Selected Abstracts From the Literature

Following the most recent pandemic associated with a coronavirus, it is important to monitor other viruses that can potentially lead to similar outbreaks. The avian influenza viruses remain an important pathogen to monitor because of their potential impact on human and animal health. Influenza viruses with the hemagglutinin gene (H5 and H7 subtypes) have already been associated with major outbreaks in wild birds and have accounted for the losses of hundreds of millions of domestic poultry. In addition to the impacts of these viruses on birds, there have also been more than 2500 human cases and 1000 deaths. The H5 influenza viruses are disseminated by migratory wild birds and have been associated with 3 waves of global influenza outbreaks. The current third wave started in 2020 and is ongoing. The methods to control this disease has varied between countries, with Europe and North America controlling the virus through culling alone while others (eg, China) are using a ‘‘cull plus vaccination’’ strategy. The strategy adopted by China, the largest poultryproducing country in the world, has resulted in limited losses during the current global outbreak of H5 avian influenza outbreaks, and the near elimination of H7N9. The purpose of this review article was to summarize the damage the recent dissemination of H5 and H7 influenza viruses have caused to poultry and public health, evaluate the origin of the viruses, and discuss the vaccination strategy in China. The authors’ goal is to see vaccination implemented internationally to ensure the dissemination of the virus can be stopped.