New research has shed light on the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus, specifically the Eurasian lineage H5 clade 2.3.4.4b, in various species of wild terrestrial mammals in the United States. This groundbreaking finding, published in the U.S. CDC Emerging Infectious Diseases Volume 29, reveals that North American wildlife is susceptible to natural infections with this strain of avian influenza.
The study highlights the involvement of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in facilitating the transmission of the virus to mammals. Intrinsic factors, such as opportunistic dietary preferences and the likelihood of sharing environments with infected birds, contribute to the elevated risk of exposure and infection. Additionally, the abundance of immunologically naive animals during the onset of avian outbreaks and potentially increased susceptibility in certain species further explain the detection of HPAI H5N1 in wild mammals.