GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Researchers in Florida have made a groundbreaking discovery, signaling a potential new threat from highly pathogenic avian influenza. The scientists have identified the first documented case of H5N1 bird flu in a common bottlenose dolphin, marking a significant development in understanding the transmission of these flu strains among different species.
The finding, published in the journal Nature Communications Biology, stems from an incident dating back to March 29, 2022, when researchers from the University of Florida were called to investigate a distressed dolphin in North Florida’s waters. Unfortunately, by the time they reached the dolphin, it had already perished. Subsequent examinations and tests revealed the presence of H5N1 in the dolphin’s lungs and brain, shedding light on the potential impact of bird flu on marine mammals.
While cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported in other marine animals recently, such as harbor seals and other dolphin species, this particular instance is the first documented case in a common bottlenose dolphin and the first of its kind in any dolphin or whale in North American waters. The study highlights the importance of monitoring flu strains in various animal populations to understand the risks they pose.
It is essential to note that the strains of bird flu classified as highly pathogenic do not always result in severe illness or death in animals other than birds. However, some lineages of the H5N1 strain have proven deadly to marine mammals in the past, underscoring the need for continued research and vigilance.
Despite the lack of genetic changes in the virus that would facilitate easier transmission between mammals, researchers stress the rapid mutation rate of flu viruses that could potentially pose a more significant threat in the future. The authors of the study emphasize the catastrophic consequences of A(H5N1) viruses adapting to infect and transmit among dolphins and other cetaceans.
The ongoing investigation aims to determine the source of the infection in the dolphin and explore the potential for bird flu strains to cross species barriers to marine mammals. This groundbreaking research underscores the complex interplay between avian influenza and various animal species, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and understanding of flu viruses in the ecosystem.