Genetic Characterization and Zoonotic Potential of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus A(H5N6/H5N5), Germany, 2017-2018

Emerg Infect Dis. 2019 Oct;25(10):1973-1976. doi: 10.3201/eid2510.181931.

Abstract

We genetically characterized highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A(H5N6) clade 2.3.4.4b isolates found in Germany in 2017-2018 and assessed pathogenicity of representative H5N5 and H5N6 viruses in ferrets. These viruses had low pathogenicity; however, continued characterization of related isolates is warranted because of their high potential for reassortment.

Keywords: Germany; H5N5; H5N6; H5N8; H5Nx; HPAI; clade 2.3.4.4b; epizootic; ferret model; highly pathogenic avian influenza; influenza; reassortment; respiratory infections; viruses; zoonoses; zoonotic potential.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild / virology
  • Birds / virology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Disease Outbreaks / veterinary
  • Ferrets / virology
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Influenza A virus / genetics*
  • Influenza A virus / pathogenicity
  • Influenza in Birds / epidemiology
  • Influenza in Birds / transmission
  • Influenza in Birds / virology*
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / transmission
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / veterinary*
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / virology
  • Poultry / virology
  • Poultry Diseases / epidemiology
  • Poultry Diseases / transmission
  • Poultry Diseases / virology
  • Zoonoses / transmission
  • Zoonoses / virology*