Highly pathogenic avian influenza (A/H5N1) virus outbreaks in Lesotho, May 2021

• Published in: Emerging microbes & infections Vol. 11; no. 1; pp. 757 - 760
• Main Authors: Makalo, Mabusetsa R.J., Dundon, William G., Settypalli, Tirumala B.K., Datta, Sneha, Lamien, Charles E., Cattoli, Giovanni, Phalatsi, Moeketsi S., Lepheana, Relebohile J., Matlali, Mpaliseng, Mahloane, Relebohile G., Molomo, Marosi, Mphaka, Palesa C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis 31.12.2022; Taylor & Francis Ltd; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: A/H5N1; Animals; Disease Outbreaks; full genome; Highly pathogenic avian influenza; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype - genetics; Influenza in Birds - epidemiology; Influenza Infections; Lesotho; Lesotho - epidemiology; Letter; phylogenetic analysis; Phylogeny; Poultry; Lesotho; phylogenetic analysis; Highly pathogenic avian influenza; full genome; A/H5N1; Lesotho
• ISSN: 2222-1751; 2222-1751
• DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2043729

In May 2021, Lesotho reported its first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to the OIE. Samples were collected from infected poultry and the virus was confirmed by molecular tests to be of the H5N1 subtype. Full genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the viruses belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b and showed high identity with A/H5N1 viruses identified in Nigeria and Senegal in early 2021. The identification of A/H5N1 HPAI in Lesotho has important implications for disease management and food security in the region.