Evidence of Influenza A(H5N1) Spillover Infections in Horses, Mongolia

Emerg Infect Dis. 2025 Jan;31(1):183-185. doi: 10.3201/eid3101.241266. Epub 2024 Dec 11.

Abstract

Recent outbreaks of influenza A(H5N1) have affected many mammal species. We report serologic evidence of H5N1 virus infection in horses in Mongolia. Because H3N8 equine influenza virus is endemic in many countries, horses should be monitored to prevent reassortment between equine and avian influenza viruses with unknown consequences.

Keywords: H5N1; Mongolia; horses; influenza; influenza virus; serology; spillover infections; viruses.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Horse Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases* / virology
  • Horses
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype* / genetics
  • Mongolia / epidemiology
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections* / epidemiology
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections* / veterinary
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections* / virology
  • Phylogeny

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral