Bird flu virus mutation detected in Sakhalin Region

Rospotrebnadzor has found a mutation of the bird flu virus after examining a sample taken from birds in the Sakhalin region. This was reported on February 20 by the press service of the agency.

It is noted that this mutation may increase the ability of the virus to infect mammals.

In 2024, the agency conducted monitoring, examining more than 15 thousand samples of biomaterial from wild and domestic birds and pigs, as well as 7.8 thousand samples of material from people who were in contact with wild or domestic birds in their line of work.

It is specified that the viruses isolated in 2024 do not contain mutations of increased pathogenicity and drug resistance. The exception is avian influenza A (H5N1) virus isolated from birds in the Sakhalin region. The identified mutation may provide adaptation of the virus to mammalian cells.

The publication notes that in order to improve safety from December 2024, the agency has expanded monitoring of the situation with avian influenza in Russian farms with cattle. It is reported on the study of more than 14.7 thousand samples, including more than 11.3 thousand samples of material from cattle. At the moment, the avian influenza virus has not been detected in the studies.

"The situation is under control of Rospotrebnadzor," the agency concluded.

CNN reported on January 14 that US citizens faced a shortage of eggs due to bird flu. It was specified that the restoration of stability in the food market in the country may take six to nine months. In addition, the shortage led to an increase in egg prices.

Later, on January 27, NBC News reported that the Democrats in the United States are not satisfied that the American leader Donald Trump did not keep his promise to "immediately" take measures to settle high food prices. According to its data, the cost of groceries in the country rose 1.8% year-over-year. Most of all, the jump affected eggs, the prices for which increased by 36.8%.

Earlier, on February 7, the media wrote that stores in the United States introduced restrictions on the purchase of eggs amid a shortage. It is specified that in the supermarket chain Lidl one customer can buy only two cartons of eggs in order to "ensure fair distribution".