Emerging Infectious Diseases (Jun 2023)

Novel Avian Influenza Virus (H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Reassortants in Migratory Birds, China

  • Jing Yang,
  • Chunge Zhang,
  • Yue Yuan,
  • Ju Sun,
  • Lu Lu,
  • Honglei Sun,
  • Heting Sun,
  • Dong Chu,
  • Siyuan Qin,
  • Jianjun Chen,
  • Chengbo Zhang,
  • Xiyan Hao,
  • Weifeng Shi,
  • Wenjun Liu,
  • George F. Gao,
  • Paul Digard,
  • Samantha Lycett,
  • Yuhai Bi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2906.221723
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 29, no. 6
pp. 1244 – 1249

Abstract

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Two novel reassortant highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b.2 were identified in dead migratory birds in China in November 2021. The viruses probably evolved among wild birds through different flyways connecting Europe and Asia. Their low antigenic reaction to vaccine antiserum indicates high risks to poultry and to public health.

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