Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Infection in Free-Ranging Polar Bear, Alaska, USA

Abstract

We report a natural infection with a Eurasian highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus in a free-ranging juvenile polar bear (Ursus maritimus) found dead in North Slope Borough, Alaska, USA. Continued community and hunter-based participation in wildlife health surveillance is key to detecting emerging pathogens in the Arctic.

Keywords

• highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
• HPAI
• clade 2.3.4.4b
• influenza
• polar bear
• subsistence