Abstract
Since 2016, the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 virus has emerged in the Central Asian flyway and Europe, causing massive deaths in poultry and wild birds. In this study, we isolated and identified three H5N8 viruses from swan goose and black swans in Hubei province during the 2016/2017 winter season. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the three viruses clustered into a group of H5N8 viruses from Qinghai Lake and Europe. A novel reassortment virus from swan goose was distinguished from that of black swans, in that its PA and NP genes were distinct from those of Qinghai Lake viruses. Molecular dating revealed that the ancestral strain of these H5N8 viruses emerged around July 2015. From sequence comparison, we discovered eight amino acid substitutions in HA and NA during the adaption process from poultry to wild birds. The three viruses were isolated from wild birds in the East Asian-Australasian flyway; however, the viral genomes were similar to H5N8 viruses circulating along the Central Asian flyway. From these data, we conclude that wetlands and lakes in Central China may play a key role in disseminating H5N8 viruses between the East Asian-Australasian and Central Asian flyways.
Highlights
In 2014, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)H5N8 viruses, belonging to clade 2.3.4.4, were monitored in wild birds and poultry in nine European and Asian countries[1]
Viruses were isolated from 10-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicken embryos or Madin-Dardy canine kidney (MDCK) cells according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) manual (WHO, 2002)
The black swans live in an island of the zoo, which is located in the center of habitat of black swan, where gathered many migratory birds, and the black swans can interact with wild migratory birds freely
Summary
H5N8 viruses, belonging to clade 2.3.4.4, were monitored in wild birds and poultry in nine European and Asian countries[1]. In late 2014, the virus emerged in North America, in domestic and wild birds until mid 20152. In 2015, H5N8 viruses were isolated in China, Taiwan, Hungary, and Sweden in wild birds and poultry[1]. In 2016, a novel lineage emerged in wild birds in Qinghai Lake, spread to Mongolia, Siberia, and Europe, and was identified as clade 2.3.4.4 Group B. The 2014/2015 viruses were categorised into clade 2.3.4.4 Group A3 This reassortment H5N8 virus led to epidemics in wild birds in 40 countries, with most outbreaks observed in Europe (28 countries in Europe, 4 in Asia, 3 in the Middle East, and 5 in Africa)[4]. H5N8 virus has become widespread among wild birds worldwide
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