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

Abstract

Since the emergence of H5N8 in South Korea, most viruses have been isolated in western areas, which provide wintering habitats for wild birds and have a high density of poultry. Primitive H5N8 viruses; C0 group, have evolved into multiple genetic subgroups, namely, viruses circulating in poultry farms (C1 and C5) and viruses reintroduced by migratory birds in late 2014 (C2 and C4). This genetic diversity may be caused by H5N8 appearing from various epidemiological sources. This study aimed to provide additional understanding of the long-term persistence of H5N8 viruses in South Korea by undertaking a time- and location-based genetic analysis.