A recently identified avian flu variant has a lower infectious rate but an increased ability to be transmitted through the air, according to a study published in Nature Microbiology. This development raises concerns about its potential impact on public health and livestock industries worldwide.

The virus strain, isolated from polecats, mink and an infected dairy worker in Texas, carries mutations that increase its ability to spread through the air. Researchers at the Erasmus University Medical Center in the Netherlands identified two mutations: PB2-E627K, which is found in the Texas strain, and PB2-T271A, which is seen in the polecat and mink strains. Both mutations were shown to enable transmission between ferrets, an animal model commonly used to study influenza due to its similarity to human infection.

The study highlights the urgency to contain the outbreak, particularly among cattle, to reduce the risk of transmission to agricultural workers and other mammals. Additionally, the potential for milk contamination has widespread implications for public health.

To evaluate the transmission capabilities of the virus, scientists conducted experiments on ferrets, which serve as an ideal model for studying influenza. Ferrets mimic human flu infection patterns and transmission routes, making them invaluable for assessing public health risks.

In the study, ferrets were exposed to aerosol samples containing airborne virus particles. Six different viruses were tested in the experiment, including the 2009 H1N1 seasonal flu, Indonesia’s 2005 H5N1 wild-type virus, and modified strains. In the samples, the 2024 virus—part of clade 2.3.4.4b—showed remarkable transmissibility. This group is spreading rapidly among poultry, wild birds and various mammals, causing a global epidemic.

In March 2024, the virus was found in dairy cows in the United States, which later spread to 695 dairy herds in 15 states. In humans, 55 cases have been reported, mostly associated with contact with infected poultry or cattle.

Testing on ferrets showed that one in four animals became infected when exposed to the polecat and dairy worker strains. However, the 2005 H5N1 strain from Indonesia did not appear to be transmitted through air, emphasizing the evolving nature of the new strain.

“Our results show that recent A(H5N1) viruses display low but increased levels of airborne infectious virus compared to older A(H5N1) viruses,” the researchers said.

The study raises concerns about the possible adaptation of the virus to mammals, including humans. The researchers observed that airborne-transmissible viruses replicate more efficiently in the upper respiratory tract, releasing higher viral RNA levels into the air than non-infectious variants.

“These findings are consistent with previous studies showing that airborne viruses replicate rapidly and are released into the air, increasing the risk of transmission,” the study said.

In response to the potential threat, the United Kingdom has contracted the production of more than five million doses of human H5 influenza vaccine. The vaccine will be manufactured by leading vaccine manufacturer CSL Sekirus UK Limited.

“It is important for us to be prepared against the different influenza viruses that can pose human health risks,” Meera Chand, head of emerging infections at the UK Health Protection Agency, said in a press statement.

As avian flu variants continue to evolve, the study underlines the importance of rigorous surveillance, timely containment measures, and proactive public health preparedness. Enhanced research and vaccine development efforts will be critical in reducing the risks associated with this emerging threat.

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