Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 viruses (clade 2.3.4.4b) have caused significant socioeconomic and ecological impacts worldwide, with France among the most affected countries. Effectively controlling future outbreaks requires a thorough understanding of how the virus spreads between farms, and the identification of the main risk factors.
In their article “Poultry Farm Density and Proximity Drive Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Spread“, Guinat et al., from our partners INRAE, ENVT, and ANSES, analysed the spread of HPAI H5N8 in south-western France during 2020–2021. They applied phylogeographic and phylodynamic tools to investigate virus transmission, and to pinpoint the main drivers of spread.
The findings indicated that a single introduction led to regional spread, mainly in duck farms. Duck farm density and poultry farm proximity were the main factors driving spread. Required density and proximity thresholds were identified to maintain effective control.
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