PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (135): Japan, HPAI H5N8, migratory birds

Avian Influenza H5N8 — Worldwide/Unknown
Summary
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We isolated 8 highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza viruses (H5N8 HPAIVs) in the 2014/15 winter season at an overwintering site of migratory birds in Japan. Genetic analyses revealed that these isolates were divided into 3 groups, indicating the co-circulation of 3 genetic groups of H5N8 HPAIV among these migratory birds. These results also imply the possibility of global redistribution of the H5N8 HPAIVs via the migration of these birds next