Genetic Evidence for Multi-event Imports of Avian Influenza Virus a (H5N1) into Bavaria, Germany

Correspondence: 1 Corresponding Author: Heinz Rinder, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinaerstr. 2, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany The almost simultaneous initial detections of avian influenza A H5N1 viruses in central Europe in February 2006, at a time devoid of migratory bird activity, raised the question of the origin of these viruses. This report presents molecular data from Europe providing evidence for multiple and spatially overlapping H5N1 introductions into Bavaria, Germany. Key Words: H5N1 virus • influenza A virus • phylogeny • epidemiology