#Industry News
The Role of Ferrets in Investigating Emerging H5N1 Strains
Experimental ferret model highlights severe outcomes: fast mortality, hypothermia, and tachypnea.
The rapid evolution and global spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1—particularly subclade 2.3.4.4b—have sparked growing concern over its pandemic potential. These viruses are increasingly infecting a diverse range of avian and mammalian species, with recent spillover events affecting marine mammals and livestock. To better assess the threat posed by newly circulating strains and to inform the development of effective countermeasures, scientists are employing updated ferret models to investigate the pathogenesis and virulence of H5N1 under controlled laboratory conditions.
