Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus outbreak among Cape cormorants (Phalacrocorax capensis) in Namibia, 2022

Umberto Molini; John Yabe; Irene K Meki; Hatem Ouled Ahmed Ben Ali; Tirumala B K Settypalli; Sneha Datta; Lauren Michelle Coetzee; Ellini Hamunyela; Siegfried Khaiseb; Giovanni Cattoli; Charles E Lamien; William G Dundon

doi:10.1080/22221751.2023.2167610

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus outbreak among Cape cormorants (Phalacrocorax capensis) in Namibia, 2022

Emerg Microbes Infect. 2023 Dec;12(1):2167610. doi: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2167610.

Affiliations

¹ School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia.
² Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL), Windhoek, Namibia.
³ Animal Production and Health Laboratory, Animal Production and Health Section, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, Joint FAO/IAEA Division, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria.

Abstract

In January 2022, significant mortality was observed among Cape cormorants (Phalacrocorax capensis) on the west coast of Namibia. Samples collected were shown to be positive for H5N1 avian influenza by multiplex RT-qPCR. Full genome analysis and phylogenetic analysis identified the viruses as belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b and that it clustered with similar viruses identified in Lesotho and Botswana in 2021. This is the first genomic characterization of H5N1 viruses in Namibia and has important implications for poultry disease management and wildlife conservation in the region.

Keywords: Avian influenza; Cape cormorant; Clade 1.3.4.4b; H5N1; Namibia.

Publication types

Letter

MeSH terms

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

Grants and funding

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