Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus in a Harbor Porpoise, Sweden

Abstract

We found highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.4.4b associated with meningoencephalitis in a stranded harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). The virus was closely related to strains responsible for a concurrent avian influenza outbreak in wild birds. This case highlights the potential risk for virus spillover to mammalian hosts.

Keywords

• influenza A virus
• H5N1 subtype
• pathology
• wild animals
• Phocoena
• porpoises