Emerging Infectious Diseases (Sep 2017)

Genetic Diversity of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N8/H5N5) Viruses in Italy, 2016–17

  • Alice Fusaro,
  • Isabella Monne,
  • Paolo Mulatti,
  • Bianca Zecchin,
  • Lebana Bonfanti,
  • Silvia Ormelli,
  • Adelaide Milani,
  • Krizia Cecchettin,
  • Philippe Lemey,
  • Ana Moreno,
  • Paola Massi,
  • Tiziano Dorotea,
  • Stefano Marangon,
  • Calogero Terregino

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2309.170539
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23, no. 9
pp. 1543 – 1547

Abstract

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In winter 2016–17, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) and A(H5N5) viruses of clade 2.3.4.4 were identified in wild and domestic birds in Italy. We report the occurrence of multiple introductions and describe the identification in Europe of 2 novel genotypes, generated through multiple reassortment events.

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