Emerging Microbes and Infections (Dec 2023)

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
https://doi.org/10.1080/22221751.2023.2167610
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 1

Abstract

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ABSTRACTIn 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.

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