A Florida bottlenose dolphin’s tragic battle with highly pathogenic avian flu raises concerns of cross-species transmission as researchers delve into the virus’s origin and potential impact on marine mammals.
In a groundbreaking discovery, University of Florida researchers, in collaboration with multiple agencies, have found a Florida bottlenose dolphin infected with a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV), marking the first such case in North America.
The virus was detected in brain and tissue samples of the dolphin, ruling out other possible causes for its illness. Further analysis identified the HPAIV subtype as HPAI A (H5N1) virus of HA clade 2.3.4.4b.
To delve deeper into the origins and potential cross-species transmission of the virus, additional research was carried out at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, with assistance from Richard Webby, Ph.D. This involved sequencing genomes from local birds and viruses isolated from Northeast seal populations.
The discovery underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in investigating such unprecedented cases and highlights the necessity for further research in this field.
This is the first documented instance of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in a common bottlenose dolphin. The infected dolphin, found distressed in North Florida waters, unfortunately succumbed shortly after being located.
Post-mortem examination revealed indications of poor health and inflammation in the dolphin’s brain and meninges, with subsequent testing confirming the presence of H5N1 in its lungs and brain.
While there have been recent reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza in other marine mammals, this case represents the initial occurrence in a common bottlenose dolphin in North America. Although the strain did not exhibit known genetic changes facilitating easier transmission among mammals, it’s essential to note that flu viruses evolve rapidly.
Researchers are actively investigating the source of the infection and assessing the potential for bird flu strains to infect marine mammals. There are growing concerns regarding the potential catastrophic outcomes if bird flu strains adapt to enhance replication and transmission in marine mammal populations.
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