[preprint]Opportunity Drives Spillover: Serological Surveillance across Carnivores, Omnivores and Herbivores in an HPAIV H5 Hotspot in North-East Germany, 2023-2025

In North-East Germany´s offshore islands and mainland coast, wild ruminants, boar, and carnivores were tested for H5-HPAI antibodies. Wild ruminants were seronegative; 3.5% of boar and 12.5-21.9% of carnivores were seropositive, evidencing frequent spillover. Because such events may accelerate mammalian - and ultimately human - adaptation, sustained One-Health monitoring is essential.