Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Infections in 2 Free-Ranging Black Bears (<i>Ursus americanus</i>), Quebec, Canada

Abstract

Wholly Eurasian highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus was isolated from 2 free-ranging black bears with meningoencephalitis in Quebec, Canada. We found that isolates from both animals had the D701N mutation in the polymerase basic 2 gene, previously known to promote adaptation of H5N1 viruses to mammal hosts.