Information released on 23 December 2005

Summary of information requested
The cleavage site sequence for the H5N1 avian influenza virus isolated in Turkey, Romania and the quarantined bird in Essex.

Information released
The amino acid motif at the haemagglutinin cleavage site for the H5N1 virus isolate A/Q-cagebird/England/1219/05 is: PPRERRRKRGLF

This motif has multiple basic amino acids and is typical for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses.

The amino acid motif at the haemagglutinin cleavage site for the H5N1 virus isolate A/turkey/Turkey (Türkiye)/05 and A/chicken/Romania/05 is: PQGERRRKKRGLF

This motif has multiple basic amino acids and is typical for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses.