@KAPPA-FLU

KAPPA-FLU: an EU Horizon Europe project that aims to improve prevention and control of avian influenza

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

New KAP study among free-grazing duck farmers in Thailand:
Knowledge & attitudes toward avian influenza were generally adequate, but preventive practices remained relatively weak.
Highlights the need for targeted education, vaccination awareness & One Health biosecurity measures.
https://t.co/fURM4Eo2EP

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

Bayesian phylogeography of H5N1 in the Republic of Korea:
Wild bird-to-poultry transmission was linked to:
Higher poultry farm density
Higher infection probability in wild birds
Wild-to-poultry transition rates declined after 2020, possibly reflecting improved interventions.
https://t.co/b5S1JVuY3o

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

Important EFSA report on improving HPAI risk assessment in Europe:
25 wild bird species evaluated for species-specific mortality, prevalence & transmission weights.
Wild waterfowl emerged as key high-risk groups for HPAI spread.
https://t.co/MnYpvKkUzP

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

Two epidemics, one dominant H5N1 genotype.
New European analysis of EA-2024-DI shows:
Persistence across consecutive waves
Changing transmission dynamics
Central Europe emerging as a major diffusion hub
More mammalian-adaptive markers in recent viruses
https://t.co/FTGrsd5wiv

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

New longitudinal study on H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in dairy cattle:
73% remained seropositive at 8 months
50% still had antibodies at 13 months
Microneutralization assay was most sensitive
Important implications for surveillance and future vaccination strategies.
https://t.co/TMxx1QzhQc

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

Filamentous #Influenza viruses show:
Greater aerosol
stability
Slower decay at low pH & high salinity
Enhanced infectivity in human airway cultures
Better resistance to mucus & neutralizing antibodies Morphology matters for airborne transmission
https://t.co/bLPaAgWo8Q

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

HA-E190D in clade 2.3.4.4b #H5N1:
• No shift to human-type receptor binding
• Lower receptor affinity
• Reduced fitness in mammals
• HA-190D outcompeted by HA-190E in ferrets
Suggests limited public health concern without compensatory mutations.
#Influenza #AvianInfluenza https://t.co/2k3pB5k3AW

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

Kappa Flu partner, FLI:
Germany acts as transit hub for H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b
multiple introductions & reassortment events
North Sea Baltic regions key mixing zones
viruses spread onward across Europe
supports role in continental HPAI evolution
https://t.co/2wePwEhPqg 📷

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

Kappa Flu Partner Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut & collaborators report on H5N1 (clade 2.3.4.4b, euBB) outbreaks in Germany:
Severe mortality in black-headed gulls & common terns, multiple incursions into colonies, and clear spillover dynamics.
Population-level impacts now evident. https://t.co/emBJHWl4Zb
#H5N1 #Zoonoses #OneHealth

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

Kappa Flu partner FLI & Co. report serosurveillance data from Germany showing H5 exposure in carnivores (up to 21.9%) and wild boar.
Strong evidence for frequent spillover events. 🔗 https://t.co/Gw6Rz96UMc
#Zoonoses #OneHealth #H5N1

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

Kappa flu partner Italy and Co. detected a new reassortant H5N1 genotype (EA-2024-DV) which is rapidly spreading in West Africa, highlighting persistent vulnerability via migratory birds & poultry networks.
https://t.co/9be5L2goIu

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

In Cooperation with Kappa Flu Partner, FLI:
Germany reports H5N1 in poultry & cats in a backyard holding.
Neurological signs in cats highlight cross-species infection.
No suspected or confirmed HPAI human cases were identified.

https://t.co/nGLGUsjXuN

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

Emergence of D1.1 reassortant H5N1 (clade 2.3.4.4b) in North America signals an evolutionary shift since mid-2024 linked to faster spread, expanded host range, increased reassortment, bovine spillover, & severe human infections, including non-farm workers.
https://t.co/mEn04yG30M

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

Avian H5N1 (2.3.4.4b) infects mammary tissue across beef & dairy breeds: Angus, Holstein, Limousin. Both avian (α2,3) & human (α2,6) receptors present. The udder: an unexpected mixing vessel for influenza A reassortment. https://t.co/kOEvzyXaFT

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

Good news & a warning: Seasonal H1N1 infection boosts antibodies against H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b... but NOT against clade 2.3.2.1a.
Cross-protection wanes by day 90. Your flu history matters depending on the H5N1 clade. https://t.co/ncUnOWqEg6

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

H5N1 reassortment isn't random, it's seasonal. Ducks, geese & the Central flyway drive new genotypes as LPAI cases rise.
Spillover genotypes B3.13 & D1.1 emerged during peak mixing. Time to rethink pandemic risk assessment https://t.co/WuHariUA7n

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

🦠🌍 Avian flu isn't slowing down.
April 13–14, 2026 – WOAH reports:
🦆 H5N1: Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, UK, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Canada, USA, Nepal, South Africa

🆕 H5N5 (Norway) | H5Nx (USA)
https://t.co/00Es3HqgW9

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

📄 WOAH follow-up report 10 – Latvia
🗓️ Ongoing since: 2025‑11‑09
🧬 Subtype: H5N2 HPAI (new strain for country)
🦆 Species: Mallard (wild)
🧪 Confirmed: rRT‑PCR (BIOR)
📅 Report date: 2026‑04‑14
No clinical signs. No epidemiological comment.
https://t.co/tbLjoEQk4b

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

🦢⚠️ H5N1 is back in Greece.

First recurrence since March 2025.
A whooper swan dead at Lake Kastoria.
Confirmed by rRT‑PCR & gene sequencing.
Source: unknown.
Wild birds = silent spreaders.
https://t.co/yWqg4xgINJ

[@KAPPA-FLU @KappaFlu]

Ducks in the Mississippi flyway: Seasonal H5N1 infection peaks late fall, then antibodies rise & virus disappears. Same pattern in mallards, pintails & wigeons. 🦆📊
https://t.co/G0Luyst6R7