Presence of Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) Subtypes H5N2 and H7N1 in Emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) and Rheas (Rhea americana): Virus Isolation and Serologic Findings

Background: Poultry is largest and rapidly growing sector of livestock in Pakistan. It is mainly influenced by viral pathogens such as Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and Avian Influenza Virus (H7N3). These viruses cause severe disease in poultry and leads to heavy economic losses throughout the world. The outbreaks of these pathogens have been increased in last few decades. Therefore, the study about antigenic prevalence is needed to know about the emergence of these pathogenic viruses, and to get rid of severe ailments associated with reduced poultry production. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), Avian Influenza Virus (H7N3) and co-infections in poultry flocks at Karachi. Methodology: For detection of NDV and H7N3, a total of 200 tracheal swabs were collected and tested through virus isolation (V.I); the sample with positive virus isolation were tested through agar gel precipitation (AGP) and then the RNA was isolated through TRI Reagent, which was further tested through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: The virus isolation showed that 58% of samples were positive for various viruses. Agar gel precipitation (AGP) revealed that the occurrence of NDV, H7N3 and ND+H7 were 50%, 8% and 38%, respectively. RT-PCR for F and HA gene of NDV and H7N3 confirmed the presence of NDV and H7N3 in the poultry. Conclusion: It is concluded that NDV and H7N3 are circulating in the flocks causing co-infections, therefore it is important to know the field challenge of viruses and to prepare vaccine of circulating serotype of virus to mitigate the rate of infection.

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Domestic Cats Are Susceptible to Infection With Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses From Shorebirds

Veterinary Pathology ◽

10.1177/0300985812452578 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 50 (1) ◽

pp. 39-45 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

E. A. Driskell ◽

C. A. Jones ◽

R. D. Berghaus ◽

D. E. Stallknecht ◽

E. W. Howerth ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Virus ◽

Avian Influenza ◽

Avian Influenza Virus ◽

Virus Isolation ◽

Influenza Viruses ◽

Domestic Cats ◽

Avian Influenza Viruses ◽

Pathogenic Avian Influenza ◽

Organ Systems ◽

Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Domestic cats are susceptible to infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1, resulting in pneumonia and in some cases, systemic spread with lesions in multiple organ systems. Recent transmission of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus from humans to cats also resulted in severe pneumonia in cats. Data regarding the susceptibility of cats to other influenza viruses is minimal, especially regarding susceptibility to low pathogenic avian influenza viruses from wild birds, the reservoir host. In this study, the authors infected 5-month-old cats using 2 different North American shorebird avian influenza viruses (H1N9 and H6N4 subtypes), 3 cats per virus, with the goal of expanding the understanding of avian influenza virus infections in this species. These viruses replicated in inoculated cats based on virus isolation from the pharynx in 2 cats, virus isolation from the lung of 1 cat, and antigen presence in the lung via immunohistochemistry in 2 cats. There was also seroconversion and lesions of patchy bronchointerstitial pneumonia in all of the cats. Infection in the cats did not result in clinical disease and led to variable pharyngeal viral shedding with only 1 of the viruses; virus was localized in the alveolar epithelium via immunohistochemistry. These findings demonstrate the capacity of wild bird influenza viruses to infect cats, and further investigation is warranted into the pathogenesis of these viruses in cats from both a veterinary medical and public health perspective.

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Avian Influenza Virus Status and Maternal Antibodies in Nestling White Ibis (Eudocimus albus)

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9122468 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 2468

Author(s):

Katherine F. Christie ◽

Rebecca L. Poulson ◽

Julia Silva Seixas ◽

Sonia M. Hernandez

Keyword(s):

Influenza Virus ◽

Avian Influenza ◽

Avian Influenza Virus ◽

Virus Isolation ◽

Natural Populations ◽

South Florida ◽

Maternal Antibodies ◽

Degree Of Protection ◽

Eudocimus Albus ◽

White Ibis

The White Ibis (Eudocimus albus), a nomadic wading bird, has increased its exploitation of urban habitats in South Florida, United States, and has recently established several urban breeding colonies. Certain characteristics of ibis ecology could position them in the natural cycle of the avian influenza virus (AIV). In fact, experimentally infected ibises were shown to be competent hosts for multiple AIV subtypes, and seroconversion to AIV has been documented in adult ibises in natural populations. However, the mechanisms of transmission and the timing of infection are unclear as we have yet to isolate AIV from a free-living ibis. To investigate the age-specific AIV dynamics of ibis, we captured nestlings (n = 115) weekly for 1–4 weeks from urban and natural settings in 2020 and 2021. We collected choanal/cloacal swabs for rRT-PCR and virus isolation, and plasma to screen for maternal AIV antibodies. AIV was not detected in any individual by virus isolation; however, maternal antibodies to AIV were detected in 95% of nestlings, with varying rates of catabolism. These results confirm that nestlings are afforded maternal antibodies from adults at rates reflective of higher adult seroprevalence than previously documented and that nestlings in breeding colonies may have some degree of protection and are unlikely to become infected with AIV.

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