In April 2024, USDA-APHIS released H5N1 virus sequences from a range of avian and mammalian species to a U.S. database but without annotation as to location and collection date. This omission resulted in criticism of APHIS, although virologists were able to derive information relating to the epidemiology of the pathogen.
An additional release of data was made on July 16th including sequence data from 24 newly obtained samples including dairy herds and affected farm workers. Full virus genome sequences from the current bovine influenza-H5N1 outbreak are now posted on the database maintained by The Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). Examination of sequences indicates the presence of a mammalian adaptation marker E627 K. Homogeneity among isolates from cows, cats, mice, wild birds and farmworkers was evident from sequence analysis.
It is questioned why USDA is omitting what can be regarded as critical data as to location and date, representing the required annotation of isolates. Release of the gene sequences does, however, enable virologists to monitor possible mutations as H5N1 virus adapts to new hosts.