Isolation and Identification of a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N6 Virus from Migratory Waterfowl in Western Mongolia

Ulaankhuu Ankhanbaatar; Tserenchimed Sainnokhoi; Tirumala B K Settypalli; Sneha Datta; Delgerzul Gombo-Ochir; Buyantogtokh Khanui; Gantsetseg Dorj; Ganzorig Basan; Giovanni Cattoli; William G Dundon; Charles E Lamien

doi:10.7589/JWD-D-21-00032

Isolation and Identification of a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N6 Virus from Migratory Waterfowl in Western Mongolia

J Wildl Dis. 2022 Jan 1;58(1):211-214. doi: 10.7589/JWD-D-21-00032.

Affiliations

¹ State Central Veterinary Laboratory, Zaisan, Khan-Uul district, POB-53/03, Ulaanbaatar-17024, Mongolia.
² Animal Production and Health Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Applications in Food and Agriculture, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna International Centre, Wagramer Strasse 5, 1400 Vienna, Austria.

PMID: 34699593
DOI: 10.7589/JWD-D-21-00032

Abstract

In April 2020, two Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus) and one Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides) were found dead at three different locations in western Mongolia. Virus isolation from organs taken from the carcasses and full genome sequencing revealed that all three birds were positive for highly pathogenic H5N6 avian influenza virus (HPAIV) belonging to subclade 2.3.4.4h. Confirming similar reports from central Mongolia and western China, these findings have important implications for the monitoring, control, and management of HPAIVs in wild bird and commercial poultry populations in Mongolia.

Keywords: Avian influenza; H5N6; Mongolia; Swan Goose; Whooper Swan; subclade 2.3.4.4h.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Animals, Wild
Ducks
Influenza A virus*
Influenza in Birds* / epidemiology
Mongolia / epidemiology
Phylogeny