Analysis of the genotypes of Influenza A H5N1 in Bulgaria 2021-2023

Abstract

Circulating HPAI virus H5N1 can be traced back to the original A/goose/Guangdong/1/96 strain. During the epidemiological years 2022 and 2023, a remarkable number of HPAI H5N1 virus isolates were detected and reported in a diverse range of hosts, including wild and domestic birds, mammals and humans, in more than 28 European countries. Interestingly, the potential for cross-species transmission highlights the complex dynamics of viral spread among these different susceptible species. The persistently emerging outbreaks of HPAI H5N1 in animals and humans demonstrate the need for comprehensive understanding of this virus and its public health implications, as well as for detailed genomic mapping and characterization. With increasing reports of human infections and the potential for devastating economic consequences in industrial livestock production, it is imperative to deepen analyzes of HPAI H5N1 to effectively respond to the continued spread of the virus in animals, prevent future outbreaks and transmission to the people. To provide a comprehensive analysis of the emergence and spread of HPAI H5N1, it is necessary to examine the genetic characteristics, mutations in the viral genome, and the evolution of the virus, and to evaluate the effectiveness of current prevention and control strategies.