Genetic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Antarctica, 2024

• Authors: NEIRA Victor; ARIYAMA Naomi; CASTILLO-TORRES Pablo N.; BRITO Barbara; MUNOZ Gabriela; MORALES Karla B. Diaz; ALMONACID Leonardo I.; BENNETT-LASO Benjamin; BERAZAY Barbara; BARTÁK Miloš; MEDINA Rafael; GONZALEZ-ARAVENA Marcelo; PARDO-ROA Catalina
• Year of publication: 2025
• Type: Article in Periodical (without peer review)
• MU Faculty or unit: Faculty of Science
• Description: In 2024, we sequenced highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b genomes isolated from 5 brown skuas from James Ross Island, Antarctica. Phylogenetic analysis suggested the virus reached Antarctica through South America. Continued genetic surveillance will be critical to elucidate H5N1 virus transmission dynamics within Antarctica and surrounding areas.