H5N1 Avian Flu D1.1 Strain Mapped Across North America: Low Human Risk but Surveillance Critical in 2024

St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital scientists today released the first continent-wide map tracking the dominant D1.1 strain of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza through North American bird populations in 2024. According to lead researcher Richard Webby, the strain entered via Alaska and British Columbia before spreading south and east along migratory pathways, devastating wild birds and poultry since its 2021 arrival on the continent.

The study, published in Nature Medicine, sequenced samples from birds across the US and Canada, revealing the virus remains mostly avian-adapted with no major mutations for efficient human-to-human transmission. Co-author Lisa Kercher noted a mutation conferring resistance to one common antiviral, but existing vaccine candidates showed strong cross-reactivity, indicating current human stockpiles should prove effective.

In the US, the strain poses low risk to the general population in its current form, though surveillance remains critical given severe outcomes in rare human cases. No new US human infections were reported in the last 24 hours.

Globally, CIDRAP reports two new H9N2 avian flu cases on mainland China, alongside a human case in Italy, underscoring ongoing international monitoring.

Researchers stress continued bird flu surveillance to track evolution and protect public health.

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