Ruy Jauregui

Freshwater clams belonging to the genus Corbicula have been identified as exotic animals in New Zealand. Here, we present the complete mitochondrial genome of C. australis from a sample collected in the North Island of New Zealand.

We report a near-complete genome sequence of Mycoplasma meleagridis isolated from a turkey in New Zealand. Using long-read sequencing approaches, a single circular scaffold was assembled, and then annotated. The genome reported here is the first genetic characterization of M. meleagridis in New Zealand.

We report the draft genome sequence of Babesia gibsoni detected in a domestic dog in New Zealand. A high-quality near-complete genome, comprised of an apicoplast, mitochondrion, and four chromosomes, was produced through long-read metagenomic sequencing.

H7 high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus outbreaks can cause high rates of morbidity and mortality in poultry flocks, leading to devastating impacts on poultry industries. In December 2024, an HPAI virus was detected on a poultry farm in New Zealand, being the first time a case of HPAI was reported in the country. Whole-genome sequencing, subtyping, phylogenetic, and mutation analyses were performed to characterize the virus. Results indicated a novel high-pathogenicity H7N6 avian influenza virus arose through a reassortment event between endemic low-pathogenicity H4N6 and H7 viruses, followed by two mutations at the H7 gene cleavage site. Mutation analysis suggests the novel H7N6 virus exhibits increased risk of host specificity shift, but further work is required to fully understand the functional impacts of the detected mutational events. In this instance, a timely biosecurity response was effective in eliminating the virus and preventing its transmission to secondary poultry flocks in New Zealand. However, the event underscores the critical importance of continued surveillance of commercial poultry and other potential avian carriers to facilitate early detection of low-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses, which may undergo reassortment or de novo mutation into high-pathogenicity variants.

We report the complete genomes and plasmids of the Rickettsia-like bacterial isolates NZRLO1 and NZRLO2 from Chinook salmons ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) in New Zealand.

We report the genome sequence of a high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus ( Alphainfluenzavirus, Orthomyxoviridae ), subtyped as H7N6, sampled on a poultry farm November 2024 in the Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island. The genome was sequenced with Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology.

We report the draft genome sequence of a strain of canine distemper virus detected in New Zealand fur seals ( Arctocephalus forsteri ). A high-quality draft consensus genome was produced through a combination of long- and short-read metagenomic sequencing approaches. Phylogenetic analysis confirms that the virus is a divergent strain of canine distemper virus.

We report the draft genome sequence of a high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus found in a brown skua ( Stercorarius antarcticus ) on Torgersen Island, which was detected and sequenced in situ using a portable laboratory while in Antarctica.