Exposure of Wild Mammals to Influenza A(H5N1) Virus, Alaska, USA, 2020–2023

Abstract

Serum samples from wild mammals inhabiting Alaska, USA, showed that 4 species, including Ursus arctos bears and Vulpes vulpes foxes, were exposed to influenza A(H5N1) viruses. Results indicated some mammals in Alaska survived H5N1 virus infection. Surveillance efforts may be improved by incorporating information on susceptibility and detectable immune responses among wild mammals.

Keywords

• influenza
• viruses
• vector-borne infections
• zoonoses
• avian influenza
• bird flu