# Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A Virus in Wild Migratory Birds, Qinghai Lake, China, 2022

## TL;DR

A highly pathogenic bird flu virus was found in migratory birds at Qinghai Lake in 2022 but did not become permanently established in wild birds.

## Contribution

The study reports the emergence and spread of an H5N1 avian influenza virus in Qinghai Lake migratory birds and its subsequent disappearance.

## Key findings

- An H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus circulated among migratory birds at Qinghai Lake in 2022.
- Reassortant viruses emerged after the virus was introduced to the area.
- Surveillance in 2023 showed the virus did not establish a stable presence in wild waterfowl.

## Abstract

In July 2022, an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.4.4b occurred among migratory birds at Qinghai Lake in China. The virus circulated in June, and reassortants emerged after its introduction into the area. Surveillance in 2023 showed that the virus did not establish a stable presence in wild waterfowl.