In a recent publication* scientist in Iceland conducted whole genome sequencing of 26 HPAI virus samples collected in 2022.  It was determined that there were three different genotypes of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b circulating within populations of both resident and migratory wild birds. A An isolate characterized as H5N5 was introduced in 2023.

Iceland serves as the most northwest point in Europe for distribution of HPAI.  In 2022, transatlantic migration of H5N1 occurred as a result of westward movement of various species of marine birds and waterfowl that cohabited in Iceland.  Birds have moved from Scandinavia through the Faroe Islands to Iceland, with movement thereafter to Greenland, entering North America through Newfoundland.

A similar node exists in Alaska with cohabitation of migratory species resulting in dissemination of avian influenza virus and the potential for recombinant events involving Eurasian genes.  

*Ahrens, A.K. et al Iceland: An underestimated hub for the spread of high-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses in the North Atlantic. Journal of General Virology doi.org/10.1099/jgv.0.001985  May 2024