Research has revealed a concerning shift in the epicentre of deadly bird flu outbreaks, with the viruses no longer confined to Asia. 

The H5N1 virus, known for its lethal impact on wild birds, poultry, and humans, initially emerged in China in 1996. However, it has now spread its reach to Europe and Africa.

Since 2014, multiple outbreaks of similar bird flu viruses from the H5 group have raised alarm. 

Notably, while the 2016/17 outbreaks initiated in China, two new H5 group viruses surfaced in African and European countries, indicating a migration of the H5 epicentre from Asia. 

The research underscores how the prolonged presence of bird flu in wild bird populations drives the emergence and dissemination of new strains.

The study, published in Nature, delves into the transformations in the ecology and evolution of highly pathogenic avian H5 influenza viruses, including their expanded geographical distribution beyond Asia.

Professor Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran and his team looked at the origins and trends of highly pathogenic avian H5 outbreaks. 

They used data from the Food and Agricultural Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health collected between 2005 and 2022, alongside an analysis of over 10,000 viral genomes.

Noteworthy resurgences occurred in 2016/17, with genetic analysis revealing their origin in Asia, particularly China. 

In contrast, new H5 viruses, emerging between 2020 and 2022 from African and European bird populations, signify a significant shift away from Asia as the epicentre. 

These strains evolved through genetic reassortment with less pathogenic variants as they spread.

The authors emphasise the ongoing importance of strategies to curb viral transmission and control highly pathogenic avian influenza in global bird populations. 

Furthermore, they stress the significance of comprehending viral evolution to respond effectively to new strains.

The study is accessible here.