Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in Myanmar, 2006-2010

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus subtype H5N1 was first reported in Myanmar in 2006. In this study, we have characterized 6 HPAI (H5N1) viruses recovered from 2007-2010 as well as three additional available nucleotide sequences representing Myanmar AI outbreaks. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Myanmar viruses belong to HPAI (H5N1) clades 7, 2.3.2 and 2.3.4. The result suggested that the HPAI (H5N1) viruses recovered from Myanmar had been introduced into the country by multiple introductions. Genetic analysis of the viruses confirmed the HPAI characteristics of the viruses.