Detection of a reassortant swine- and human-origin H3N2 Influenza A virus in farmed mink in British Columbia, Canada

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.1111/zph.13205

Language of the publication
English
Date
2024-12-29
Type
Article
Author(s)
  • Kuchinski, Kevin S.
  • Tyson, John
  • Lee, Tracy
  • Detmer, Susan
  • Berhane, Yohannes
  • Burns, Theresa
  • Prystajecky, Natalie A.
  • Himsworth, Chelsea G.
Publisher
Wiley

Abstract

Introduction In December 2021, influenza A viruses (IAV) were detected in a population of farmed mink in British Columbia, Canada. Circulation of IAVs in farmed mink populations has raised public health concerns due to similarities between mustelid and human respiratory physiology, potentially facilitating spillover of zoonotic influenzas from livestock. Methods Oropharyngeal specimens were collected from mink as part of a surveillance program for SARS-CoV-2. Diagnostic RT-qPCR testing was performed using a multiplex assay targeting SARS-CoV-2, IAV, influenza B virus and respiratory syncytial virus. Whole viral genome sequencing was conducted on IAV-positive specimens, followed by phylogenetic analysis with other animal and human IAV genome sequences from large global databases. Results IAVs were detected in 17 of 65 mink by RT-qPCR. Based on genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, these IAVs were subtyped as H3N2s that originated from reassortment of swine H3N2 (clade 1990.4 h), human seasonal H1N1 (pdm09) and swine H1N2 (clade 1A.1.1.3). This reassortant has been subsequently observed in swine in several Midwest American states, as well as in swine and turkeys in Ontario, suggesting its spillover into farmed mink in British Columbia was incidental to its broader dissemination in North American swine populations. Conclusions These detections reaffirm the need for extensive genomic surveillance of IAVs in swine populations to monitor reassortments that might become public health concerns. They also highlight the need for closer surveillance of IAVs in mink to preserve animal health, protect agricultural interests, and monitor potential zoonotic threats.

Description

Published online in 2024. Published in print in 2025.

Subject

  • Animal diseases,
  • Viruses

Keywords

  • Avian influenza,
  • Genomics,
  • American mink--Diseases,
  • Influenza A virus,
  • Zoonoses

Rights

Pagination

293-300

Peer review

Yes

Open access level

Gold

Identifiers

ISSN
1863-2378
1863-1959

Article

Journal title
Zoonoses and Public Health
Journal volume
72
Journal issue
3
Accepted date
2024-12-14
Submitted date
2024-07-11

Citation(s)

Kuchinski, K. S., Tyson, J., Lee, T., Detmer, S., Berhane, Y., Burns, T., Prystajecky, N. A., & Himsworth, C. G. (2025). Detection of a reassortant swine- and human-origin H3N2 Influenza A virus in farmed mink in British Columbia, Canada. Zoonoses and Public Health, 72(3), 293-300. https://doi.org/10.1111/zph.13205

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Collection(s)

Animals

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