Journal of Veterinary Science  2017;18(1):89-94

doi:10.4142/jvs.2017.18.1.89

Phylogeographical characterization of H5N8 viruses isolated from poultry and wild birds during 2014–2016 in South Korea.

Byung Min SONG 1 ; Eun Kyoung LEE ; Yu Na LEE ; Gyeong Beom HEO ; Hee Soo LEE ; Youn Jeong LEE

Affiliations

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Keywords

H5N8 subtype influenza A virus; South Korea; genetic variation; poultry; wild birds

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

During 2014–2016 HPAI outbreak in South Korea, H5N8 viruses have been mostly isolated in western areas of the country, which provide wintering habitats for wild birds and have a high density of poultry. Analysis of a total of 101 Korean isolates revealed that primitive H5N8 viruses (C0 group) have evolved into multiple genetic subgroups appearing from various epidemiological sources, namely, the viruses circulating in poultry farms (C1 and C5) and those reintroduced by migratory birds in late 2014 (C2 and C4). No C3 groups were detected. The results may explain the possible reasons of the recent long-term persistence of H5N8 viruses in South Korea, and help to develop the effective measures in controlling HPAI viruses.