Role for migratory wild birds in the global spread of avian influenza H5N8

Samantha Lycett, Rogier Bodewes, Anne Pohlmann, Jill Banks, Krisztián Bányai, Maciej F. Boni, Ruth Bouwstra, Andrew C. Breed, Ian H Brown, Hualan Chen, Ádám Dán, Thomas J. DeLiberto, Nguyen Diep, Marius Gilbert, Sarah Hill, Hon S. Ip, Chang Wen Ke, Hiroshi Kida, Mary Lea Killian, Marion P. KoopmansJung-Hoon Kwon, Dong-Hun Lee, Joo Yeon Lee, Lu Lu, Isabella Monne, John Pasick, Oliver G. Pybus, Andrew Rambaut, Timothy P. Robinson, Yoshihiro Sakoda, Siamak Zohari, Chang-Seon Song, David E. Swayne, Mia Kim Torchetti, Hsiang-Jung Tsai, Ron A.M. Fouchier, Martin Beer, Mark Woolhouse, Thijs Kuiken

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Avian influenza viruses affect both poultry production and public health. A subtype H5N8 (clade 2.3.4.4) virus, following an outbreak in poultry in South Korea in 2013/2014, rapidly spread worldwide in 2014/2015. Our analysis of H5N8 viral sequences, epidemiological investigations, waterfowl migration, and poultry trade showed that long-distance migratory birds can play a major role in the global spread of avian influenza viruses. Further, we found that the haemagglutinin of clade 2.3.4.4 virus was remarkably promiscuous, creating reassortants with multiple neuraminidase subtypes. Improving our understanding of the circumpolar circulation of avian influenza viruses in migratory waterfowl will help to provide early warning of threats from avian influenza to poultry, and potentially human, health.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)213-217
Number of pages4
JournalScience
Volume354
Issue number6309
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Oct 2016

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • AVIAN INFLUENZA
  • PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS
  • PHYLOGEOGRAPHY
  • Epidemics/veterinary
  • MIGRATION

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