Bird Flu Spreads Easily Among Ferrets

According to a non-peer-reviewed study, a strain of avian influenza H5N1 (bird flu) has been found to transmit between ferrets effectively.

Published by Biological Sciences on April 21, 2023, these researchers determined that uncharacterized genetic signatures may be important determinants of mammalian adaptation, and these Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenzas (HAPI) pathogenicity clade 2.3.4.4 viruses.

Clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses were first isolated from poultry and wild birds in Canada in December 2021. Since then, millions of birds have died worldwide.

And various mammals, such as bears, cats, dogs, seals, and others, have died from HAPI infections.

This study encouraged 'ongoing surveillance of circulating HPAI A(H5N1) viruses across species, including humans, should be a top priority to promptly identify viruses that may have pandemic or outbreak potential in mammals.'

While few human cases of infection with clade 2.3.4.4b viruses were reported as of April 30, 2023, the potential for spillover, particularly of viruses harboring mammalian adaptation signatures, remains a critical concern.

The U.S. CDC says the annual flu shot is not designed to protect people from bird flu viruses.

However, the U.S. government has already approved one vaccine (Audenz™) for this type of bird flu.