Emergence and rapid dissemination of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in wild birds, Chile

Abstract In December 2022, HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b emerged in Chile. We detected the virus in 93 wild bird samples and sequenced the whole genome of nine Chilean strains from pelicans and gulls. Phylogenetic analysis suggests at least two different HPAI viral clusters in South America.