Avian influenza has struck New York City’s birds. In a new study Wednesday, scientists reported traces of highly pathogenic H5N1 in a small wild bird population in New York City. While this finding may not be directly related to the ongoing H5N1 outbreak in U.S. dairy cows, it does indicate that these viruses are entering humanity’s path more than ever before. This is another sign.
research, published An article in Wednesday’s Journal of Virology describes a novel collaboration between multiple groups, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the Wild Bird Foundation, and Biobus, a program that recruits high school and college students to participate in scientific research. It was a success.
“To my knowledge, this is the first large-scale study of avian influenza in an urban area in the United States, and the first with active community involvement,” said study author and local science expert at the Harlem Biobus site. Director Kristin Marizzi said in the paper. statement From the American Society for Microbiology, the publisher of this study. Marizzi is also the principal investigator for the New York City Virus Hunters (NYCVH) program.
Many of the bird droppings samples analyzed by the researchers were collected by local high school students wearing protective gear. Other samples were provided by a local animal rehabilitation center. The students also helped NYCVH screen for the virus in these samples.
In all, the researchers examined nearly 2,000 fecal samples collected across New York City parks and green spaces between January 2022 and November 2023. They detected his H5N1 in six birds of four of his species: Canada geese, peregrine falcons, chickens and red-tailed hawks. Genetic analysis revealed at least two slightly different strains of her H5N1 between these samples. Both strains belong to the broader 2.3.4.4.b clade of H5N1 and are likely a mixture of local North American and Eurasian virus lineages.
To date, no H5N1 outbreaks have been reported on dairy farms within New York state borders (the state has approx. 3,500 farms), while so far the only human cases associated with these outbreaks are Occurred In Texas. Therefore, the authors note that the researchers’ findings do not seem to be related to the current situation of cattle, nor do they necessarily indicate an immediate danger to New York City residents.
“It is important to mention that the discovery of H5N1 in urban birds does not indicate the beginning of an influenza pandemic in humans. H5N1 has been present in New York City for about two years. “We know that there are cases, but no human cases have been reported,” Marizzi said.
But the arrival of H5N1 infections in New York is still alarming. The more these viruses spread among birds that are close to us, the more likely it is that some of them will jump to humans and other mammals. With bad luck, one of these strains could find the right combination of mutations and spread quickly, causing a deadly pandemic.
So even if recent outbreaks in cattle are successfully controlled, H5N1 and other highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses will continue to be a problem, and scientists like Marizzi will have to remain vigilant. And New Yorkers still need to be cautious about possible exposure to H5N1 and other germs spread by animals.
“It’s wise to remain vigilant and avoid approaching wild animals. This includes preventing pets from coming into close contact with wild animals,” Marizzi said.
