Digital genotyping of avian influenza viruses of H7 subtype detected in central Europe in 2007-2011

► We developed a digital genotyping of avian influenza viruses. ► We characterized the central European H7 influenza A viruses from 2007 to 2011. ► We characterized the genetic relationships between various influenza virus subtypes. ► The digital genotyping provides a novel and powerful genotyping approach.