Emerging Infectious Diseases (Dec 2022)

Mass Mortality Caused by Highly Pathogenic Influenza A(H5N1) Virus in Sandwich Terns, the Netherlands, 2022

  • Jolianne M. Rijks,
  • Mardik F. Leopold,
  • Susanne Kühn,
  • Ronald in ‘t Veld,
  • Fred Schenk,
  • Allix Brenninkmeijer,
  • Sander J. Lilipaly,
  • Mónika Z. Ballmann,
  • Leon Kelder,
  • Job W. de Jong,
  • Wouter Courtens,
  • Roy Slaterus,
  • Erik Kleyheeg,
  • Sandra Vreman,
  • Marja J.L. Kik,
  • Andrea Gröne,
  • Ron A.M. Fouchier,
  • Marc Engelsma,
  • Mart C.M. de Jong,
  • Thijs Kuiken,
  • Nancy Beerens

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2812.221292
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 28, no. 12
pp. 2538 – 2542

Abstract

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We collected data on mass mortality in Sandwich terns (Thalasseus sandvicensis) during the 2022 breeding season in the Netherlands. Mortality was associated with at least 2 variants of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.4.4b. We report on carcass removal efforts relative to survival in colonies. Mitigation strategies urgently require structured research.

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