1. Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in wild rats in Egypt during 2023.
- Author
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Kutkat O, Gomaa M, Moatasim Y, El Taweel A, Kamel MN, El Sayes M, GabAllah M, Kandeil A, McKenzie PP, Webby RJ, Kayali G, Ali MA, and El-Shesheny R
- Subjects
- Animals, Egypt epidemiology, Rats virology, Genotype, Influenza in Birds virology, Influenza in Birds epidemiology, Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype genetics, Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype classification, Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype isolation & purification, Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype pathogenicity, Phylogeny, Animals, Wild virology, Orthomyxoviridae Infections virology, Orthomyxoviridae Infections veterinary, Orthomyxoviridae Infections epidemiology
- Abstract
We detected highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in wild rats collected from a rural area in Giza, Egypt, near poultry farms, markets, and backyard flocks. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses indicated that the virus from the rats belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b, which has been the predominant virus genotype circulating in Egypt and worldwide since 2021-2022. Active surveillance of avian influenza viruses in wild and domestic mammals is recommended to prevent further spread to mammals and humans.
- Published
- 2024
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