Holly A. Coombes

The mammalian-adaptive PB2-E627K substitution preserves viral fitness of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV in birds.

This study shows that the mammalian-adaptive PB2-E627K mutation in H5N1 HPAIV maintains viral fitness in avian hosts, increasing zoonotic risk.

Two epidemics, one genotype, different outcomes: evolutionary changes of Avian Influenza H5N1, genotype EA-2024-DI

The paper tracks the evolution of Avian Influenza H5N1 genotype EA-2024-DI across three epidemic waves, showing changes in transmission patterns and increased mammalian host adaptation.

Dispersal, adaptation and persistence of H5N1 in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctica

This study tracks the spread and evolution of H5N1 in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctica, revealing long-distance dispersal and mammalian-adaptive mutations.

Infection of ratites with clade 2.3.4.4b HPAIV H5N1: Potential implications for zoonotic risk

The paper detects H5N1 avian influenza in ratites and identifies mammalian-relevant mutations, suggesting potential zoonotic risk.

Investigating high pathogenicity avian influenza virus incursions to remote islands: Detection of H5N1 on Gough Island in the South Atlantic Ocean

Whole-genome sequencing and geolocation tracking indicate that high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 reached Tristan skuas on remote Gough Island via sub-Antarctic marine networks linked to South Georgia rather than Africa.

Detection of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus in a sheep in Great Britain, 2025

The paper reports the first detection of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV in a sheep in Great Britain, highlighting the zoonotic potential and implications for interspecies transmission.