According to a ProMED Mail posting on December 27th authorities in Taiwan have announced nine cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza caused by a novel H5N2 subtype belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b.   In early August, this strain was isolated from a dead duck in a wetland area.  Subsequently the virus was isolated from seven farms in close proximity as confirmed on December 16th.  To date 66,400 ‘commercial poultry’ (species not stated but in all probability ducks and hens on small farms) have been depleted and infected premises decontaminated.

Serotype H5N1 was recently isolated from a dead spoonbill (Platalea minor) confirming that migratory birds are shedding avian influenza virus, representing a danger to commercial poultry especially if not confined to bird-proof buildings.