#avian-influenza — Public Fediverse posts

A fatal #H5N5 avian #influenza spillover that was diagnosed very late. #AvianInfluenza needs to be considered as a cause in severe respiratory disease, in particular in individuals with a compromised immune status. #Birdflu

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2518178

Cancer patient had flu symptoms. Despite repeated testing, and even though she had sick ducks and thus was at high risk it took 21 days to diagnose H5N5 bird flu. It's no pandemic threat but shows how these rare cases can be hard to catch. #avianinfluenza #h5n1 www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....

Human Infection with Highly Pa...

USDA/NIAID-Funded Scientists Build Chimeric Bird Flu Viruses with 100% Mortality in Mammals: Journal ‘npj Vaccines’

Gov’t finances creation of lethal avian influenza Frankenviruses in Nebraska.

A newly released npj Vaccines study confirms that U.S. government–funded researchers constructed hybrid influenza viruses in the lab and used them to trigger complete mortality in animal experiments, while framing the work under vaccine development.

The experiment, titled “Dual-Route H5N1 Vaccination Induces Systemic and Mucosal Immunity in Murine and Bovine Models,” was conducted by University of Nebraska–Lincoln scientists Joshua Wiggins, Adthakorn Madapong, and Eric A. Weaver.

You can contact the university’s Center for Virology here and the School of Biological Sciences here.

The creation of deadly chimeric pathogens was financed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

The study explicitly states:

“This research was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (Grant Nos. 2020 -06448 and 2024 -08723 to E.A.W.), and by the National Institutes of Health –NIAID (Grant No. 1R01AI147109 to E.A.W.).”

You can contact NIAID here, the NIH here, HHS here, and the USDA here to voice opposition to taxpayer-funded chimeric research on pandemic pathogens—particularly after Congress, the White House, the Department of Energy, the FBI, the CIA, and Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) all acknowledged that the deadly COVID-19 pandemic was “likely” the result of a laboratory incident involving genetically modified pathogens.

Lab-Built ‘Chimeric’ Influenza Viruses

The researchers say they constructed the hybrid bird flu pathogens using reverse genetics.

That means the scientists assembled the viruses from scratch by inserting their genetic sequences into plasmids and introducing them into cells, which then are said to produce a fully formed infectious virus.

The paper states:

“A BSL-2 compliant reverse genetic (rg) system was used to produce” H5N1 Influenza A virus strains.”

And details how they were assembled:

“Six (PB1, PB2, PA, NP, M, and NS) IAV gene segments from the PR/8/34 H1N1 laboratory strain were cloned individually into the pHW2000 vector. Separately, the neuraminidase (N) gene and hemagglutinin (H) gene without the highly pathogenic multibasic cleavage site from each strain were synthesized and cloned into the same pHW2000 vector.”

This is a genetic recombination system:

• Internal genes from a lab strain (PR/8/34)
• Surface genes (H5N1) inserted
• Entire virus rebuilt from plasmids

That is a chimeric influenza construct—a hybrid assembled in the lab.

Engineered Pathogens Cause Lethal Disease

Even with deliberate modification of a known virulence element:

“hemagglutinin… without the highly pathogenic multibasic cleavage site”

—the viruses remained lethal.

100% Mortality in Mammals

The outcome in animals exposed to these engineered viruses is stated plainly:

“unvaccinated DPBS controls exhibited progressive weight loss… reaching 25%… requiring euthanasia.”

And:

“all control mice succumbed to infection.”

In contrast to any other framing, this is the core biological result:

• Rapid disease progression
• Severe physiological decline
• Complete mortality in unprotected animals

‘Lethal Challenge’ With Lab-Constructed Viruses

The study confirms the conditions:

“mice were challenged with lethal H5N1 reverse genetics (rg)-A/Vietnam/1203/2004(Vietnam/1203/04) or rg-A/Bovine/Ohio/B24-OSU-439/2024 (Bovine/24).”

The animals were intentionally infected with engineered lethal influenza hybrid constructs.

What the Study Actually Demonstrates

Stripped of framing, the paper shows:

• U.S. government–funded researchers
• Constructed hybrid (chimeric) influenza viruses from genetic components
• Used those constructs to induce lethal disease in mammals
• Achieved 100% mortality in controls under experimental infection

The work is presented under the justification of vaccine research.

But the underlying capability demonstrated is the intentional assembly and use of bioengineered influenza pathogens capable of killing animals.

Bottom Line

NIAID- and USDA-funded researchers say they built lab-assembled bird flu viruses by combining genetic components from multiple strains.

Then they used those engineered pathogens to infect mammals, producing rapid disease and 100% death.

This video explores the critical public health risks associated with wildlife trade and fur farming, focusing predominantly on the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus and its pandemic potential. It offers expert insights into how fur farming—particularly of mink—serves as a significant mixing vessel for various influenza viruses, promoting viral evolution and increasing
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdrHuzsD978

#HPAI #BirdFlu #AvianInfluenza #Zoonosis #InfectiousDisease #PublicHealth #influenza

I just received an email newsletter from #MDACF regarding #HPAI. It's not looking good...

From the memo [in PDF format]:

"Avian Influenza (HPAI) Notices:

Due to the continuing US outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in domesticated and wild birds and in dairy cattle, Animal Health Officials from all six #NewEnglandStates are united in advising the following for agricultural fairs, competitions, exhibitions, shows, swaps, or other in-person events that encourage the gathering or co-mingling of birds and/or cattle:

Avian species

The New England State Veterinarians strongly discourage the exhibition of domestic and wild waterfowl species and may recommend delaying or canceling domestic fowl or poultry shows. If events are held, best practices for biosecurity should be implemented. Waterfowl exhibitions are currently banned in MA through April 30, 2026, which may be extended.

Bovine species

The New England State Veterinarians strongly discourage the exhibition of any bovines, including both dairy and beef cattle, that have been present in any state at the time that state had a current outbreak of HPAI in cattle.

Bovines that have been shipped from currently affected states in 2026 should not be allowed on the premises of New England fairs or shows. Moving to or from an affected state for any reason will void any New England Fair and Show Season Official Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (OCVIs) that have been issued for such cattle for the remainder of the 2026 season.

The states currently affected by HPAI in cattle can be found on the USDA website..."

Emailed bulletin:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDACF/bulletins/412b40f

USDA Website:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed- cases-livestock

Link to MDACF memo [PDF]:
https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MEDACF/2026/04/13/file_attachments/3615362/2026%20NE%20Fairs%20Memo%20March%202026.pdf

#HPAINews #BirdFlu #MaineDACF #NewEngland #HealthAndSafety #AvianInfluenza #H5N1 #LPAI #BirdFlu
#FarmAnimals #AgriculturalFairs #Poultry #Cattle #HealthInformation

First Confirmed Cases of Bird Flu in California Elephant Seals Stoke Fear As Virus Surges Worldwide

Last week, a day that ecologists and virologists in California have feared for years finally arrived.  Officials confirmed…
#NewsBeep #News #US #USA #UnitedStates #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Health #Animals #AnoNuevoStatePark #avianinfluenza #Birdflu #California #climatechange #elephantseals #marinelife #seal #UCDavis #UniversityofCaliforniaSantaCruz #Wildlife
https://www.newsbeep.com/us/502882/

There was also a recent incident of a domestic cat in #NewJersey with #HPAI. (I reported a dead seagull in #PortlandME last week).

Bird flu may be why over 1,000 geese died in NJ. How Pa., Del. are fighting back

Officials in New Jersey are reporting that over one thousand geese have died over the last few days raising new concerns over possible bird flu cases.

By Emily Rose Grassi • Published February 18, 2026 • Updated on February 19, 2026 at 7:00 pm

"Geese are reportedly dying in large numbers throughout the state of New Jersey causing a new concern over bird flu."

Read more:
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/bird-flu-sick-geese-new-jersey/6464556/

#HPAINews #BirdFlu #AvianInfluenza

#MDACF - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Protect Your Flock: Be Vigilant with Biosecurity

"Flocks, backyard flocks and avian influenza current risk is at a high level.(#HPAI Update – February 13, 2026) Maine Animal Health officials have confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI – H5) in a non-commercial backyard flock in York County. While Maine’s commercial poultry remains unaffected, all bird owners are urged to review precautions and stay alert."

Source:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ahw/animal_health/hpai/index.shtml

Precautions for flock owners:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock

#HPAINews #BirdFlu #AvianInfluenza #Maine #H5 #BackyardFlocks

Saudi Arabia halts egg and poultry imports from selected countries, citing bird flu risks and reinforcing food safety measures. https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/world/saudi-arabia-bans-poultry-egg-imports-avian-flu-rka3h5f0?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #SaudiArabia #EggImports #PoultryBan #FoodSafety #AvianInfluenza

New publication: #Waterfowl Move Less in Heterogeneous and #HumanPopulated #Landscapes, With Implications for Spread of Avian #Influenza #viruses
https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.70265 #avianinfluenza

This presentation highlights the collaborative efforts between Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Fish and Wildlife, Oregon State University, and our federal partners to perform comprehensive avian influenza surveillance in Oregon. This covers the emergence of avian influenza in Oregon, the identification of avian influenza in two pigs in the fall of 2024, active and passive
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdMPgk-DeNs

#H5N1 #Influenza #BirdFlu #HPAI #AvianInfluenza #Zoonosis

Health and animal husbandry departments have issued a bird flu alert after reports of crow deaths, stepping up surveillance and safety measures to prevent a possible avian influenza outbreak among poultry, wildlife and humans. https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/bird-flu-avian-influenza-prevention-advisory-vw5ej3c4?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #BirdFluAlert #AvianInfluenza #PublicHealth #PoultryNews

Advocacy opportunity 📣 BCCDC is currently assessing BC’s wastewater surveillance program. Do the survey here: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5bVmczsX2GeocuO

Wastewater testing is an “early warning system” to monitor community illness levels, including surges & new variants. Clinical data (like rising hospitalizations & deaths) are lagging indicators, making wastewater monitoring an essential tool for pandemic preparedness and risk assessments. Unfortunately, BC drastically downgraded their testing program in Sept 2025 - they stopped testing a third of the wastewater treatment plants, reduced sampling to only once a week (it was previously 3 times a week), and reduced sequencing to once every two weeks.

This is our chance to let BC know:

👉 wastewater testing is essential
👉 we don’t want any more cuts
👉 we want them to improve the program!

The survey only takes a few minutes & is anonymous. You can also learn more about BC’s wastewater program here: https://www.bccdc.ca/our-services/programs/wastewater-surveillance

#PublicHealth #Covid19BC #CovidIsNotOver #RSV #influenza #AvianInfluenza #measles #mpox

H5N1 avian influenza confirmed in crows in Kerala’s Iritty. No domestic bird cases reported. Health authorities enhance precautionary measures. https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/bird-flu-detected-crows-kerala-kannur-iritty-no-threat-domestic-birds-yet-vg1id63t?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #H5N1 #AvianInfluenza #Crows #Iritty #Kerala

Tribunal fines British Columbia's :flagbc: Universal Ostrich farm $10K for failing to report avian influenza symptoms

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/universal-ostrich-bc-fine-tribunal-avian-flu-9.7047660
- - -
Le tribunal met à l'amende Universal Ostrich en Colombie-Britannique :flagbc: pour avoir échoué de signaler les symptômes de la grippe aviaire

// Article en anglais //

#BC #CB #BritishColumbia #ColombieBritannique #AvianInfluenza #GrippeAviaire

More than 7,600 birds were culled in Alappuzha after avian influenza was detected in coastal panchayats. https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/avian-influenza-alappuzha-7625-birds-culled-ux6b529g?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #AvianInfluenza #AvianFlu #Alappuzha #Kerala #KeralaNews

Rising avian influenza cases in Kerala prompt Tamil Nadu to strengthen checks along shared border districts https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/bird-flu-alert-tamil-nadu-tightens-kerala-border-checks-hqg5ld2v?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #BirdFlu #Kerala #TamilNadu #AvianInfluenza #Border

"Effective outbreak response to zoonoses depends on strong coordination between veterinary and human health sectors. Recent events, including avian influenza outbreaks, have shown both the value of successful cross-sector collaboration and the persistent gaps that make joint responses challenging. Differences in communication, surveillance systems, ..."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjWuRfnPoU0

#InfectiousDisease ##Medicine #Zoonosis #PublicHealth #H5N1 #BirdFlu #AvianInfluenza #Pandemic #Influenza #HPAI

Early Release – Novel Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus, Argentina, 2025 – Volume 31, Number 12—December 2025 – Emerging Infectious Diseases journal

Disclaimer: Early r…
#NewsBeep #News #Headlines #Argentina #avianinfluenza #backyardpoultry #geneticshift #genotypeB3.2 #H5N1 #HighlyPathogenicAvianInfluenza #influenza #Latvia #LV #notifiabledisease #reassortment #respiratoryinfections #SouthAmericanlowpathogenicityavianinfluenza #viralgenome #viruses
https://www.newsbeep.com/305846/

New publication: Evaluating the demographic impacts of the highly pathogenic #avianinfluenza panzootic. #globalchange #biodiversityloss
https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.70234

#Maine - Animal Health Officials Remind Owners to Protect Flocks from #HPAI

December 3, 2025 — "Maine Animal Health officials with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry are reminding commercial and backyard bird owners to take precautions to protect their flocks following the confirmation of Highly Pathogenic #AvianInfluenza (HPAI – #H5 strain) in one a non-commercial backyard flock in #PenobscotCounty, Maine.

"HPAI is a highly contagious avian influenza virus that spreads easily between birds through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated surfaces or equipment, and exposure to secretions from wild birds. The virus can also be carried on clothing, footwear, and tools used in bird care.

"While Maine’s commercial poultry operations remain unaffected, continued vigilance is essential to prevent further transmission to domestic birds.
Practical Measures to Protect Your Flock

"DACF recommends the following steps to reduce the risk of exposure:

- Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by keeping birds indoors or ensuring outdoor enclosures are fully covered and secure.

- Practice strict biosecurity, including washing hands before and after handling birds, changing clothing and footwear between flocks, and limiting access to bird areas.

- Disinfect boots and gear when moving between coops or bird areas.

- Avoid sharing equipment or supplies between farms or flocks.

- Clean and disinfect tools and equipment between uses.

- Use well or municipal water for drinking water.

- Secure poultry feed to prevent access by wild birds and rodents.

- Limit unnecessary visits to other farms or locations with birds.

- Monitor flock health regularly and become familiar with HPAI warning signs.

Learn More and Report Concerns

For current Maine HPAI updates, FAQs, and prevention resources, visit:
maine.gov/dacf/hpai

To report sick poultry or unusual domestic bird deaths, call USDA's toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593.

To report a dead or unusual-acting wild bird, contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: 207-287-8000 (business hours), 800-452-4664 (after hours, evenings, and weekends)."

FMI:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ahw/animal_health/hpai/

#HPAINews #BirdFlu #AvianInfluenza #H1N5 #BirdFluNews #BirdFluIsntOver #AnimalHealth #BackyardFlocks

#BirdFlu is spreading in dairy #cows and infecting 100s of other species—incl. humans (two of whom died). As more #dairy workers are infected, the #virus could mutate into a strain that is more lethal—and transmissible among humans: civileats.com/2025/11/25/w... #AvianInfluenza #zoonoses #health

What the Rise in Bird Flu Mean...

A Grays Harbor resident who was hospitalized with influenza symptoms in early November has been confirmed to have influenza A H5, a type of avian influenza. Additional testing shows the virus to be H5N5, an #AvianInfluenza virus that has previously been reported in animals but never before in humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DOH currently consider the risk to the public from avian influenza to be low.

https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/h5n5-avian-influenza-confirmed-grays-harbor-county-resident

14-Nov-2025
Wild #birds are driving the current U.S. #birdFlu outbreak
Penn Vet’s Louise Moncla has tracked #H5N1 #viruses in North America to better understand the role wild birds play in the current bird flu outbreak

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1106115

#science #influenza #avianInfluenza #epidemiology #zoonoses

Wild birds found to be key drivers of H5N1 outbreak in North America

Since late 2021, a panzootic, or “a pandemic in animals,” of highly pathogenic bird flu variant H5N1 has…
#NewsBeep #News #Health #Agriculture #AU #Australia #avianinfluenza #biosecurity #birdflu #flu #H5N1 #influenza #medicine #pandemic #research #Veterinary #virus
https://www.newsbeep.com/au/284601/

Is there a risk to humans from bird flu, and what will happen to the Christmas turkey?

We need your help now Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open. You are visiting us…
#NewsBeep #News #Headlines #avianinfluenza #birdflu #H5N1 #IE #Ireland
https://www.newsbeep.com/233566/

Just came across this from the #Flutrackers website...

Happy Turkey Day...NOT!

04-Nov-25, Michigan, Ottawa County, Commercial Turkey Meat Bird, Active cases: 74,400

Source:
https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/united-states/h5n1-tracking-af/michigan/940571-michigan-avian-flu-in-poultry-2022-2025/page6#post1022556

APHIS website:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/commercial-backyard-flocks

#Turkeys #HPAINews #BirdFlu #AvianInfluenza #HPAI #Thanksgiving