Detection of reassortant H5N6 clade 2.3.4.4 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in a black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor) found dead, Taiwan, 2017

Infect Genet Evol. 2018 Aug:62:275-278. doi: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.04.026. Epub 2018 Apr 27.

Abstract

A H5N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) was detected in a black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor) found dead in Taiwan during December 2017. Genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses suggest the hemagglutinin gene belongs to H5 clade 2.3.4.4 Group B. All genes except neuraminidase gene shared high levels of nucleotide identity with H5N8 HPAIV identified from Europe during 2016-2017. Genetically similar H5N6 HPAIV was also identified from Japan during November 2017. Enhanced surveillance is required in this region.

Keywords: Clade 2.3.4.4; H5N6; Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus; Phylogenetic analysis; Taiwan.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution
  • Birds / virology*
  • Genome, Viral*
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N8 Subtype / isolation & purification*
  • Influenza in Birds / epidemiology
  • Influenza in Birds / virology*
  • Phylogeny
  • Reassortant Viruses / genetics*
  • Taiwan