Emerging Infectious Diseases (Jun 2017)

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (H5N8) Clade 2.3.4.4 Infection in Migratory Birds, Egypt

  • Abdullah A. Selim,
  • Ahmed M. Erfan,
  • Naglaa Hagag,
  • Ali Zanaty,
  • Abdel-Hafez Samir,
  • Mohamed Samy,
  • Ahmed Abdelhalim,
  • Abdel-Satar A. Arafa,
  • Mohamed A. Soliman,
  • Momtaz Shaheen,
  • Essam M. Ibraheem,
  • Ibrahim Mahrous,
  • Mohamed K. Hassan,
  • Mahmoud M. Naguib

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2306.162056
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23, no. 6
pp. 1048 – 1051

Abstract

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We isolated highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N8) of clade 2.3.4.4 from the common coot (Fulica atra) in Egypt, documenting its introduction into Africa through migratory birds. This virus has a close genetic relationship with subtype H5N8 viruses circulating in Europe. Enhanced surveillance to detect newly emerging viruses is warranted.

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