What You Will Learn The current H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus is genetically diverse, with this Eurasia lineage of virus producing the first outbreaks in 1996 in domestic geese in China. The genetic clade 2.3.4.4b has spread intercontinentally between Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America, causing major infections in wild aquatic birds—and in some species, such as common cranes and pelicans—major die-offs and outbreaks in backyard, village and commercial poultry in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America. Control is best to utilize biosecurity practices and prevent introduction into poultry premises. Some countries are utilizing vaccine as an additional tool in the control.