Hendra Wibawa, Putut Eko Wibowo, Arif Supriyadi, Lestari Lestari, Jessiaman Silaban, Aziz Ahmad Fuadi, Anna Januar Fiqri, Retno Wulan Handayani, Sri Handayani Irianingsih, Zaza Fahmia, Herdiyanto Mulyawan, Syafrison Idris, Nuryani Zainuddin

 

Abstract:

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses were isolated from domestic ducks in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, during April 2022. The viruses were genetically similar to those detected in East Asia during 2021–2022. Molecular surveillance of wild birds is needed to detect potential pandemic threats from avian influenza virus.

Conclusion:

We identified HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses in ducks in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. The role of migratory birds in virus introduction cannot be ruled out because South Kalimantan is situated within the East Asia Flyway corridor, and the infected farms were connected to marshes that provided opportunity for direct or indirect contacts with migratory birds. Limited wild bird surveillance and genome sequence data for avian influenza viruses impeded our ability to determine further transmission and spread of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in Indonesia. Both epidemiologic studies and molecular surveillance of wild birds are needed to better prepare for pandemic threats caused by continued avian influenza virus evolution in Indonesia and elsewhere.