Multiple Introductions of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses into the High Arctic: Svalbard and Jan Mayen, 2022 - 2025

Granstad, S.; Tonnessen, R.; Ytrehus, B.; Descamps, S.; Moe, B.; Strom, H.; Gabrielsen, G. W.; Hanssen, S. A.; Ronning, E.; Tronerud, O.-H.; Loonen, M. J. J. E.; Gjerset, B.; Mjelde, H. K.; Madslien, K.; Akerstedt, J.; Boe, C. A.

doi:10.64898/2026.02.17.706283

bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.02.17.706283

Multiple Introductions of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses into the High Arctic: Svalbard and Jan Mayen, 2022 - 2025

Granstad, S.·Tonnessen, R.·Ytrehus, B.·Descamps, S.·Moe, B.·Strom, H.·Gabrielsen, G. W.·Hanssen, S. A.·Ronning, E.·Tronerud, O.-H.·Loonen, M. J. J. E.·Gjerset, B.·Mjelde, H. K.·Madslien, K.·Akerstedt, J.·Boe, C. A.

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Abstract

Between 2022 and 2025, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of clade 2.3.4.4b, including four distinct H5 Eurasian (EA) genotypes, were detected in wild birds and mammals in the Svalbard Archipelago and on the island of Jan Mayen. We describe their epidemiology and genomic characteristics to improve understanding of HPAIV occurrence and transmission in the High Arctic. The initial cases in 2022 occurred during summer and involved a glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus) and great skuas (Stercorarius skua) on Svalbard and Jan Mayen, representing the first detections of HPAIVs in the High Arctic. Three HPAIV genotypes were identified: EA-2020-C (H5N1), EA-2021-AB (H5N1), and EA-2021-I (H5N5). In 2023, HPAIVs were detected in a broader range of bird species, and retrospectively in an Atlantic walrus reported by another research group (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus). Genotypes identified in 2023 were EA-2020-C (H5N1), EA-2021-I (H5N5), and EA-2022-BB (H5N1). No cases were reported in 2024. In 2025, EA-2021-I (H5N5) was detected in Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) on Svalbard, without preceding detections in wild birds. The foxes exhibited neurological symptoms, and necropsy of one individual revealed the presence of feathers in its stomach. All sequenced viruses from the Arctic foxes uniquely carried the combination of PB2-E627K and PB1-H115Q, which is associated with mammalian adaptation. The detection of multiple genotypes indicates repeated and independent introductions of HPAIVs into these regions. The co-circulation of genetically distinct virus strains in areas of high bird density further suggests that Arctic breeding grounds may facilitate local viral amplification, reassortment, and subsequent dissemination along migratory flyways, including transcontinental spread. Data summaryThe authors confirm all supporting data, code and protocols have been provided within the article or through supplementary data files. Influenza A whole genome sequences generated through this study are available under the GISAID accession numbers found in Table 1. All genome sequences and associated metadata supporting the findings of this study can be accessed through the persistent digital object identifier https://doi.org/10.55876/gis8.260211rq. O_TBL View this table: org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@15e1921org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@c3e91borg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1fcfe78org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@a69606org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@c36c74_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_TBL O_FLOATNOTable 1.C_FLOATNO O_TABLECAPTIONDetections of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) in wild birds and mammals sampled in the Svalbard Archipelago and on Jan Mayen from January 1st, 2022, to August 31st, 2025. C_TABLECAPTION C_TBL

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Granstad, S., Tonnessen, R., Ytrehus, B., Descamps, S., Moe, B., Strom, H., Gabrielsen, G. W., Hanssen, S. A., Ronning, E., Tronerud, O.-H., Loonen, M. J. J. E., Gjerset, B., Mjelde, H. K., Madslien, K., Akerstedt, J., Boe, C. A.. 2026-02-18. Multiple Introductions of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses into the High Arctic: Svalbard and Jan Mayen, 2022 - 2025. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.02.17.706283

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