Highlights
?We reported a novel H5N6 HPAIV belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b in wild birds in eastern China.
?The novel H5N6 HPAIV most likely descended from clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 virus in Japan.
?The novel H5N6 HPAIV evolved from reassortment with H5 HPAIVs and other LPAIVs from wild birds.