According to ProMED, Authorities in Pakistan have reported on an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N8 in a commercial egg production flock of 3,000 hens housed near Multan in the Punjab.  Studies conducted in 2017 based on sequencing of clade 2.3.4.4b viruses demonstrated a number of mutations with increased haemagglutinin affinity for human alpha-2,6 receptors. 

Live-bird markets are a source of virus for workers and consumers and ultimately contribute to persistence of infection. The live bird market system is responsible for perpetuation of infection with circulation of virus back to production farms carried on coops and through traders’ vehicles.  The implications relating to the emergence of an epidemic or even pandemic influenza strain is self-evident.