 The highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 virus has rapidly expanded its geographical range since 2021, infecting both wild birds and domestic poultry in multiple continents. This rapid global spread has been accompanied by the emergence of new strains of H5N1, which have acquired genetic material from other strains of the virus. These newly evolved strains have caused severe illness and death in humans and animals, including mammals. In order to prevent the spread of this virus and prepare for a possible pandemic, it is important to monitor the evolution of these strains and develop strategies to control their spread. This article was authored by Ahmed Kandyle, Christopher Patton, Jeremy C. Jones, and others.