NEW PUB: Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) in marine mammals and seabirds in Peru
In November of 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) arrived in Peru, triggering massive pelican and sea lion die-offs. This publication reports genomic characterization of HPAI/H5N1 viruses in two species of marine mammals (dolphins and sea lions) and three species of seabirds (sanderlings, pelicans, and cormorants). These viruses are rapidly accruing mutations that warrant further examination and highlight an urgent need for active local surveillance to manage outbreaks and limit spillover into other species, including humans.
Leguia M, Garcia-Glaessner A, Muñoz-Saavedra B, Juarez D, Barrera P, Calvo-Mac C, Jara J, Silva W, Ploog K, Amaro L, Colchao-Claux P, Johnson CK, Uhart MM, Nelson MI, Lescano J. Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) in marine mammals and seabirds in Peru. Nature Communications. 2023 Sep 7;14(1):5489.