Eleven more marine mammals have been tested and confirmed to have H5N1 avian flu in an outbreak that spans four counties in California. The outbreak total now stands at 58 mammals, including 57sea lions and one otter. All but seven are from San Mateo County.

The outbreak started in February and marked the first H5N1 detection in marine mammals in California. Seals at the state park were observed with abnormal respirations, tremors, and neurologic symptoms. 

Commercial detections dropping in April

In other avian flu news, four commercial poultry facilities, one each in North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and Georgia have reported new avian flu outbreaks. The outbreak in Minnesota’s Big Stone County involves 62,900 birds on a commercial turkey farm.

Commercial poultry detections have slowed this month compared with March, with 28 confirmed outbreaks in 20 commercial and eight backyard flocks. Roughly 700,000 birds have been affected in the past 30 days.

Wild bird detections have also dropped, with 13 notices from the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in the past 10 days.

Of note, three Bald Eagles in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and New York were confirmed to have the virus, as were four birds (gulls and a Red-necked phalarope) from San Mateo County, California, the same county with marine mammal detections.

The world’s first combination seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccine, Moderna’s mCombriax, has received marketing authorization from the European Commission, following a positive review from the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use.

“By combining protection against two significant respiratory viruses in a single dose, our vaccine aims to simplify immunization for adults, particularly those at high risk,” said Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel, MBA, in a press release. “mCOMBRIAX offers an important new option for Europeans, while also aiming to strengthen the resilience of healthcare systems across Europe.”

Shot performed well in older adults

According to the company, mCombriax was based on the clinical development of mNexspike, Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, and mRNA-1010, Moderna’s investigational seasonal influenza vaccine, which has been accepted for review in the European Union (EU), United States, Canada, and Australia.

The vaccine performed well in a phase 3 trial, where a single dose elicited statistically significant higher immune responses against three influenza virus strains (A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B/Victoria) and against SARS-CoV-2 in adults 50 to 64 years and 65 years and older.

The marketing authorization is valid in all 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. No major safety concerns or adverse events were seen in the phase 3 trial.