Multiple independent introductions of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses during the 2020–2021 epizootic in France. Issue 6 (5th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Briand, François‐Xavier; Niqueux, Eric; Schmitz, Audrey; Martenot, Claire; Cherbonnel, Martine; Massin, Pascale; Busson, Rachel; Guillemoto, Carole; Pierre, Isabelle; Louboutin, Katell; Souchaud, Florent; Allée, Chantal; Quenault, Helene; Lucas, Pierrick; de Wiele, Anne Van; Blanchard, Yannick; Eterradossi, Nicolas; Scoizec, Axelle; Bouquin‐Leneveu, Sophie Le; Rautureau, Severine; Lambert, Yves; Grasland, Béatrice
• Is Part Of: Transboundary and emerging diseases. Volume 69:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 4028
• Page End: 4033
• Publication Date: 2022-10-05
• Subjects: birds -- epizootic -- highly pathogenic influenza A virus -- H5N8 subtype; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14711
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1865-1674

Abstract

Abstract: During winter 2020–2021, France and other European countries were severely affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses of the Gs/GD/96 lineage, clade 2.3.4.4b. In total, 519 cases occurred, mainly in domestic waterfowl farms in Southwestern France. Analysis of viral genomic sequences indicated that 3 subtypes of HPAI H5 viruses were detected (H5N1, H5N3, H5N8), but most French viruses belonged to the H5N8 subtype genotype A, as Europe. Phylogenetic analyses of HPAI H5N8 viruses revealed that the French sequences were distributed in 9 genogroups, suggesting 9 independent introductions of H5N8 from wild birds, in addition to the 2 introductions of H5N1 and H5N3.