Emergence of HPAI H5N1 virus in a free-ranging polar bear in Alaska, reflecting global spillover to diverse mammal hosts.
- Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus has been detected in a free-ranging polar bear in Alaska during 2023.
- The infected polar bear showed neurological signs, with a histopathologic finding of granulocytic and mononuclear meningoencephalitis.
- The virus genotype was identified as HPAI virus genotype A3, a fully Eurasian influenza virus.
- The virus is thought to have been circulating in the region, as evidenced by similar virus genotypes found in seabirds in the same area.
- The detection of HPAI virus in polar bears poses a zoonotic risk and highlights the importance of wildlife health surveillance in the Arctic for detecting emerging pathogens.
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Infectious Diseases, Emergency Medicine, Zoonotic Diseases, Public Health & Prevention