E, Setiawaty V, Glass K, Lokuge K, Kelly PM, Kandun IN | title = Avian influenza H5N1 transmission in households, Indonesia | journal = PLOS ONE | volume = 7 | issue = 1 | pages = e29971 | date = 2012-01-04 | pmid = 22238686 | pmc = 3251608 | doi = 10.1371/journal.pone.0029971 | first9 = Anas | first7 = Hari | first8 = Arie | first12 = Kathryn | first13 = Kamalini | first10 = Elvieda | first11 = Vivi | first14 = Paul M. | first15 = I. Nyoman | doi-access = free | bibcode = 2012PLoSO...729971A }}</ref>
There is weak evidence to support limited human-to-human transmission of A/H5N1 in 139 outbreaks between 2005 and 2009 in Sumatra. The [[Basic reproduction number|reproduction number]] was well below the threshold for sustained transmission.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Aditama TY, Samaan G, Kusriastuti R, Sampurno OD, Purba W, Santoso H, Bratasena A, Maruf A, Sariwati E, Setiawaty V, Glass K, Lokuge K, Kelly PM, Kandun IN | title = Avian influenza H5N1 transmission in households, Indonesia | journal = PLOS ONE | volume = 7 | issue = 1 | pages = e29971 | date = 2012-01-04 | pmid = 22238686 | pmc = 3251608 | doi = 10.1371/journal.pone.0029971 | first9 = Anas | first7 = Hari | first8 = Arie | first12 = Kathryn | first13 = Kamalini | first10 = Elvieda | first11 = Vivi | first14 = Paul M. | first15 = I. Nyoman | doi-access = free | bibcode = 2012PLoSO...729971A }}</ref>


{{#section:Human mortality from H5N1|H5N1_WHO}}
{{#section:Human mortality from H5N1|H5N1_WHO}}
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=== Influenza A virus subtype H7N9 ===
=== Influenza A virus subtype H7N9 ===
{{Further|Influenza A virus subtype H7N9}}
{{Further|Influenza A virus subtype H7N9}}
[[File:Chicken_market_in_Xining,_Qinghai_province,_China.jpg|right|thumb|300x300px|Live poultry market in [[Xining]], [[China]], 2008.]]
[[File:Chicken_market_in_Xining,_Qinghai_province,_China.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Live poultry market in [[Xining]], [[China]], 2008.]]
A significant outbreak of influenza A virus subtype H7N9 (A/H7N9) started in March 2013 when severe influenza affected 18 humans in China; six subsequently died.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2017-06-15 |title=Factsheet on A(H7N9) |url=https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/zoonotic-influenza/facts/faq-H7N9 |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control |language=en}}</ref> It was discovered that a low pathogenic strain of A/H7N9 was circulating among chickens, and that all the affected people had been exposed in [[Wet markets in China|poultry markets]]. Further cases among humans and poultry in mainland China continued to be identified sporadically throughout the year, followed by a peak around the festival season of [[Chinese New Year]] (January and February) in early 2014 which was attributed to the seasonal surge in poultry production. Up to December 2013, there had been 139 cases with 47 deaths.<ref name="NEJMoa13046172">{{Cite journal |last1=Li |first1=Q. |last2=Zhou |first2=L. |last3=Zhou |first3=M. |last4=Chen |first4=Z. |last5=Li |first5=F. |last6=Wu |first6=H. |last7=Xiang |first7=N. |last8=Chen |first8=E. |last9=Tang |first9=F. |last10=Wang |first10=D. |last11=Meng |first11=L. |last12=Hong |first12=Z. |last13=Tu |first13=W. |last14=Cao |first14=Y. |last15=Li |first15=L. |date=April 24, 2013 |title=Preliminary Report: Epidemiology of the Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Outbreak in China |journal=New England Journal of Medicine |volume=370 |issue=6 |pages=520–532 |doi=10.1056/NEJMoa1304617 |pmc=6652192 |pmid=23614499 |last16=Ding |first16=F. |last17=Liu |first17=B. |last18=Wang |first18=M. |last19=Xie |first19=R. |last20=Gao |first20=R. |last21=Li |first21=X. |last22=Bai |first22=T. |last23=Zou |first23=S. |last24=He |first24=J. |last25=Hu |first25=J. |last26=Xu |first26=Y. |last27=Chai |first27=C. |last28=Wang |first28=S. |last29=Gao |first29=Y. |last30=Jin |first30=L. |last31=Zhang |first31=Y. |last32=Luo |first32=H. |last33=Yu |first33=H. |last34=Gao |first34=L. |last35=Pang |first35=X. |last36=Liu |first36=G. |last37=Shu |first37=Y. |last38=Yang |first38=W. |last39=Uyeki |first39=T. |last40=Wang |first40=Y. |last41=Wu |first41=F. |last42=Feng |first42=Z. |df=mdy-all}}</ref>


Infections among humans and poultry continued during the next few years, again with peaks around the new year. In 2016 a virus strain emerged which was highly pathogenic to chickens.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=8 January 2020 |title=Risk assessment of avian influenza A(H7N9) – eighth update |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-a-h7n9-public-health-england-risk-assessment/risk-assessment-of-avian-influenza-ah7n9-sixth-update |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=UK Health Security Agency |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |last1=Liu |first1=Yang |last2=Chen |first2=Yuhua |last3=Yang |first3=Zhiyi |last4=Lin |first4=Yaozhong |last5=Fu |first5=Siyuan |last6=Chen |first6=Junhong |last7=Xu |first7=Lingyu |last8=Liu |first8=Tengfei |last9=Niu |first9=Beibei |last10=Huang |first10=Qiuhong |last11=Liu |first11=Haixia |last12=Zheng |first12=Chaofeng |last13=Liao |first13=Ming |last14=Jia |first14=Weixin |date=June 2024 |title=Evolution and Antigenic Differentiation of Avian Influenza A(H7N9) Virus, China |url=https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/30/6/23-0530_article |journal=Emerging Infectious Diseases |volume=30 |issue=6 |pages=1218–1222 |doi=10.3201/eid3006.230530 |issn=1080-6040 |pmc=11138980 |pmid=38640498}}</ref> In order to contain the HPAI outbreak, the Chinese authorities in 2017 initiated a large scale vaccination campaign against avian influenza in poultry. Since then, the number of outbreaks in poultry, as well as the number of human cases, dropped significantly. In humans, symptoms and mortality for both LPAI and HPAI strains have been similar.<ref name=":3" /> Although no human H7N9 infections have been reported since February 2019, the virus is still circulating in poultry, particularly in laying hens. It has demonstrated antigenic drift to evade vaccines, and remains a potential threat to the poultry industry and public health.<ref name=":4" />

A significant outbreak of Influenza A virus subtype H7N9 (A/H7N9) started in March 2013 when severe influenza affected 18 humans in China; six subsequently died.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2017-06-15 |title=Factsheet on A(H7N9) |url=https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/zoonotic-influenza/facts/faq-H7N9 |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control |language=en}}</ref> It was discovered that a low pathogenic strain of A/H7N9 was circulating among chickens, and that all the affected people had been exposed in poultry markets. Further cases among humans and poultry in mainland China continued to be identified sporadically throughout the year, followed by a peak around the festival season of [[Chinese New Year|Chinese New Yea]]<nowiki/>r (January and February) in early 2014 which was attributed to the seasonal surge in poultry production. Up to December 2013, there had been 139 cases with 47 deaths.<ref name="NEJMoa13046172">{{Cite journal |last1=Li |first1=Q. |last2=Zhou |first2=L. |last3=Zhou |first3=M. |last4=Chen |first4=Z. |last5=Li |first5=F. |last6=Wu |first6=H. |last7=Xiang |first7=N. |last8=Chen |first8=E. |last9=Tang |first9=F. |last10=Wang |first10=D. |last11=Meng |first11=L. |last12=Hong |first12=Z. |last13=Tu |first13=W. |last14=Cao |first14=Y. |last15=Li |first15=L. |display-authors=8 |date=April 24, 2013 |title=Preliminary Report: Epidemiology of the Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Outbreak in China |journal=New England Journal of Medicine |volume=370 |issue=6 |pages=520–32 |doi=10.1056/NEJMoa1304617 |pmc=6652192 |pmid=23614499 |last16=Ding |first16=F. |last17=Liu |first17=B. |last18=Wang |first18=M. |last19=Xie |first19=R. |last20=Gao |first20=R. |last21=Li |first21=X. |last22=Bai |first22=T. |last23=Zou |first23=S. |last24=He |first24=J. |last25=Hu |first25=J. |last26=Xu |first26=Y. |last27=Chai |first27=C. |last28=Wang |first28=S. |last29=Gao |first29=Y. |last30=Jin |first30=L. |last31=Zhang |first31=Y. |last32=Luo |first32=H. |last33=Yu |first33=H. |last34=Gao |first34=L. |last35=Pang |first35=X. |last36=Liu |first36=G. |last37=Shu |first37=Y. |last38=Yang |first38=W. |last39=Uyeki |first39=T. |last40=Wang |first40=Y. |last41=Wu |first41=F. |last42=Feng |first42=Z. |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Infections among humans and poultry continued during the next few years, again with peaks around the new year. In 2016 a virus strain emerged which was highly pathogenic to chickens.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=8 January 2020 |title=Risk assessment of avian influenza A(H7N9) – eighth update |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-a-h7n9-public-health-england-risk-assessment/risk-assessment-of-avian-influenza-ah7n9-sixth-update |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=UK Health Security Agency |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |last1=Liu |first1=Yang |last2=Chen |first2=Yuhua |last3=Yang |first3=Zhiyi |last4=Lin |first4=Yaozhong |last5=Fu |first5=Siyuan |last6=Chen |first6=Junhong |last7=Xu |first7=Lingyu |last8=Liu |first8=Tengfei |last9=Niu |first9=Beibei |last10=Huang |first10=Qiuhong |last11=Liu |first11=Haixia |last12=Zheng |first12=Chaofeng |last13=Liao |first13=Ming |last14=Jia |first14=Weixin |date=June 2024 |title=Evolution and Antigenic Differentiation of Avian Influenza A(H7N9) Virus, China |url=https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/30/6/23-0530_article |journal=Emerging Infectious Diseases |volume=30 |issue=6 |pages=1218–1222 |doi=10.3201/eid3006.230530 |issn=1080-6040 |pmc=11138980 |pmid=38640498}}</ref> In order to contain the HPAI outbreak, the Chinese authorities in 2017 initiated a large scale vaccination campaign against avian influenza in poultry. Since then, the number of outbreaks in poultry, as well as the number of human cases, dropped significantly. In humans, symptoms and mortality for both LPAI and HPAI strains have been similar.<ref name=":3" /> Although no human H7N9 infections have been reported since February 2019, the virus is still circulating in poultry, particularly in laying hens. It has demonstrated antigenic drift to evade vaccines, and remains a potential threat to the poultry industry and public health.<ref name=":4" />


Genetic and evolutionary analyses have shown that the A(H7) viruses in the Chinese outbreak probably transferred from domestic duck to chicken populations in China and then reassorted with poultry influenza A(H9N2) to generate the influenza A(H7N9) strain that affected humans. The genetic characteristics of A(H7N9) virus are of concern because of their pandemic potential, e.g. their potential to recognise human and avian influenza virus receptors which affects the ability to cause sustained human-to-human transmission, or the ability to replicate in the human host.<ref name=":2" />
Genetic and evolutionary analyses have shown that the A(H7) viruses in the Chinese outbreak probably transferred from domestic duck to chicken populations in China and then reassorted with poultry influenza A(H9N2) to generate the influenza A(H7N9) strain that affected humans. The genetic characteristics of A(H7N9) virus are of concern because of their pandemic potential, e.g. their potential to recognise human and avian influenza virus receptors which affects the ability to cause sustained human-to-human transmission, or the ability to replicate in the human host.<ref name=":2" />


Between February 2013 and February 2019 there were 1,568 confirmed human cases and 616 deaths associated with the outbreak in China.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 June 2022 |title=Avian Influenza A(H7N9) virus |url=https://www.fao.org/animal-health/situation-updates/avian-influenza-A(H7N9)-virus/en |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=CDC |date=2024-06-03 |title=2010-2019 Highlights in the History of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Timeline |url=https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/avian-timeline/2010-2019.html |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) |language=en-us}}</ref> The majority of human cases have reported contact with poultry in markets or farms. Transmission between humans remains limited with some evidence of small family clusters. However, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission of A/H7N9 influenza.<ref name=":3" />
Between February 2013 and February 2019, there were 1,568 confirmed human cases and 616 deaths associated with the outbreak in China.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 June 2022 |title=Avian Influenza A(H7N9) virus |url=https://www.fao.org/animal-health/situation-updates/avian-influenza-A(H7N9)-virus/en |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=CDC |date=2024-06-03 |title=2010-2019 Highlights in the History of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Timeline |url=https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/avian-timeline/2010-2019.html |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) |language=en-us}}</ref> The majority of human cases have reported contact with poultry in markets or farms. Transmission between humans remains limited with some evidence of small family clusters. However, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission of A/H7N9 influenza.<ref name=":3" />


During early 2017, outbreaks of avian influenza A(H7N9) occurred in poultry in the USA. The strain in these outbreaks was of North American origin and is unrelated to the Asian lineage H7N9 which is associated with human infections in China.<ref name=":3" />
During early 2017, outbreaks of avian influenza A(H7N9) occurred in poultry in the USA. The strain in these outbreaks was of North American origin and is unrelated to the Asian lineage H7N9 which is associated with human infections in China.<ref name=":3" />


==Domestic animals==
==Domestic animals==
[[File:A chicken being tested for Bird Flu.png|thumb|upright=1.3|A chicken being tested for flu]]
[[File:A chicken being tested for Bird Flu.png|thumb|upright=1.4|A chicken being tested for flu]]


Several domestic species have been infected with and shown symptoms of H5N1 viral infection, including cats, dogs, ferrets, pigs, and birds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/avian_influenza/affected_species_chart.jsp|title=USGS National Wildlife Health Center – Avian Influenza Wildlife Chart|access-date=2010-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206004821/http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/avian_influenza/affected_species_chart.jsp|archive-date=2018-02-06|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Several domestic species have been infected with and shown symptoms of H5N1 viral infection, including cats, dogs, ferrets, pigs, and birds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/avian_influenza/affected_species_chart.jsp|title=USGS National Wildlife Health Center – Avian Influenza Wildlife Chart|access-date=2010-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206004821/http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/avian_influenza/affected_species_chart.jsp|archive-date=2018-02-06|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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Attempts are made in the United States to minimize the presence of HPAI in poultry through routine surveillance of poultry flocks in commercial poultry operations. Detection of a HPAI virus may result in immediate [[culling]] of the flock. Less pathogenic viruses are controlled by vaccination.<ref name="pmid18269323">{{cite journal | vauthors = Thacker E, Janke B | title = Swine influenza virus: zoonotic potential and vaccination strategies for the control of avian and swine influenzas | journal = The Journal of Infectious Diseases | volume = 197 | issue = Suppl 1 | pages = S19–S24 | date = February 2008 | pmid = 18269323 | doi = 10.1086/524988 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
Attempts are made in the United States to minimize the presence of HPAI in poultry through routine surveillance of poultry flocks in commercial poultry operations. Detection of a HPAI virus may result in immediate [[culling]] of the flock. Less pathogenic viruses are controlled by vaccination.<ref name="pmid18269323">{{cite journal | vauthors = Thacker E, Janke B | title = Swine influenza virus: zoonotic potential and vaccination strategies for the control of avian and swine influenzas | journal = The Journal of Infectious Diseases | volume = 197 | issue = Suppl 1 | pages = S19–S24 | date = February 2008 | pmid = 18269323 | doi = 10.1086/524988 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

===Dairy cows===
During April 2024, avian influenza was first detected in dairy cows in several US states and subsequently spread more widely through the year. Influenza A(H5N1) was found to be present at high levels in the [[Mammary gland|mammary glands]] and in the milk of affected cows.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thomas |first=Patrick |title=Bird Flu Spreads to Cattle, Raising Fears on Farms |url=https://www.wsj.com/finance/commodities-futures/bird-flu-spreads-to-cattle-raising-fears-on-farms-9293b953 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404161213/https://www.wsj.com/finance/commodities-futures/bird-flu-spreads-to-cattle-raising-fears-on-farms-9293b953 |archive-date=2024-04-04 |access-date=2024-04-04 |work=WSJ |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Burrough |first1=Eric |last2=Magstadt |first2=Drew |last3=Main |first3=Rodger |date=29 April 2024 |title=Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus Infection in Domestic Dairy Cattle and Cats, United States, 2024 |url=https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/30/7/24-0508_article |url-status=live |journal=Emerging Infectious Diseases |volume=30 |issue=7 |pages=1335–1343 |doi=10.3201/eid3007.240508 |pmc=11210653 |pmid=38683888 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429235750/https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/30/7/24-0508_article |archive-date=29 April 2024 |access-date=30 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Caserta |first1=L.C. |last2=Frye |first2=E.A. |last3=Butt |first3=S.L. |last4=Dimitrov |first4=K.M. |last5=Diel |first5=D.G. |date=25 July 2024 |title=Spillover of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus to dairy cattle |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07849-4 |journal=Nature |doi=10.1038/s41586-024-07849-4 |access-date=27 July 2024 |doi-access=free|pmc=11485258 }}</ref> It was shown that the virus can persist on milking equipment, which provides a probable transmission route for cow-to-cow and cow-to-human spread.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schnirring |first1=Lisa |date=24 May 2024 |title=H5N1 avian flu viruses can persist on milking equipment surfaces |url=https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/h5n1-avian-flu-viruses-can-persist-milking-equipment-surfaces |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523230917/https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/h5n1-avian-flu-viruses-can-persist-milking-equipment-surfaces |archive-date=23 May 2024 |access-date=24 May 2024 |publisher=[[University of Minnesota]] |agency=CIDRAP}}</ref> A number of humans who had been in contact with cows tested positive for the virus, with mild symptoms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goodman |first=Brenda |date=2024-10-08 |title=As bird flu outbreak expands in California, dairy farms report it’s worse than they expected |url=https://us.cnn.com/2024/10/08/health/bird-flu-california-dairy-farms/index.html |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> According to CDC, 7% of 115 dairy workers had evidence of recent infection in a study from Michigan and Colorado from June to August 2024 – half of them asymptomatic. This is higher than estimates from prior transmission studies in poultry. All dairy workers had worked in cleaning the milk parlor and none had used personal protective equipment.<ref name="cdc">{{Cite journal |last=Mellis |first=Alexandra M. |date=2024 |title=Serologic Evidence of Recent Infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5) Virus Among Dairy Workers — Michigan and Colorado, June–August 2024 |url=https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7344a3.htm?s_cid=mm7344a3_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM140166&ACSTrackingLabel=This%2520Week%2520in%2520MMWR%253A%2520Vol.%252073%252C%2520November%25207%252C%25202024&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM140166 |journal=MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report |language=en-us |volume=73 |doi=10.15585/mmwr.mm7344a3 |issn=0149-2195|pmc=11542770 }}</ref>


===Cats===
===Cats===
{{Excerpt|Avian influenza in cats|paragraphs=1}}
{{Excerpt|Avian influenza in cats|paragraphs=1}}


== Global aspects ==
===Dairy cows===
===Global measures===
Avian influenza was detected in dairy cows in several US states during April 2024. In late April 2024, the United States FDA, or Food and Drug Administration, announced that fragments of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have been found in pasteurized milk. However, these fragments cannot cause disease in humans.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Food/traces-h5n1-bird-flu-virus-found-milk-pasteurized/story?id=109571684 | title = Traces of bird flu virus found in some milk and pasteurized dairy, FDA says | work = ABC News | vauthors = McCarthy K | date = April 24, 2024 }}</ref>
In 2005, the formation of the [[International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza]] was announced in order to elevate the importance of avian flu, coordinate efforts, and improve disease reporting and surveillance in order to better respond to future pandemics. New networks of laboratories have emerged to detect and respond to avian flu, such as the Crisis Management Center for Animal Health, the Global Avian Influenza Network for Surveillance, [[OIE/FAO Network of Expertise on Animal Influenza|OFFLU]], and the Global Early Warning System for major animal diseases. After the 2003 outbreak, [[World Health Organization|WHO]] member states have also recognized the need for more transparent and equitable sharing of vaccines and other benefits from these networks.<ref>"Avian and Pandemic Influenza: The Global Response". Avian Influenza Action Group, United States Department of State. Oct 2008.</ref> Cooperative measures created in response to HPAI have served as a basis for programs related to other emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.


===Impact on national policies===
== Global impact ==
HPAI control has also been used for political ends. In Indonesia, negotiations with global response networks were used to recentralize power and funding to the Ministry of Health.<ref name=":11">{{cite journal |vauthors= Hameiri S |year= 2014 |title= Avian influenza, 'viral sovereignty', and the politics of health security in Indonesia |journal= The Pacific Review |volume= 27 |issue= 3 |pages= 333–356 |doi= 10.1080/09512748.2014.909523 |s2cid= 154302060 |url=http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/22312/}}</ref> In Vietnam, policymakers, with the support of the [[Food and Agriculture Organization]] of the United Nations (FAO), used HPAI control to accelerate the industrialization of livestock production for export by proposing to increase the portion of large-scale commercial farms and reducing the number of poultry keepers from 8 to 2 million by 2010.<ref name=":12">{{cite journal |vauthors= Porter N |year= 2012 |title= Risky zoographies: The limits of place in avian flu management |journal= Environmental Humanities |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages= 103–121 |doi= 10.1215/22011919-3609994 |doi-access= free}}</ref>
In 2005, the formation of the [[International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza]] was announced in order to elevate the importance of avian flu, coordinate efforts, and improve disease reporting and surveillance in order to better respond to future pandemics. New networks of laboratories have emerged to detect and respond to avian flu, such as the Crisis Management Center for Animal Health, the Global Avian Influenza Network for Surveillance, [[OIE/FAO Network of Expertise on Animal Influenza|OFFLU]], and the Global Early Warning System for major animal diseases. After the 2003 outbreak, WHO member states have also recognized the need for more transparent and equitable sharing of vaccines and other benefits from these networks.<ref>"Avian and Pandemic Influenza: The Global Response". Avian Influenza Action Group, United States Department of State. Oct 2008.</ref> Cooperative measures created in response to HPAI have served as a basis for programs related to other emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.


===Traditional Asian practices===
HPAI control has also been used for political ends. In Indonesia, negotiations with global response networks were used to recentralize power and funding to the Ministry of Health.<ref name=":11">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hameiri S | year = 2014 | title = Avian influenza, 'viral sovereignty', and the politics of health security in Indonesia | url = http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/22312/| journal = The Pacific Review | volume = 27 | issue = 3| pages = 333–356 | doi=10.1080/09512748.2014.909523| s2cid = 154302060 }}</ref> In Vietnam policymakers, with the support of the [[Food and Agriculture Organization|Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)]], used HPAI control to accelerate the industrialization of livestock production for export by proposing to increase the portion of large-scale commercial farms and reducing the number of poultry keepers from 8 to 2 million by 2010.<ref name=":12">{{cite journal | vauthors = Porter N | year = 2012 | title = Risky zoographies: The limits of place in avian flu management | journal = Environmental Humanities | volume = 1 | issue = 1| pages = 103–121 | doi=10.1215/22011919-3609994 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
Backyard poultry production was viewed as "traditional Asian" agricultural practices that contrasted with modern commercial poultry production and seen as a threat to biosecurity. Backyard production appeared to hold greater risk than commercial production due to lack of biosecurity and close contact with humans, though HPAI spread in intensively raised flocks was greater due to high density rearing and genetic homogeneity.<ref name=":7">{{cite journal |vauthors= Alders R, Awuni JA, Bagnol B, Farrell P, de Haan N | title= Impact of avian influenza on village poultry production globally |journal= EcoHealth |volume= 11 |issue=1 |pages= 63–72 |year= 2014 |pmid= 24136383 |doi= 10.1007/s10393-013-0867-x |s2cid= 6701416}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{cite journal |vauthors= Porter N |year= 2013 |title= Bird flu biopower: Strategies for multispecies coexistence in Viet Nam |journal= American Ethnologist |volume= 40 |issue=1 |pages= 132–148 |doi= 10.1111/amet.12010}}</ref> Asian culture itself was blamed as the reason why certain interventions, such as those that only looked at placed-based interventions, would fail without looking for multifaceted solutions.<ref name=":12" />
=== Stigma ===
Backyard poultry production was viewed as "traditional Asian" agricultural practices that contrasted with modern commercial poultry production and seen as a threat to biosecurity. Backyard production appeared to hold greater risk than commercial production due to lack of biosecurity and close contact with humans, though HPAI spread in intensively raised flocks was greater due to high density rearing and genetic homogeneity.<ref name=":7">{{cite journal | vauthors = Alders R, Awuni JA, Bagnol B, Farrell P, de Haan N | title = Impact of avian influenza on village poultry production globally | journal = EcoHealth | volume = 11 | issue = 1 | pages = 63–72 | year = 2014 | pmid = 24136383 | doi = 10.1007/s10393-013-0867-x | s2cid = 6701416 }}</ref><ref name=":13">{{cite journal | vauthors = Porter N | year = 2013 | title = Bird flu biopower: Strategies for multispecies coexistence in Viet Nam | journal = American Ethnologist | volume = 40 | issue = 1| pages = 132–148 | doi=10.1111/amet.12010}}</ref> Asian culture itself was blamed as the reason why certain interventions, such as those that only looked at placed-based interventions, would fail without looking for multifaceted solutions.<ref name=":12" />


=== Economic ===
===Economic impact===
Approximately 20% of the protein consumed in developing countries come from poultry.<ref name=":7" /> A report by the [[Food and Agriculture Organization|FAO]] totalled economic losses caused by avian influenza in South East Asia up to 2005 around US$10 billion. This had the greatest impact on small scale commercial and backyard producers.<ref name=":15">{{cite report | vauthors = McLeod A, Morgan N, Prakash A, Hinrichs J | date = 2005 | title = Economic and social impacts of avian influenza. | work = Food and Agriculture Organisation | url = https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/d77b93a7-c441-456f-a5c8-12d81c53b1e8/content }}</ref>
Approximately 20% of the protein consumed in developing countries come from poultry.<ref name=":7" /> A report by FAO totalled economic losses caused by avian influenza in South East Asia up to 2005 around US$10 billion. This had the greatest impact on small scale commercial and backyard producers.<ref name=":15">{{cite report |vauthors= McLeod A, Morgan N, Prakash A, Hinrichs J | date = 2005 |title= Economic and social impacts of avian influenza. |work= Food and Agriculture Organisation |url=https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/d77b93a7-c441-456f-a5c8-12d81c53b1e8/content}}</ref>


As poultry serves as a source of food security and liquid assets, the most vulnerable populations were poor small scale farmers.<ref name=":12" /> The loss of birds due to HPAI and culling in Vietnam led to an average loss of 2.3 months of production and US$69–108 for households where many have an income of $2 a day or less.<ref name=":15" /> The loss of food security for vulnerable households can be seen in the stunting of children under five in Egypt. Women are another population at risk as in most regions of the world, small flocks are tended to by women. Widespread culling also resulted in the decreased enrollment of girls in school in Turkey.<ref name=":7" />
As poultry serves as a source of food security and liquid assets, the most vulnerable populations were poor, small scale farmers.<ref name= ":12"/> The loss of birds due to HPAI and culling in Vietnam led to an average loss of 2.3 months of production and US$69–108 for households where many have an income of $2 a day or less.<ref name= ":15"/> The loss of food security for vulnerable households can be seen in the stunting of children under five in Egypt. Women are another population at risk as in most regions of the world, small flocks are tended to by women. Widespread culling also resulted in the decreased enrollment of girls in school in Turkey.<ref name= ":7"/>


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 161: Line 175:
* [[International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza]]
* [[International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza]]
* [[OIE/FAO Network of Expertise on Animal Influenza]]{{div col end}}
* [[OIE/FAO Network of Expertise on Animal Influenza]]{{div col end}}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}


== References ==
== References ==
Line 170: Line 181:
== Further reading ==
== Further reading ==
{{refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite web | vauthors = [[Wendy Orent|Orent W]] | url = http://discovermagazine.com/2006/feb/avian-flu | title = The Science of Avian Flu, Answers to Nine Frequently Asked Questions | work = Discover Magazine. Health & Medicine. | date = February 20, 2006 | pages = 59–61 }}
* {{cite web |vauthors=[[Wendy Orent|Orent W]] |url=http://discovermagazine.com/2006/feb/avian-flu |title=The Science of Avian Flu, Answers to Nine Frequently Asked Questions |work=Discover Magazine Health & Medicine |date=February 20, 2006 |pages=59–61}}
* {{cite book | veditors = Haugan S, Bjornson W |title=Avian influenza: etiology, pathogenesis, and interventions |date=2009 |publisher=Nova Science Publishers |location=Hauppauge, NY |isbn=978-1607418467}}
* {{cite book |veditors=Haugan S, Bjornson W |title=Avian influenza: etiology, pathogenesis, and interventions |date=2009 |publisher=Nova Science Publishers |location=Hauppauge, New York |isbn=978-1607418467}}
* {{cite journal | vauthors = Seeger RM, Hagerman AD, Johnson KK, Pendell DL, Marsh TL | title = When poultry take a sick leave: Response costs for the 2014–2015 highly pathogenic avian influenza epidemic in the USA. | journal = Food Policy | date = July 2021 | volume = 102 | pages = 102068 | doi = 10.1016/j.foodpol.2021.102068 }}
* {{cite journal |vauthors=Seeger RM, Hagerman AD, Johnson KK, Pendell DL, Marsh TL |title=When poultry take a sick leave: Response costs for the 2014–2015 highly pathogenic avian influenza epidemic in the USA. |journal=Food Policy |date=July 2021 |volume=102 |pages=102068 |doi=10.1016/j.foodpol.2021.102068}}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


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:*[https://web.archive.org/web/20040201212659/http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/ WHO Avian influenza resource]
:*[https://web.archive.org/web/20040201212659/http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/ WHO Avian influenza resource]
:*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060206210909/http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/avianinfluenza_factsheetJan2006/en/index.html The United Nation's World Health Organization's Avian Flu Facts Sheet for 2006]
:*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060206210909/http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/avianinfluenza_factsheetJan2006/en/index.html The United Nation's World Health Organization's Avian Flu Facts Sheet for 2006]
:*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140313194227/http://diseasedetails.com/what-is-avian-flue-and-bird-flu-symptoms/ In-depth analysis of bird flu] Symptoms & in-depth analysis on avian flu
:*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140313194227/http://diseasedetails.com/what-is-avian-flue-and-bird-flu-symptoms/ In-depth analysis of bird flu]. Symptoms & in-depth analysis on avian flu


'''Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO)'''
'''Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO)'''
:*[https://www.fao.org/faoterm/collection/avian-influenza/en/ FAO Avian Influenza portal] Information resources, animations, videos, photos
:*[https://www.fao.org/faoterm/collection/avian-influenza/en/ FAO Avian Influenza portal]. Information resources, animations, videos, photos
:*[http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/subjects/en/health/diseases-cards/avian.html FAO Bird Flu disease card] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050316222611/http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/subjects/en/health/diseases-cards/avian.html |date=2005-03-16 }}
:*[http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/subjects/en/health/diseases-cards/avian.html FAO Bird Flu disease card]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050316222611/http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/subjects/en/health/diseases-cards/avian.html |date=2005-03-16 }}


'''World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)'''
'''World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)'''
:*[https://www.woah.org/en/disease/avian-influenza/#ui-id-2 Current status of HPAI worldwide] at OIE. WAHID Interface – OIE World Animal Health Information Database
:*[https://www.woah.org/en/disease/avian-influenza/#ui-id-2 Current status of HPAI worldwide] at OIE. WAHID Interface – OIE World Animal Health Information Database
:*[https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-diseases/ Disease card]
:*[https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-diseases/ Disease card]
* [http://www.poultrymed.com/ Avian influenza resource] By Dr. Nati Elkin – Atlases, vaccines and information.
* [http://www.poultrymed.com/ Avian influenza resource]. By Dr. Nati Elkin – Atlases, vaccines and information


'''United States'''
'''United States'''
* [http://www.pandemicflu.gov/ PandemicFlu.Gov] U.S. Government avian and pandemic flu information
* [http://www.pandemicflu.gov/ PandemicFlu.Gov]. U.S. Government avian and pandemic flu information
* [https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/infectious-disease-topics/avian-influenza-agricultural-and-wildlife-considerations CIDRAP Avian Flu Overview] "Avian Influenza (Bird Flu): Agricultural and Wildlife Considerations"
* [https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/infectious-disease-topics/avian-influenza-agricultural-and-wildlife-considerations CIDRAP Avian Flu Overview]. "Avian Influenza (Bird Flu): Agricultural and Wildlife Considerations"
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20051025231157/http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_health/home/News/news_items/avian_influenza.html US Avian Influenza Response] U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20051025231157/http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_health/home/News/news_items/avian_influenza.html US Avian Influenza Response]. U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
* [https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/avianflu/ Avian influenza research and recommendations] National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
* [https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/avianflu/ Avian influenza research and recommendations]. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
* [http://www.fludb.org/ Influenza Research Database] Database of influenza sequences and related information.
* [http://www.fludb.org/ Influenza Research Database]. Database of influenza sequences and related information
* [https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/terrestrial/pathogens-and-diseases/avian-influenza Species Profile- Avian Influenza (''Orthomyxoviridae'' Influenza Type A, subtype H5N1)], National Invasive Species Information Center, [[United States National Agricultural Library]]. Lists general information and resources for Avian Influenza.
* [https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/terrestrial/pathogens-and-diseases/avian-influenza Species Profile Avian Influenza (''Orthomyxoviridae'' Influenza Type A, subtype H5N1)], National Invasive Species Information Center, [[United States National Agricultural Library]]. Lists general information and resources for Avian Influenza
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120415041302/http://www.jhuccp.org/node/803 Strategic Health Communication for Avian and Pandemic Influenza Prevention] Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Communication Programs Global Program on Avian and Pandemic Influenza.
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120415041302/http://www.jhuccp.org/node/803 Strategic Health Communication for Avian and Pandemic Influenza Prevention]}}. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Communication Programs Global Program on Avian and Pandemic Influenza
* [https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2008-128/pdfs/2008-128.pdf NIOSH Alert: Protecting Poultry Workers from Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)] CDC/NIOSH recommendations for poultry workers
* [https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2008-128/pdfs/2008-128.pdf NIOSH Alert: Protecting Poultry Workers from Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)]. CDC/NIOSH recommendations for poultry workers


'''Europe'''
'''Europe'''
* [https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/animal-diseases/control-measures/avian-influenza_en European Commission] Avian Influenza control measures
* [https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/animal-diseases/control-measures/avian-influenza_en European Commission]. Avian Influenza control measures
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070623012411/http://ecdc.europa.eu/Health_topics/Avian_Influenza/QA.html Avian Influenza: Questions & Answers] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control – Official website
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070623012411/http://ecdc.europa.eu/Health_topics/Avian_Influenza/QA.html Avian Influenza: Questions & Answers]. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control – Official website
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110812022035/http://avian-influenza.cirad.fr/flutrop_home FluTrop: Avian Influenza Research in Tropical Countries] French Agricultural Research Center for Developing Countries (CIRAD), Avian Influenza website
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110812022035/http://avian-influenza.cirad.fr/flutrop_home FluTrop: Avian Influenza Research in Tropical Countries]. French Agricultural Research Center for Developing Countries (CIRAD), Avian Influenza website


{{Influenza}}
{{Influenza}}

Revision as of 23:40, 26 December 2024

Avian influenza, also known as avian flu or bird flu, is a disease caused by the influenza A virus, which primarily affects birds but can sometimes affect mammals including humans.[1] Wild aquatic birds are the primary host of the influenza A virus, which is enzootic (continually present) in many bird populations.[2][3]

Symptoms of avian influenza vary according to both the strain of virus underlying the infection, and on the species of bird or mammal affected. Classification of a virus strain as either low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) or high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is based on the severity of symptoms in domestic chickens and does not predict severity of symptoms in other species.[4] Chickens infected with LPAI display mild symptoms or are asymptomatic, whereas HPAI causes serious breathing difficulties, significant drop in egg production, and sudden death.[5] Domestic poultry may potentially be protected from specific strains of the virus by vaccination.[6]

Humans and other mammals can only become infected with avian influenza after prolonged close contact with infected birds.[7] In mammals including humans, infection with avian influenza (whether LPAI or HPAI) is rare. Symptoms of infection vary from mild to severe, including fever, diarrhea, and cough.[8]

Influenza A virus is shed in the saliva, mucus, and feces of infected birds; other infected animals may shed bird flu viruses in respiratory secretions and other body fluids (e.g., cow milk).[9] The virus can spread rapidly through poultry flocks and among wild birds.[9] A particularly virulent strain, influenza A virus subtype H5N1 (A/H5N1) has the potential to decimate domesticated poultry stocks and an estimated half a billion farmed birds have been slaughtered in efforts to contain the virus.[10]

Highly pathogenic avian influenza

Because of the impact of avian influenza on economically important chicken farms, a classification system was devised in 1981 which divided avian virus strains as either highly pathogenic (and therefore potentially requiring vigorous control measures) or low pathogenic. The test for this is based solely on the effect on chickens – a virus strain is highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) if 75% or more of chickens die after being deliberately infected with it. The alternative classification is low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI).[11] This classification system has since been modified to take into account the structure of the virus' haemagglutinin protein.[12] Other species of birds, especially water birds, can become infected with HPAI virus without experiencing severe symptoms and can spread the infection over large distances; the exact symptoms depend on the species of bird and the strain of virus.[11] Classification of an avian virus strain as HPAI or LPAI does not predict how serious the disease might be if it infects humans or other mammals.[11][13]

Since 2006, the World Organization for Animal Health requires all LPAI H5 and H7 detections to be reported because of their potential to mutate into highly pathogenic strains.[14]

Virology

A transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of the reconstructed 1918 pandemic influenza virus. The bottom structure represents membrane debris from the cells used to amplify the virus.[15]

Avian influenza is caused by the influenza A virus which principally affects birds but can also infect humans and other mammals.[16][17] Influenza A is an RNA virus with a genome comprising a negative-sense, RNA segmented genome that encodes for 11 viral genes.[18] The virus particle (also called the virion) is 80–120 nanometers in diameter and elliptical or filamentous in shape.[19][20] There is evidence that the virus can survive for long periods in freshwater after being excreted in feces by its avian host, and can withstand prolonged freezing.[21]

There are two proteins on the surface of the viral envelope; hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.[4] These are the major antigens of the virus against which neutralizing antibodies are produced. Influenza virus epidemics and epizootics are associated with changes in their antigenic structure.[22]

Hemagglutinin (H) is an antigenic glycoprotein which allows the virus to bind to and enter the host cell. Neuraminidase (N) is an antigenic glycosylated enzyme which facilitates the release of progeny viruses from infected cells.[23] There are 18 known types of hemagglutinin, of which H1 thru H16 have been found in birds, and 11 types of neuraminidase.[16]

Subtypes

Subtypes of influenza A are defined by the combination of H and N proteins in the viral envelope; for example, "H5N1" designates an influenza A subtype that has a type-5 hemagglutinin (H) protein and a type-1 neuraminidase (N) protein.[7] The subtyping scheme only takes into account the two envelope proteins, not the other proteins coded by the virus' RNA. Almost all possible combinations of H (1 thru 16) and N (1 thru 11) have been isolated from wild birds.[24] Further variations exist within the subtypes and can lead to very significant differences in the virus's ability to infect and cause disease.[25]

Influenza virus nomenclature

Diagram of influenza nomenclature

To unambiguously describe a specific isolate of virus, researchers use the internationally accepted Influenza virus nomenclature,[26] which describes, among other things, the species of animal from which the virus was isolated, and the place and year of collection. As an example, A/chicken/Nakorn-Patom/Thailand/CU-K2/04(H5N1):[27]

  • A stands for the genus of influenza (A, B or C)
  • chicken is the animal species the isolate was found in (note: human isolates lack this component term and are thus identified as human isolates by default)
  • Nakorn-Patom/Thailand is the place this specific virus was isolated
  • CU-K2 is the laboratory reference number that identifies it from other influenza viruses isolated at the same place and year
  • 04 represents the year of isolation 2004
  • H5 stands for the fifth of several known types of the protein hemagglutinin
  • N1 stands for the first of several known types of the protein neuraminidase.

Other examples include: A/duck/Hong Kong/308/78(H5N3), A/avian/NY/01(H5N2), A/chicken/Mexico/31381-3/94(H5N2), and A/shoveler/Egypt/03(H5N2).[28]

Genetic characterization

Analysis of the virus' genome enables researchers to determine the order of its nucleotides. Comparison of the genome of a virus with that of a different virus can reveal differences between the two viruses.[16][29] Genetic variations are important because they can change amino acids that make up the influenza virus’ proteins, resulting in structural changes to the proteins, and thereby altering properties of the virus. Some of these properties include the ability to evade immunity and the ability to cause severe disease.[29]

Genetic sequencing enables influenza strains to be further characterised by their clade or subclade, revealing links between different samples of virus and tracing the evolution of the virus over time.[29]

Species barrier

Humans can become infected by the avian flu if they are in close contact with infected birds. Symptoms vary from mild to severe (including death), but as of December 2024, instances of infection have not sustained transmission from one person to another.[4][17]

There are a number of factors that generally prevent avian flu from causing epidemics in humans or other mammals.[30][31] One of them is that the HA protein of avian influenza binds to alpha-2,3 sialic acid receptors, which are present in the respiratory tract and intestines of avian species, while human influenza HA binds to alpha-2,6 sialic acid receptors, which are present in the human upper respiratory tract.[32][33] Other factors include the ability to replicate the viral RNA genome within the host cell nucleus, to evade host immune responses, and to transmit between individuals.[34]

Influenza viruses are constantly changing as small genetic mutations accumulate, a process known as antigenic drift. Over time, mutation may lead to a change in antigenic properties such that host antibodies (acquired through vaccination or prior infection) do not provide effective protection, causing a fresh outbreak of disease.[35]

The segmented genome of influenza viruses facilitates genetic reassortment. This can occur if a host is infected simultaneously with two different strains of influenza virus; then it is possible for the viruses to interchange genetic material as they reproduce in the host cells.[36] Thus, an avian influenza virus can acquire characteristics, such as the ability to infect humans, from a different virus strain. The presence of both alpha 2,3 and alpha 2,6 sialic acid receptors in pig tissues allows for co-infection by avian influenza and human influenza viruses. This susceptibility makes pigs a potential "melting pot" for the reassortment of influenza A viruses.[37]

Epidemiology

History

Avian influenza (historically known as fowl plague) is caused by bird-adapted strains of the influenza type A virus.[4] The disease was first identified by Edoardo Perroncito in 1878 when it was differentiated from other diseases that caused high mortality rates in birds; in 1955 it was established that the fowl plague virus was closely related to human influenza. In 1972, it became evident that many subtypes of avian flu were endemic in wild bird populations.[11]

Between 1959 and 1995, there were 15 recorded outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry, with losses varying from a few birds on a single farm to many millions. Between 1996 and 2008, HPAI outbreaks in poultry have been recorded at least 11 times and 4 of these outbreaks have resulted in the death or culling of millions of birds.[11] Since then, several virus strains (both LPAI and HPAI) have become endemic among wild birds with increasingly frequent outbreaks among domestic poultry, especially of the H5 and H7 subtypes.

Transmission and prevention

The eight major flyways used by shorebirds (waders) on migration[38]
  Pacific
  Mississippi
  West Atlantic
  East Atlantic
  Mediterranean and Black Sea
  West Asia and Africa
  Central Asia and India
  East Asia and Australasia

Birds – Influenza A viruses of various subtypes have a large reservoir in wild waterbirds of the orders Anseriformes (for example, ducks, geese, and swans) and Charadriiformes (for example, gulls, terns, and waders) which can infect the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract without affecting the health of the host.[39] They can then be carried by the bird over large distances, especially during annual migration. Infected birds can shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces; susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with the virus as it is shed by infected birds.[40] The virus can survive for long periods in water and at low temperatures, and can be spread from one farm to another on farm equipment.[41] Domesticated birds (chickens, turkeys, ducks, etc.) may become infected with avian influenza A viruses through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry, or through contact with contaminated feces or surfaces.

Avian influenza outbreaks in domesticated birds are of concern for several reasons. There is potential for low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAI) to evolve into strains which are high pathogenic to poultry (HPAI), and subsequent potential for significant illness and death among poultry during outbreaks. Because of this, international regulations state that any detection of H5 or H7 subtypes (regardless of their pathogenicity) must be notified to the appropriate authority.[42][43] It is also possible that avian influenza viruses could be transmitted to humans and other animals which have been exposed to infected birds, causing infection with unpredictable but sometimes fatal consequences.

When an HPAI infection is detected in poultry, it is normal to cull infected animals and those nearby in an effort to rapidly contain, control and eradicate the disease. This is done together with movement restrictions, improved hygiene and biosecurity, and enhanced surveillance. [41]

Humans – Avian flu viruses, both HPAI and LPAI, can infect humans who are in close, unprotected contact with infected poultry. Incidents of cross-species transmission are rare, with symptoms ranging in severity from no symptoms or mild illness, to severe disease that resulted in death.[44][43] As of February, 2024 there have been very few instances of human-to-human transmission, and each outbreak has been limited to a few people.[45] All subtypes of avian Influenza A have potential to cross the species barrier, with H5N1 and H7N9 considered the biggest threats.[46][47]

In order to avoid infection, the general public are advised to avoid contact with sick birds or potentially contaminated material such as carcasses or feces. People working with birds, such as conservationists or poultry workers, are advised to wear appropriate personal protection equipment.[48]

Other animalsa wide range of other animals have been affected by avian flu, generally due to eating birds which had been infected.[49] There have been instances where transmission of the disease between mammals, including seals and cows, may have occurred.[50][51]

Pandemic potential

Influenza viruses have a relatively high mutation rate that is characteristic of RNA viruses.[52] The segmentation of the influenza A virus genome facilitates genetic recombination by segment reassortment in hosts who become infected with two different strains of influenza viruses at the same time.[53][54] With reassortment between strains, an avian strain which does not affect humans may acquire characteristics from a different strain which enable it to infect and pass between humans – a zoonotic event.[40] It is thought that all influenza A viruses causing outbreaks or pandemics among humans since the 1900s originated from strains circulating in wild aquatic birds through reassortment with other influenza strains.[55][56] It is possible (though not certain) that pigs may act as an intermediate host for reassortment.[57]

As of June 2024, there is concern about two subtypes of avian influenza which are circulating in wild bird populations worldwide, H5N1 and H7N9. Both of these have potential to devastate poultry stocks, and both have jumped to humans with relatively high case fatality rates.[58]

Surveillance

The Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) is a global network of laboratories that monitor the spread of influenza with the aim to provide the World Health Organization with influenza control information and to inform vaccine development.[59] Several millions of specimens are tested by the GISRS network annually through a network of laboratories in 127 countries.[60] As well as human viruses, GISRS monitors avian, swine, and other potentially zoonotic influenza viruses.

Vaccine

Poultry – it is possible to vaccinate poultry against specific strains of HPAI influenza. Vaccination should be combined with other control measures such as infection monitoring, early detection and biosecurity.[61][62]

Humans – Several "candidate vaccines" are available in case an avian virus acquires the ability to infect and transmit among humans. There are strategic stockpiles of vaccines against the H5N1 subtype, which is considered the biggest risk.[63][64][65] A vaccine against the H7N9 subtype, which has also infected humans, has undergone a limited amount of testing.[66] In the event of an outbreak, the "candidate" vaccine would be rapidly tested for safety as well as efficacy against the zoonotic strain, and then authorised and distributed to vaccine manufacturers.[67]

Zoonotic influenza vaccine Seqirus is authorized for use in the European Union.[68] It is an H5N8 vaccine that is intended to provide acquired immunity against H5 subtype influenza A viruses.[68]

Influenza A virus subtype H5N1

The highly pathogenic influenza A virus subtype H5N1 is an emerging avian influenza virus that is causing global concern as a potential pandemic threat. It is often referred to simply as "bird flu" or "avian influenza", even though it is only one of many subtypes.

A/H5N1 has killed millions of poultry in a growing number of countries throughout Asia, Europe, and Africa. Health experts are concerned that the coexistence of human flu viruses and avian flu viruses (especially H5N1) will provide an opportunity for genetic material to be exchanged between species-specific viruses, possibly creating a new virulent influenza strain that is easily transmissible and lethal to humans.[69]

Influenza A/H5N1 was first recorded in a small outbreak among poultry in Scotland[70] in 1959, with numerous outbreaks subsequently in every continent.[71] The first known transmission of A/H5N1 to a human occurred in Hong Kong in 1997, when there was an outbreak of 18 human cases resulting in 6 deaths. It was determined that all the infected people had been exposed to infected birds in poultry markets. As the disease continued to spread among poultry flocks in the territory, the decision was made to cull all 1.6 million poultry in the area and to impose strict controls on the movement and handling of poultry. This terminated the outbreak.[72][73]

There is weak evidence to support limited human-to-human transmission of A/H5N1 in 139 outbreaks between 2005 and 2009 in Sumatra. The reproduction number was well below the threshold for sustained transmission.[74]

Between 2003 and November 2024, the World Health Organization has recorded 948 cases of confirmed H5N1 influenza, leading to 464 deaths.[75] The true fatality rate may be lower because some cases with mild symptoms may not have been identified as H5N1.[76]

Influenza A virus subtype H7N9

Live poultry market in Xining, China, 2008.

A significant outbreak of influenza A virus subtype H7N9 (A/H7N9) started in March 2013 when severe influenza affected 18 humans in China; six subsequently died.[77] It was discovered that a low pathogenic strain of A/H7N9 was circulating among chickens, and that all the affected people had been exposed in poultry markets. Further cases among humans and poultry in mainland China continued to be identified sporadically throughout the year, followed by a peak around the festival season of Chinese New Year (January and February) in early 2014 which was attributed to the seasonal surge in poultry production. Up to December 2013, there had been 139 cases with 47 deaths.[78]

Infections among humans and poultry continued during the next few years, again with peaks around the new year. In 2016 a virus strain emerged which was highly pathogenic to chickens.[79][80] In order to contain the HPAI outbreak, the Chinese authorities in 2017 initiated a large scale vaccination campaign against avian influenza in poultry. Since then, the number of outbreaks in poultry, as well as the number of human cases, dropped significantly. In humans, symptoms and mortality for both LPAI and HPAI strains have been similar.[79] Although no human H7N9 infections have been reported since February 2019, the virus is still circulating in poultry, particularly in laying hens. It has demonstrated antigenic drift to evade vaccines, and remains a potential threat to the poultry industry and public health.[80]

Genetic and evolutionary analyses have shown that the A(H7) viruses in the Chinese outbreak probably transferred from domestic duck to chicken populations in China and then reassorted with poultry influenza A(H9N2) to generate the influenza A(H7N9) strain that affected humans. The genetic characteristics of A(H7N9) virus are of concern because of their pandemic potential, e.g. their potential to recognise human and avian influenza virus receptors which affects the ability to cause sustained human-to-human transmission, or the ability to replicate in the human host.[77]

Between February 2013 and February 2019, there were 1,568 confirmed human cases and 616 deaths associated with the outbreak in China.[81][82] The majority of human cases have reported contact with poultry in markets or farms. Transmission between humans remains limited with some evidence of small family clusters. However, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission of A/H7N9 influenza.[79]

During early 2017, outbreaks of avian influenza A(H7N9) occurred in poultry in the USA. The strain in these outbreaks was of North American origin and is unrelated to the Asian lineage H7N9 which is associated with human infections in China.[79]

Domestic animals

A chicken being tested for flu

Several domestic species have been infected with and shown symptoms of H5N1 viral infection, including cats, dogs, ferrets, pigs, and birds.[83]

Poultry

Attempts are made in the United States to minimize the presence of HPAI in poultry through routine surveillance of poultry flocks in commercial poultry operations. Detection of a HPAI virus may result in immediate culling of the flock. Less pathogenic viruses are controlled by vaccination.[84]

Dairy cows

During April 2024, avian influenza was first detected in dairy cows in several US states and subsequently spread more widely through the year. Influenza A(H5N1) was found to be present at high levels in the mammary glands and in the milk of affected cows.[85][86][87] It was shown that the virus can persist on milking equipment, which provides a probable transmission route for cow-to-cow and cow-to-human spread.[88] A number of humans who had been in contact with cows tested positive for the virus, with mild symptoms.[89] According to CDC, 7% of 115 dairy workers had evidence of recent infection in a study from Michigan and Colorado from June to August 2024 – half of them asymptomatic. This is higher than estimates from prior transmission studies in poultry. All dairy workers had worked in cleaning the milk parlor and none had used personal protective equipment.[90]

Cats

Cats with avian influenza exhibit symptoms that can result in death. The avian influenza viruses cats may get include H5N1 or H7N2,[91] notable pathogenic subtypes of the virus. In order to get the virus, a cat would need to be in contact with infected waterfowl, poultry, or uncooked poultry.[92] Two of the main organs that the virus affects are the lungs and liver.[93]

Global aspects

Global measures

In 2005, the formation of the International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza was announced in order to elevate the importance of avian flu, coordinate efforts, and improve disease reporting and surveillance in order to better respond to future pandemics. New networks of laboratories have emerged to detect and respond to avian flu, such as the Crisis Management Center for Animal Health, the Global Avian Influenza Network for Surveillance, OFFLU, and the Global Early Warning System for major animal diseases. After the 2003 outbreak, WHO member states have also recognized the need for more transparent and equitable sharing of vaccines and other benefits from these networks.[94] Cooperative measures created in response to HPAI have served as a basis for programs related to other emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

Impact on national policies

HPAI control has also been used for political ends. In Indonesia, negotiations with global response networks were used to recentralize power and funding to the Ministry of Health.[95] In Vietnam, policymakers, with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), used HPAI control to accelerate the industrialization of livestock production for export by proposing to increase the portion of large-scale commercial farms and reducing the number of poultry keepers from 8 to 2 million by 2010.[96]

Traditional Asian practices

Backyard poultry production was viewed as "traditional Asian" agricultural practices that contrasted with modern commercial poultry production and seen as a threat to biosecurity. Backyard production appeared to hold greater risk than commercial production due to lack of biosecurity and close contact with humans, though HPAI spread in intensively raised flocks was greater due to high density rearing and genetic homogeneity.[97][98] Asian culture itself was blamed as the reason why certain interventions, such as those that only looked at placed-based interventions, would fail without looking for multifaceted solutions.[96]

Economic impact

Approximately 20% of the protein consumed in developing countries come from poultry.[97] A report by FAO totalled economic losses caused by avian influenza in South East Asia up to 2005 around US$10 billion. This had the greatest impact on small scale commercial and backyard producers.[99]

As poultry serves as a source of food security and liquid assets, the most vulnerable populations were poor, small scale farmers.[96] The loss of birds due to HPAI and culling in Vietnam led to an average loss of 2.3 months of production and US$69–108 for households where many have an income of $2 a day or less.[99] The loss of food security for vulnerable households can be seen in the stunting of children under five in Egypt. Women are another population at risk as in most regions of the world, small flocks are tended to by women. Widespread culling also resulted in the decreased enrollment of girls in school in Turkey.[97]

See also

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Further reading

World Health Organisation (WHO)

Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO)

World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)

United States

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