Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N8) Virus Spread by Short- and Long-Range Transmission, France, 2016–17

• Main Authors: François-Xavier Briand, Eric Niqueux, Audrey Schmitz, Claire Martenot, Martine Cherbonnel, Pascale Massin, Florian Kerbrat, Marina Chatel, Carole Guillemoto, Cecile Guillou-Cloarec, Katell Ogor, Aurélie Le Prioux, Chantal Allée, Véronique Beven, Edouard Hirchaud, Yannick Blanchard, Axelle Scoizec, Sophie Le Bouquin, Nicolas Eterradossi, Béatrice Grasland
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2021-02-01
• Series: Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Subjects: epizootic; H5N8; evolution; highly pathogenic; influenza; avian influenza
• Online Access: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/27/2/20-2920_article

We detected 3 genotypes of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) virus in France during winter 2016–17. Genotype A viruses caused dramatic economic losses in the domestic duck farm industry in southwestern France. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that genotype A viruses formed 5 distinct geographic clusters in southwestern France. In some clusters, local secondary transmission might have been started by a single introduction. The intensity of the viral spread seems to correspond to the density of duck holdings in each production area. To avoid the introduction of disease into an unaffected area, it is crucial that authorities limit the movements of potentially infected birds.