Genetic analyses of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 subtype viruses isolated from the Izumi Plain, Japan, revealed cocirculation of 2 genetic groups of clade 2.3.4.4b viruses among migratory waterfowl. Our findings demonstrate that both continuous surveillance and timely information sharing of avian influenza viruses are valuable for rapid risk assessment.
Keywords: H5 subtype; Japan; genetic characteristics; high pathogenicity avian influenza virus; influenza; respiratory infections; viruses; zoonoses.