Regional transmission and reassortment of 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses in Bulgarian poultry 2017/18

Abstract

Between 2017 and 2018, several farms across Bulgaria reported outbreaks of H5 HPAI viruses. In this study we use genomic and traditional epidemiological analyses to trace the origin and subsequent spread of these outbreaks within Bulgaria. Both methods indicate two separate incursions, one restricted to the North-Eastern region of Dobrich, and another largely restricted to Central and Eastern Bulgaria including places such as Plovdiv, Sliven and Stara Zagora, as well as one virus from the Western region of Vidin. Both outbreaks likely originate from different European 2.3.4.4b virus ancestors circulating in 2017. The viruses were likely introduced by wild birds or poultry trade links in 2017 and have continued to circulate, but due to lack of contemporaneous sampling and sequences from wild bird viruses in Bulgaria, the precise route and timing of introduction cannot be determined. Analysis of whole genomes indicates complete lack of reassortment in all segments but the MP, which presents as multiple smaller clusters associated with different European 2.3.4.4b viruses. Ancestral reconstruction of host states of the HA gene of viruses involved in the outbreaks suggests that transmission is driven by domestic ducks into galliform poultry. Thus, according to present evidence we suggest that surveillance of domestic ducks as epidemiologically relevant species for subclinical infection. Monitoring spread due to movement between farms within regions and links to poultry production systems in European countries can help to predict and prevent future outbreaks.