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Characterization of a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus isolated from ducks in Eastern China in 2011

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Abstract

This study describes the characterization of seven H5N1 avian influenza viruses from domestic ducks in Eastern China in 2011. Phylogenetic analysis showed these viruses were closely related to an H5N1 virus circulating in wild birds in Hong Kong. Some characteristics of these viruses were similar to those of an H5N1 strain that circulated in China and Vietnam (2003-2004). The virulence of three isolates was examined in chickens and mice, and they were found to be highly pathogenic in chickens but showed low pathogenicity in mice. These results suggest that continued H5N1 surveillance in poultry should be used as an early warning system for avian influenza outbreaks.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Xu Jing-yi for critical review of the manuscript. This study was supported by Grants from the National Science Foundation of the People’s Republic of China (30872163), National Key Technologies R&D Programme for the 12th Five-Year Plan of China (2012ZX1000-004-005) and the State Key Laboratory of Independent Task (No.2010ZZ04).

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Correspondence to Guo Chao-tan or Wu Nan-ping.

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Hai-bo, W., Chao-tan, G., Ru-feng, L. et al. Characterization of a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus isolated from ducks in Eastern China in 2011. Arch Virol 157, 1131–1136 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-012-1259-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-012-1259-1

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