Genetic analysis of avian influenza virus from migratory waterfowl in Mexico.

This study describes the genetic characterization of avian influenza virus from waterfowl in Mexico. Partial sequences of two H5, one H6, and one H9 hemmaglutinin (HA) genes were determined. The deduced amino acid sequences showed that they were low-pathogenic viruses (LPAI). Phylogenetic analysis of H5 and H6 HA indicates a North American lineage, closely related to contemporary Californian isolates, and H9 HA was closer to the Korean-like lineage. These results demonstrate the introduction of a diverse genetic pool of subtypes to Sonora estuaries through circulation of bird species carriers from the Pacific flyway.