Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1: history, current situation, and outlook

The H5N1 avian panzootic has resulted in cross-species transmission to birds and mammals, causing outbreaks in wildlife, poultry, and US dairy cattle with a range of host-dependent pathogenic outcomes. Although no human-to-human transmission has been observed, the rising number of zoonotic human cases creates opportunities for adaptive mutation or reassortment. This Gem explores the history, evolution, virology, and epidemiology of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 relative to its pandemic potential. Pandemic risk reduction measures are urgently required.

• BA
  Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Award: 75N93021C00014, 75N93019C00051, AI168631, AI154470, AI162130, AI144616, 75N93023C00019, 75N93023C00042, R25GM150146, CA260560, 75N91019D00024
• CI
  Canadian Institutes of Health Research

  Award: 175622,187244
• NS
  National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka

  Award: 2217296