The emergence of novel avian influenza viruses in migratory birds is of concern because of the potential for virus dissemination during fall migration. We report the identification of novel highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of subtype H5N8, clade 2.3.4.4, and their reassortment with other avian influenza viruses in waterfowl and shorebirds of Siberia.
Keywords: HPAI; Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus; Russia; Siberia; bird diseases; clade 2.3.4.4; influenza; influenza in birds; phylogenetic analysis; reassortment; viruses; wild aquatic birds.