Novel reassortant influenza a(H5N8) viruses among inoculated domestic and wild ducks, South Korea, 2014

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, caused by a novel reassortant influenza A (H5N8) virus, occurred among poultry and wild birds in South Korea in 2014.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the pathogenesis in and mode of transmission of this virus among domestic and wild ducks.  Three of the viruses had similar pathogenicity among infected domestic ducks: the H5N8 viruses were moderately pathogenic (0%–20% mortality rate); in wild mallard ducks, the H5N8 and H5N1 viruses did not cause severe illness or death; viral replication and shedding were greater in H5N8-infected mallards than in H5N1-infected mallards.  Identification of H5N8 viruses in birds exposed to infected domestic ducks and mallards indicated that the viruses could spread by contact.  We propose active surveillance to support prevention of the spread of this virus among wild birds and poultry, especially domestic ducks.