Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Clade 2.3.4.4b in Antarctic Pinnipeds: first evidences of virus circulation in Weddell seals
This study provides the first evidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b circulation in Antarctic Weddell seals, detected through non-invasive fecal sampling and linked to the South American viral lineage, highlighting the need for continued One Health monitoring of Antarctic marine mammals.