Multiple subtypes of the novel highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5 were identified in Taiwan in early 2015.

Of the identified subtypes, H5N3 has been the new subtype that has not been discovered globally.

The newly isolated H5 viruses were highly pathogenic to goose.

Taiwan’s epidemic was a part of the intercontinental spreading of the avian influenza virus H5 of the clade 2.3.4.4.