Emerging Infectious Diseases (Sep 2023)

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus in Wild Birds, Chile

  • Naomi Ariyama,
  • Catalina Pardo-Roa,
  • Gabriela Muñoz,
  • Carolina Aguayo,
  • Claudia Ávila,
  • Christian Mathieu,
  • Leonardo I. Almonacid,
  • Rafael A. Medina,
  • Barbara Brito,
  • Magdalena Johow,
  • Victor Neira

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2909.230067
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 29, no. 9
pp. 1842 – 1845

Abstract

Read online

In December 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus emerged in Chile. We detected H5N1 virus in 93 samples and obtained 9 whole-genome sequences of strains from wild birds. Phylogenetic analysis suggests multiple viral introductions into South America. Continued surveillance is needed to assess risks to humans and domestic poultry.

Keywords