The ability to produce an H5N1 influenza virus that can be transmitted from human to human raises both biosecurity and biosafety concerns. After analyzing the biosafety risks of such a virus, we propose that it be handled at biosafety level 4 (BSL4) containment until and unless it becomes clear that the risks to humans and other mammals can be mitigated.

From February through April 2007, avian influenza (H5N1) was confirmed in poultry in 4 of 34 Afghan provinces. A survey conducted in 2 affected and 3 unaffected provinces found that greater knowledge about reducing exposure was associated with higher socioeconomic status, residence in affected provinces, and not owning backyard poultry.

Phylogenetic analysis of influenza subtype H5N1 viruses isolated from Vietnam during 2005-2007 shows that multiple sublineages are present in Vietnam. Clade 2.3.4 viruses have replaced clade 1 viruses in northern Vietnam, and clade 1 viruses have been detected in southern Vietnam. Reassortment between these 2 sublineages has also occurred.

In China, a novel avian-origin reassortant influenza A(H7N9) virus has been detected in a number of human cases [1]. In response to the potential cross-border health threat associated with emerging disease caused by the appearance of the novel virus, European laboratories need to be aware of the novel virus and adapt and confirm their diagnostic capability to detect and identify it. This docume...

Due to the recent emergence of H5N1 virus, the modelling of pandemic influenza has become a relevant issue. Here we present an SEIR model formulated to simulate a possible outbreak in Italy, analysing its structure and, more generally, the effect of including specific details into a model. These details regard population heterogeneities, such as age and spatial distribution, as well as stochast...

Three epidemic waves of human influenza A(H7N9) were documented in several different provinces in China between 2013 and 2015. With limited understanding of the potential for human-to-human transmission, it was difficult to implement control measures efficiently or to inform the public adequately about the application of interventions. In this study, the human-to-human transmission rate for the...

We report serologic evidence of avian influenza infection in 1 duck hunter and 2 wildlife professionals with extensive histories of wild waterfowl and game bird exposure. Two laboratory methods showed evidence of past infection with influenza A/H11N9, a less common virus strain in wild ducks, in these 3 persons.