Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus and Mass Mortality in Eurasian Cranes, Germany, 2025

Emerging infectious diseases 2026 Open access

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Authors: Anne Günther, Christof Herrmann, Julia Sehl‐Ewert, Simon Piro, Ann Kathrin Ahrens, Sten Calvelage, Anne Pohlmann, Martin Beer, Timm Harder
DOI: 10.3201/eid3205.260170
Cited by: 1
References: 6

Abstract

In autumn 2025, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus, genotype EA-2024-DI.2.1, caused systemic infections leading to a mass mortality event among the western migrating subpopulation of Eurasian cranes (Grus grus) in Germany. Gregarious behavior at feeding and resting sites likely promoted rapid viral spread within the population.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Influenza Virus Research Studies Respiratory viral infections research Bird parasitology and diseases

Publication details

Journal / source
Emerging infectious diseases
Publisher
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Volume
32
Issue
5
Pages
779–783
Publication date
1 May 2026
Language
EN