Outbreak of H9N2 avian influenza viruses in lesser rhea in Peru, June-July 2025
Alejandra Garcia-Glaessner, Alvin Crespo-Bellido, Breno Muñoz-Saavedra, Diana Juarez, Patricia Barrera, Gabriela Salmón-Mulanovich, Shadam Elvis Checahuari Jarata, Dany Cruz, Dennis X. Huisa-Balcon, Grover Idme, Martha I. Nelson, Jesus Lescano, Mariana Leguía
The paper reports the first known outbreak of H9N2 avian influenza in lesser rhea in Peru, identifies the virus as low pathogenic North American strain, and finds mutations potentially linked to increased virulence and host adaptation.
bioRxiv · May 13, 2026 · PreprintEvolutionary Biology