Evidence of intercontinental transfer of North American lineage avian influenza virus into Korea

Avian influenza viruses (AIV) can be genetically distinguished by geographical origin. The present study found evidence of intercontinental transfer of North American lineage AIV into Asia via migratory bird populations. The North American lineage genes were detected in live animal markets during avian influenza surveillance, seemed to have reassorted with Eurasian AIV in wild bird habitats, and had transmitted to live animal markets. Enhanced AIV surveillance is required to understand the influence of newly transferred North American lineage AIV genes on AIV evolution in Asia and to investigate AIV ecology in various transcontinental migrant species.

Research highlights▶ The North American AIV genes were detected in wild bird population in Korea. ▶ The North American AIV was reassorted with Eurasian AIV in Korea. ▶ The reassortant had transmitted to live animal markets. ▶ North American N8 genes seem to be established in East Asia-Australasian Flyway.