Fatal Infection in Ferrets after Ocular Inoculation with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus

Abstract

Ocular inoculation of a clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus caused severe and fatal infection in ferrets. Virus was transmitted to ferrets in direct contact. The results highlight the potential capacity of these viruses to cause human disease after either respiratory or ocular exposure.

Keywords

• influenza
• avian influenza A(H5N1)
• ferret
• ocular
• pathogenesis
• viruses