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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 January 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 hemagglutinin 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 publication

DOI

10.1126/science.aaf8852

Type

Journal article

Journal

Science

Publication Date

14/10/2016

Volume

354

Pages

213 - 217

Keywords

Animal Migration, Animals, Birds, Disease Outbreaks, Europe, Hemagglutinins, Humans, Influenza A Virus, H5N8 Subtype, Influenza in Birds, Influenza, Human, Japan, Neuraminidase, North America, Phylogeography, Poultry, Reassortant Viruses, Republic of Korea