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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Côte d’Ivoire, December 2024 - February 2025, 193 samples from 12 poultry farms and 11 live bird markets. 20% +ve. H9N2 mostly in farms. G1 lineage, similar to seq from W Africa. 👉 link.springer.com/article/10.1...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Surveillance of the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia's largest river system in 2025-26 = no HPAI detected, but detected H10N7 + H10N8. 👉 www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Stochastic agent-based model for intra-herd HPAI transmission in California. R0 = 10.7-10.8 in 1st 15 days, effective transmission rate of 4.5% per contact. Duration of infection=14.5-28 days 👉 www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Development of field-deployable subtype-specific nucleic acid detection assays for H5 and H7 by integrating RT enzymatic recombinase amplification (RT-ERA) with CRISPR/Cas12a - assay detected H5N1 and H7N9 with no cross-reactivity 👉 www.frontiersin.org/journals/cel...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Carcasses, Svalbard, 2006-2025. 3 false positive from 2006-2015. 95% anti-H5 seropositive in 2023-24, a bit lower in the next year. Juveniles higher likelihood of +ve 👉 www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

2025, 2 dead white-faced whistling ducks in São Paulo - novel reassortant bw H5N1 and LPAI [PB1, PB2, NP]. Analysis also suggest second incursion of HPAI into S. America. 👉 wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

The world is focussed on 2344b., but critical not to forget about 2321 viruses. There has been an increase in human cases due to these viruses, potentially due to reassortment between 2321 + 2344b. 👉 wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Fantastic metalanalysis and review of zoonotic risks in farmed versus wild-caught wildlife for traditional markets for food 👉 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Synthesized current knowledge to identify 43 parameters that influence HPAI. Migratory waterfowl contribute most to HPAI spread when high bird-to-bird transmission rate, long infectious periods and greater aggregation of birds at stop-over sites 👉 royalsocietypublishing.org/rsos/article...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Species agnostic serology for H5: MESO SCALE DISCOVERY® (MSD) platform - a sandwich immunoassay for NP + a bridging serology assay for influenza A/H5 specific antibodies. Sucess in positive milk, and negative for naive cattle herds. 👉 www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-1...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

2023, 8 Condors infected with H5N1 genotype A3, to rehab centres in Arizona. Disease signs: hyporexia, corneal edema, weakness, 🔻 body condition scoring, seizure activity. 4 birds survived. 👉 bioone.org/journals/jou...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

HPAI infectivity and cytokine induction in primary human lung: H5 higher viral titers + 🔺 genes of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-23, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 vs H3N2. 👉 link.springer.com/article/10.1...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Live Poultry Markets, Fujian Province, China. H9N2: stable replication ability in the respiratory tract and significant viral shedding characteristics indicate strong transmissibility and potential epidemic risk 👉 link.springer.com/article/10.1...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

SPF chickens infected with H5N8. cytokine dysregulation, IL-6, IL-8 and TLR-3 up-regulated in lungs + brains 👉 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Faecal samples from Weddell Seals and Southern Elephant Seals collected from South Shetlands +ve for H5, similar to avian sequences from KingGeorge, and South America. 👉 www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-1...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

2024/25 summer, South Shetland Islands, 10% IAV positive of which 8 were H5. Genomes more similar to S. American strains than Antarctic strains - connectivity. 👉 link.springer.com/article/10.1...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Alpacas intranasally inoculated with B3.13. Mild illness, viral RNA in swabs. Immunohistochemistry = virus only in the nasopharyngeal tonsil and nasal conchae at 4 dpi. 👉 wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

2023, Poland, outbreak of HPAI in cats. Case study of cat #14. Rapid disease progression, systemic and neurological signs unresponsive to treatment. Very high viral load in brain. 👉 www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/18...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Asssessment of susceptibility of Aberdeen Angus, Holstein Friesian and Limousin cattle to HPAI - mammary glands from both beef and dairy cattle breeds are susceptible, w expression of both α2,3- + α2,6 SA 👉 www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/jour...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

H3 is found in birds, humans, swine, with stark differences in evolution. H3Nx viruses in mammals undergo adaptive evolution, those in birds do not. In birds, very high reassortment w no obvious fitness benefit. NA reassorting more frequently than expected in birds 👉 www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

AIV + internal genes from H9 = human infections. Here, chickens, China, with resp disease. Reassortants including LPAI H6, H5N1 and G57 genotype H9N2 virus = dual receptor binding affinity, replication in avian + mammalian cells. 👉 www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

CRISPR-based Streamlined Highlighting of Infections to Navigate Epidemics (SHINE) assays - 100% specificity. Promising platform for AIV diagnosis and surveillance, 👉 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Of wild birds for sale in LBMs in Egypt those with clinical signs had EA-2024-DI.2.1 sub-lineage + closely related to contemp European viruses. In contrast to EA-2021-AB genotype which is found in Egyptian poultry. 👉 www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Does a prime of seasonal vaxx enhance H5 vaxx? In mice + ferrets - did not consistently enhanceH5-directed antibody responses after H5 vaccination, but was associated with improved outcomes in some mice replicates = limited benefit. 👉 www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

30 2.3.4.4b H5 viruses in China 2022-24. 25 HPAI + 5 H5N6, with multiple novel genotypes. Have diverse pathogenicity in mice, highly antigenically matched with the H5-Re14 vaccine strain 👉 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

In 2020, an outbreak in poultry of HPAI H7N7 in Victoria, Australia. During the same period, LPAI H5 was detected on a Turkey farm and LPAI H7N6 was found on an Emu farm. Largest outbreak of HPAI H7 (although subsequent 2024 outbreak bigger) 👉 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Assessment of 6 commercial poultry H5 vaccines in Egypt in SPF chickens against 2.3.4·4b H5N1 and H5N8 HPAI viruses - most led to detectable antibody titers, protected against mortality, but were not able to control virus shedding. 👉 link.springer.com/article/10.1...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

lessons learned during US state + local health department responses to the 2024‒2025 H5 outbreaks. Importance of maintaining preparedness planning, capacity, and infrastructure 👉 ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The latest EFSA review: Avian influenza overview June-August 2026 👉 www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajourn...

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Reposted by Michelle Wille

Erik Karlsson @eakarlsson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

#Influenza viruses have 8 genome segments. When 2 infect the same host, evolution can shuffle the deck. Our new EID Perspective examines reassortment and #H5N1 spillover in Asia and why surveillance must detect what viruses have become. wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/...

wwwnc.cdc.gov

Reassortment of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza as a Driver for Zoonotic Spillover, Asia

Reassortment of HPAI as Driver for Spillover

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Mapping the risk of HPAI to Morocco via poultry trade - 945 transport routes between 126 municipalities recorded, with 3 major network nodes. Network structure critical in revealing potential risk and spread. 👉 www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/13...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Air sampling around poultry farms carried out during Spain outbreaks in 2025. Detection of HPAI aerosols up to 150m from barns - more evidence for airbourne transport of virus between farms. 👉 open-research-europe.ec.europa.eu/articles/6-315

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Wild captured sparrows inoculated intrachoanally with H7N9 LPAIV. Clinical signs mild, but 8% mortality. Natural avipox infections detected in experimental groups - important interactions. 👉 www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-1...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Evolution of H7 in chickens and turkeys in Italy: 6 HA subs in turkey virus at low freqs = selection from pre-existing variants + altered HA glycosylation, modulated fusion activity + thermal stability, antigenic drift vs vaxx strain H7 vaccine strain 👉 www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-1...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Using tracking of Snow + Canada Goose: time spent near poultry facility of geese predicted HPAI risk. 1/3 of Delmarva poultry facilities had GPS-marked waterfowl present during winters. Cold temps 🔺 goose exposure as they searched for grain. 👉 journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

In A549 + DF1 cell, H9N2 w distinct host-specific responses. DPP4 and CPQ 🔺 in infected DF-1, and over expression of DPP4 and CPQ in A549 = 🔺 viral replication. 👉 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Environmental persistence of H9N2: temp dependant infecivity decay. smooth, non-porous surfaces = longer viral survival vs porous non-woven fabric. Differences in transmission in guinea pigs. 👉 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Evaluation of non-clinical safety, toxicity, and humoral immune responses by adjuvanted H5 influenza vaccine in rats + rabbits. Well tolerated locally and systemically+ robust humoral response soon after immunization 👉 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Interview with USA Dept Health + Agriculture. Themes included: challenge in farm access, lack of guidelines for response, consistent preparedness planning, uncertain future in capacity to respond. 👉 ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Analysis of available cattle HPAI sequences. No evidence of HA RBD receptor-switching via Q226L/G228S, 7/11 adaptation sites significant but all < 3%. 👉 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Geese vaccinated w H5N1 vax remained remained clinically protected after challenge, but all became productively infected. High Ro in experiment, especially in unvaccinated geese, but in vaccinated still above 1, so not useful in limiting spread. 👉 www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

pdmH1N1 vs B3.13, D1.1 replication at 33C, 37C, 39C: H5N1 had increased plaque size at 37+39C vs H1N1. In human cells, H5N1 viruses had restricted infectious virus production vs H1N1 at 33°C. Diff temp dependant replications. 👉 www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Following two incursions of HPAI into NSW, detailed follow up on all potential human exposures and interventions offered. No human cases detected. 👉 ojs.cdi.cdc.gov.au/index.php/cd...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Evaluation of neutralising antibody responses from adjuvanted recombinant HA protein-based vaccines in C57BL/6 mice. Polyvalent H5 HA formulations and nanoparticle-displayed H5 HA platforms substantially broadened cross-neutralisation against diverse H5 strains 👉 www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

From LPAI to HPAI: insertions via polymerase slippage controlled by local product–template duplex thermodynamics in the viral polymerase catalytic site. Reveals mechanims. 👉 www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

First fatal case of HPAI in a cat, Italy, 2025. Lived in backyard poultry farm. Detection of PB2-E627K. Second cat from same farm tested negative, but did seroconvert. 👉 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

History of avian influenza, and HPAI, with a focus on events leading to expanded mammalian host range and cattle spillover outbreak. 👉 journals.asm.org/doi/epub/10....

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Survey for HPAI in Australia’s Antarctic Territory in summer 2025- 26 - no HPAI detected and no signs of mass mortalities. 👉 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

2,398 H5Nx genomes (2000–2024). 2.3.4.4b w significant antigenic drift in HA receptor binding site = 🔻 affinity for α2,3-SA and α2,6-SA receptors. full-length stalk N1 NA with 2nd sialic acid-binding site compensated. PB2-627E/631L + 627K/631M 🔺 human ANP32B binding. 👉 vetsci.org/DOIx.php?id=...

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Michelle Wille @duckswabber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Overview of HPAI in domestic cats. Susceptibility linked to abundance of α-2,3 receptors in resp tract + nervous system. Clinically - severe resp, neurological + ocular outcomes. 👉 www.veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/Ve...

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