international cooperation study on the evolution and spread of avian influenza viruses

Wild birds, especially migratory waterfowl, are considered to be the natural reservoir for avian influenza viruses (AIV) and maintain a huge viral genetic pool. Through migration, waterfowl carrying AIVs contribute to spillover of diverse viruses into domestic poultry along the flyway. We collect and sequence AIVs with our global network partners (USA, Russia, Mongolia, and South Korea), and use a comparative phylogenetic analysis to trace the origin of viruses and study the evolutionary dynamics of viruses in wild birds.

Revealing the epidemiological and evolutionary dynamics of rabies virus transmission

Through computational, molecular biological and genomic techniques, we determine the complete genome sequences of circulating rabies viruses in the Northeastern U.S and utilize this information to unravel origin, evolutionary history, and spread patterns of the virus. We use next-generation sequencing based random sequencing of total RNA to quickly, effectively and simultaneously characterize the rabies virus. A better understanding of how the rabies virus spread and evolve will provide important information on which to base strategies for diagnosis, prevention, and control of rabies.

Presented by David H. Chung

Low pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV) subtype H5N2 has caused outbreaks in poultry in Mexico since 1993 and mutated into highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N2 during 1994–1995. The H5N2 LPAIV was detected in poultry in the Dominican Republic in 2007 and re-emerged in 2017. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis show introduction of an H5N2 virus lineage from Mexico into poultry in the Dominican Republic, then divergence into 3 distinct genetic subgroups during 2007-2019. Enhanced active surveillance is required to monitor the evolution and spread of H5N2 viruses in the Dominican Republic.

Presented by Julia Desiato

Rabies virus is a zoonotic pathogen that has maintained a stable persistence in Connecticut with 3421 cases seen in the state from 2000-2019. Through molecular epidemiological techniques and next-generation sequencing, we aimed to determine the complete genome sequences of circulating rabies viruses in the State in order to unravel origin, evolutionary history, and spread patterns of the virus. Our comparative phylogenetic analysis revealed multiple subgroups (1a-1c, 2a-2d) of rabies viruses circulating in Connecticut that have evolved independently, highlighting enhanced genomic surveillance to identify potential cross-species transmission of variant rabies viruses.