Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses from Multispecies Outbreak, Argentina, August 2023

Abstract

We report full-genome characterization of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus from an outbreak among sea lions (August 2023) in Argentina and possible spillover to fur seals and terns. Mammalian adaptation mutations in virus isolated from marine mammals and a human in Chile were detected in mammalian and avian hosts.

Keywords

• influenza
• highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1
• HPAI H5N1
• mammals
• South America
• Argentina