Highly pathogenic avian influenza (A/H5N1) virus outbreaks in Lesotho, May 2021

Mabusetsa R J Makalo; William G Dundon; Tirumala B K Settypalli; Sneha Datta; Charles E Lamien; Giovanni Cattoli; Moeketsi S Phalatsi; Relebohile J Lepheana; Mpaliseng Matlali; Relebohile G Mahloane; Marosi Molomo; Palesa C Mphaka

doi:10.1080/22221751.2022.2043729

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (A/H5N1) virus outbreaks in Lesotho, May 2021

Emerg Microbes Infect. 2022 Dec;11(1):757-760. doi: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2043729.

Affiliations

¹ Department of Livestock Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Maseru, Lesotho.
² Animal Production and Health Laboratory, Animal Production and Health Section, Joint FAO/IAEA Division, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria.
³ Department of Animal Science, National University of Lesotho, Roma, Lesotho.

Abstract

In May 2021, Lesotho reported its first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to the OIE. Samples were collected from infected poultry and the virus was confirmed by molecular tests to be of the H5N1 subtype. Full genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the viruses belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b and showed high identity with A/H5N1 viruses identified in Nigeria and Senegal in early 2021. The identification of A/H5N1 HPAI in Lesotho has important implications for disease management and food security in the region.

Keywords: A/H5N1; Highly pathogenic avian influenza; Lesotho; full genome; phylogenetic analysis.

Publication types

Letter

MeSH terms

Animals
Disease Outbreaks
Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype* / genetics
Influenza in Birds* / epidemiology
Lesotho / epidemiology
Phylogeny
Poultry

Grants and funding

This study was supported by funds from the IAEA Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) VETLAB Network.