HAIRS risk statement: Avian influenza A(H5N1) in livestock
Risk review and statement on the zoonotic risk avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b genotype B3.13 presents to people in contact with infected animals in the UK
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Recent detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) A(H5N1) in dairy cattle from the United States of America (USA) are likely the result of one or more incursions of AI A(H5N1), Clade 2.3.4.4b genotype B3.13; a reassortant virus from Eurasian/North American origins. This genotype has only been detected in the USA, with the first wild bird cases being reported in November 2023.
This risk statement provides a qualitative description of the zoonotic risk AI A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b genotype B3.13 presents to people in contact with infected animals in the UK, and highlights evidence gaps and recommendations for mitigating the risk of zoonotic transmission.
Based on the current available information, the HAIRS group determined that this currently presents at most a very low risk.
This is a rapidly emerging situation and there remain several evidence gaps, therefore a full assessment is not possible at this stage. This statement will be reviewed as the evidence becomes available.