This is the first report of highly pathogenic avian influenza in mammals in Canada. The sequencing results indicates that the HA proteins from both red fox kits belongs to Eurasian Gs/GD lineage HPAI H5N1 with cleavage site motif “PLREKRRKR/GLF” compatible with HPAI viruses. . The virus from both red foxes contains unique constellation of gene segments with PB2, PB1, PA and NP belonging to wild bird origin North American lineage influenza A viruses. The remaining gene segments (HA, NA, M and NS) belong to Eurasian lineage.
https://oie-wahis.oie.int/#/report-info?reportId=53345