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Chauhan RP, Fogel R, Limson J. Nanopore MinION Sequencing Generates a White Spot Syndrome Virus Genome from a Pooled Cloacal Swab Sample of Domestic Chickens in South Africa. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2802. [PMID: 38004813 PMCID: PMC10672864 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
White spot syndrome virus is a highly contagious pathogen affecting shrimp farming worldwide. The host range of this virus is primarily limited to crustaceans, such as shrimps, crabs, prawns, crayfish, and lobsters; however, several species of non-crustaceans, including aquatic insects, piscivorous birds, and molluscs may serve as the vectors for ecological dissemination. The present study was aimed at studying the faecal virome of domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The cloacal swab specimens (n = 35) were collected from domestic chickens in December 2022. The cloacal swab specimens were pooled-each pool containing five cloacal swabs-for metagenomic analysis using a sequence-independent single-primer amplification protocol, followed by Nanopore MinION sequencing. While the metagenomic sequencing generated several contigs aligning with reference genomes of animal viruses, one striking observation was the presence of a White spot syndrome virus genome in one pool of cloacal swab specimens. The generated White spot syndrome virus genome was 273,795 bp in size with 88.5% genome coverage and shared 99.94% nucleotide sequence identity with a reference genome reported in China during 2018 (GenBank accession: NC_003225.3). The Neighbour-Joining tree grouped South African White spot syndrome virus genome with other White spot syndrome virus genomes reported from South East Asia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a White spot syndrome virus genome generated from domestic chickens. The significance of White spot syndrome virus infection in domestic chickens is yet to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Janice Limson
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, Eastern Cape, South Africa; (R.P.C.); (R.F.)
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Surveillance and Phylogenetic Characterisation of Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Wild Waterfowl in Zambia in 2015, 2020, and 2021. Transbound Emerg Dis 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/4606850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the southern African region has experienced repeated incursions of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs), with wild migratory birds being implicated in the spread. To understand the profile of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) circulating in Zambia, we surveyed wild waterfowl for AIVs and phylogenetically characterised the isolates detected in 2015, 2020, and 2021. A total of 2,851 faecal samples of wild waterfowl were collected from Lochinvar National Park in the Southern Province of Zambia. During the study period, 85 (3.0%) low pathogenicity AIVs belonging to various subtypes were isolated, with H2N9, H8N4, and H10N8 being reported for the first time in avian species in Africa. The majority of the isolates were detected from glossy ibis (order Pelecaniformes) making it the first report of AIV from these birds in Zambia. Phylogenetic analysis of all eight gene segments of the 30 full genomes obtained in this study revealed that all the isolates belonged to the Eurasian lineage with their closest relatives being viruses isolated from wild and/or domestic birds in Bangladesh, Belgium, Egypt, Georgia, Mongolia, the Netherlands, and South Africa. Additionally, the Zambian viruses were grouped into distinct clusters based on the year of isolation. While no notifiable AIVs of the H5 or H7 subtypes were detected in wild birds in Zambia, viral internal protein genes of some viruses were closely related to H7 low pathogenicity AIVs. This study shows that periodically, a considerable diversity of AIV subtypes are introduced into the Zambian ecosystem by wild migratory waterfowl. The findings highlight the importance of continuous surveillance and monitoring of AIVs in wild waterfowl, including birds traditionally not considered to be major AIV reservoirs, for a better understanding of the eco-epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics of AIVs in Africa.
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High pathogenicity avian influenza: targeted active surveillance of wild birds to enable early detection of emerging disease threats. Epidemiol Infect 2022; 151:e15. [PMID: 36502812 PMCID: PMC9990394 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268822001856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza (AI) is an important disease that has significant implications for animal and human health. High pathogenicity AI (HPAI) has emerged in consecutive seasons within the UK to cause the largest outbreaks recorded. Statutory measures to control outbreaks of AI virus (AIV) at poultry farms involve disposal of all birds on infected premises. Understanding of the timing of incursions into the UK could facilitate decisions on improved responses. During the autumnal migration and wintering period (autumn 2019- spring 2020), three active sampling approaches were trialled for wild bird species considered likely to be involved in captive AI outbreaks with retrospective laboratory testing undertaken to define the presence of AIV.Faecal sampling of birds (n = 594) caught during routine and responsive mist net sampling failed to detect AIV. Cloacal sampling of hunter-harvested waterfowl (n = 146) detected seven positive samples from three species with the earliest detection on the 17 October 2020. Statutory sampling first detected AIV in wild and captive birds on 3 November 2020. We conclude that hunter sourced sampling of waterfowl presents an opportunity to detect AI within the UK in advance of outbreaks on poultry farms and allow for early intervention measures to protect the national poultry flock.
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Wild Bird Surveillance in the Gauteng Province of South Africa during the High-Risk Period for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Introduction. Viruses 2022; 14:v14092027. [PMID: 36146838 PMCID: PMC9504564 DOI: 10.3390/v14092027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Migratory birds carried clade 2.3.4.4B H5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses to South Africa in 2017, 2018 and 2021, where the Gauteng Province is a high-risk zone for virus introduction. Here, we combined environmental faecal sampling with sensitive rRT-PCR methods and direct Ion Torrent sequencing to survey wild populations between February and May 2022. An overall IAV incidence of 42.92% (100/231) in water bird faecal swab pools or swabs from moribund or dead European White Storks (Ciconia ciconia) was detected. In total, 7% of the IAV-positive pools tested H5-positive, with clade 2.3.4.4B H5N1 HPAI confirmed in the storks; 10% of the IAV-positive samples were identified as H9N2, and five complete H9N2 genomes were phylogenetically closely related to a local 2021 wild duck H9N2 virus, recent Eurasian LPAI viruses or those detected in commercial ostriches in the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces since 2018. H3N1, H4N2, H5N2 and H8Nx subtypes were also identified. Targeted surveillance of wild birds using environmental faecal sampling can thus be effectively applied under sub-Saharan African conditions, but region-specific studies should first be used to identify peak prevalence times which, in southern Africa, is linked to the peak rainfall period, when ducks are reproductively active.
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Cumming GS, Henry DAW, Reynolds C. Translocation experiment gives new insights into the navigation capacity of an African duck. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Graeme S. Cumming
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
- DST/NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - Dominic A. W. Henry
- DST/NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
- Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation Department of Statistical Sciences University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
- Endangered Wildlife Trust Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Chevonne Reynolds
- DST/NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
- Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
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Mellouli FE, Abouchoaib N, Zekhnini H, Khayli M, Fusaro A, Idrissi HR, Benhoussa A. Molecular Detection of Avian Influenza Virus in Wild Birds in Morocco, 2016–2019. Avian Dis 2021; 66:29-38. [DOI: 10.1637/aviandiseases-d-21-00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fatiha El Mellouli
- Biodiversity, Ecology and Genome Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, 4 Avenue Ibn Battouta, 10106 Rabat, Morocco
| | - Nabil Abouchoaib
- Biodiversity, Ecology and Genome Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, 4 Avenue Ibn Battouta, 10106 Rabat, Morocco
| | - Hasnae Zekhnini
- Immunology and Biodiversity Laboratory, Faculty of Science Ain chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, 20100 Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mounir Khayli
- Epidemiology and Health Surveillance Unit (SEVS), Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat-Instituts, 6472 Rabat, Morocco
| | - Alice Fusaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Hamid Rguibi Idrissi
- Biodiversity, Ecology and Genome Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, 4 Avenue Ibn Battouta, 10106 Rabat, Morocco
| | - Abdelaziz Benhoussa
- Biodiversity, Ecology and Genome Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, 4 Avenue Ibn Battouta, 10106 Rabat, Morocco
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Marimwe MC, Fosgate GT, Roberts LC, Tavornpanich S, Olivier AJ, Abolnik C. The spatiotemporal epidemiology of high pathogenicity avian influenza outbreaks in key ostrich producing areas of South Africa. Prev Vet Med 2021; 196:105474. [PMID: 34564052 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) has become a major focus point worldwide due to its zoonotic potential and economic effects resulting from trade restrictions and high mortality rates in poultry. Key ostrich producing provinces of South Africa have experienced three H5N2 HPAI outbreaks (2004, 2006 and 2011) and one H5N8 HPAI (2017) outbreak over the past two decades. The Klein Karoo region in the Western Cape Province, a province with a largely Mediterranean climate, is the predominant ostrich producing region in the country. Understanding the epidemiology of HPAI in ostrich producing areas is an essential first step in developing effective and efficient control measures. This study investigated the spatiotemporal patterns associated with the 2011 (H5N2) and 2017 (H5N8) HPAI outbreaks in the key ostrich producing areas of South Africa. Six hundred and nine and 340 active ostrich farms/holdings were subjected to surveillance during 2011 and 2017 respectively, with over 70 % of these farms located within five local municipalities of the study area. Forty-two and fifty-one farms were affected in the 2011 and 2017 outbreaks respectively. Both HPAI outbreaks occurred predominantly in areas of high ostrich farm density. However, the temporal occurrence, spatial and directional distributions of the outbreaks were different. The 2011 outbreak occurred earlier in the South African autumn months with a predominantly contiguous and stationary distribution, whilst the 2017 outbreak onset was during the winter with a more expansive multidirectional spatial distribution. Results suggest potential dissimilarities in the important risk factors for introduction and possible mode of spread. The 2011 outbreak pattern resembled an outbreak characterised by point introductions with the risk of introduction possibly being linked to high ostrich farm density and common management and husbandry practices in the ostrich industry. In contrast, the 2017 outbreak appeared to have a more propagating mode of transmission. The findings highlight epidemiological features of HPAI outbreak occurrence within ostrich populations that could be used to inform surveillance and control measures including targeted surveillance within high-risk spatial clusters. The study emphasizes the importance of both; implementation of a multi-pronged approach to HPAI control and the need for constant evaluation of the interaction of the host, environment and agent with each outbreak, in order to strengthen disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam C Marimwe
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Elsenburg, 7607, South Africa.
| | - Geoffrey T Fosgate
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Laura C Roberts
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Elsenburg, 7607, South Africa
| | - Saraya Tavornpanich
- Department of Epidemiology, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, 0160, Norway
| | - Adriaan J Olivier
- South African Ostrich Business Chamber, Oudtshoorn, 6620, South Africa
| | - Celia Abolnik
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
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Cumming GS, Henry DAW, Mutumi GL, Ndlovu M. Understanding arid‐region waterbird community dynamics during lake dry‐downs. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Graeme S. Cumming
- FitzPatrick Institute DST/NRF Centre of Excellence University of Cape Town Rondebosch 7701 South Africa
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Queensland 4811 Australia
| | - Dominic A. W. Henry
- FitzPatrick Institute DST/NRF Centre of Excellence University of Cape Town Rondebosch 7701 South Africa
- Endangered Wildlife Trust Johannesburg 1685 South Africa
- Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation Department of Statistical Sciences University of Cape Town Cape Town 7701 South Africa
| | - Gregory L. Mutumi
- FitzPatrick Institute DST/NRF Centre of Excellence University of Cape Town Rondebosch 7701 South Africa
- Life and Environmental Sciences University of California–Merced Merced California USA
| | - Mduduzi Ndlovu
- FitzPatrick Institute DST/NRF Centre of Excellence University of Cape Town Rondebosch 7701 South Africa
- School of Biology and Environmental Sciences University of Mpumalanga Mbombela 1200 South Africa
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Mercan Y, Atim G, Kayed AE, Azbazdar ME, Kandeil A, Ali MA, Rubrum A, McKenzie P, Webby RJ, Erima B, Wabwire-Mangen F, Ukuli QA, Tugume T, Byarugaba DK, Kayali G, Ducatez MF, Koçer ZA. Molecular Characterization of Closely Related H6N2 Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Turkey, Egypt, and Uganda. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040607. [PMID: 33918166 PMCID: PMC8065897 DOI: 10.3390/v13040607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic analysis of circulating avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in wild birds at different geographical regions during the same period could improve our knowledge about virus transmission dynamics in natural hosts, virus evolution as well as zoonotic potential. Here, we report the genetic and molecular characterization of H6N2 influenza viruses isolated from migratory birds in Turkey, Egypt, and Uganda during 2017–2018. The Egyptian and Turkish isolates were genetically closer to each other than they were to the virus isolated from Uganda. Our results also suggest that multiple reassortment events were involved in the genesis of the isolated viruses. All viruses contained molecular markers previously associated with increased replication and/or pathogenicity in mammals. The results of this study indicate that H6N2 viruses carried by migratory birds on the West Asian/East African and Mediterranean/Black Sea flyways have the potential to transmit to mammals including humans. Additionally, adaptation markers in these viruses indicate the potential risk for poultry, which also increases the possibility of human exposure to these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yavuz Mercan
- Emerging Viral Diseases Laboratory, Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, 35340 Izmir, Turkey; (Y.M.); (M.E.A.)
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gladys Atim
- Makerere University Walter Reed Project, P.O. Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda; (G.A.); (B.E.); (F.W.-M.); (Q.A.U.); (T.T.); (D.K.B.)
| | - Ahmed E. Kayed
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza 12311, Egypt; (A.E.K.); (A.K.); (M.A.A.)
| | - M. Ekin Azbazdar
- Emerging Viral Diseases Laboratory, Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, 35340 Izmir, Turkey; (Y.M.); (M.E.A.)
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ahmed Kandeil
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza 12311, Egypt; (A.E.K.); (A.K.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Mohamed A. Ali
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza 12311, Egypt; (A.E.K.); (A.K.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Adam Rubrum
- St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (A.R.); (P.M.); (R.J.W.)
| | - Pamela McKenzie
- St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (A.R.); (P.M.); (R.J.W.)
| | - Richard J. Webby
- St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (A.R.); (P.M.); (R.J.W.)
| | - Bernard Erima
- Makerere University Walter Reed Project, P.O. Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda; (G.A.); (B.E.); (F.W.-M.); (Q.A.U.); (T.T.); (D.K.B.)
| | - Fred Wabwire-Mangen
- Makerere University Walter Reed Project, P.O. Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda; (G.A.); (B.E.); (F.W.-M.); (Q.A.U.); (T.T.); (D.K.B.)
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Qouilazoni A. Ukuli
- Makerere University Walter Reed Project, P.O. Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda; (G.A.); (B.E.); (F.W.-M.); (Q.A.U.); (T.T.); (D.K.B.)
| | - Titus Tugume
- Makerere University Walter Reed Project, P.O. Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda; (G.A.); (B.E.); (F.W.-M.); (Q.A.U.); (T.T.); (D.K.B.)
| | - Denis K. Byarugaba
- Makerere University Walter Reed Project, P.O. Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda; (G.A.); (B.E.); (F.W.-M.); (Q.A.U.); (T.T.); (D.K.B.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ghazi Kayali
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Human Link, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Zeynep A. Koçer
- Emerging Viral Diseases Laboratory, Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, 35340 Izmir, Turkey; (Y.M.); (M.E.A.)
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340 Izmir, Turkey
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +90-232-299-4165
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Carter DL, Link P, Tan G, Stallknecht DE, Poulson RL. Influenza A Viruses in Whistling Ducks (Subfamily Dendrocygninae). Viruses 2021; 13:v13020192. [PMID: 33525360 PMCID: PMC7911599 DOI: 10.3390/v13020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As compared to other Anseriformes, data related to influenza A virus (IAV) detection and isolation, and IAV antibody detection in whistling ducks (Dendrocygna spp. and Thalassornis leuconotus; subfamily Dendrocygninae) are limited. To better evaluate the potential role of whistling ducks in the epidemiology of IAV, we (1) conducted surveillance for IAV from black-bellied whistling ducks (BBWD, Dendrocygnaautumnalis) sampled in coastal Louisiana, USA, during February 2018 and 2019, and (2) reviewed the published literature and Influenza Resource Database (IRD) that reported results of IAV surveillance of whistling ducks. In the prospective study, from 166 BBWD sampled, one H10N7 IAV was isolated (0.6% prevalence), and overall blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA) antibody seroprevalence was 10%. The literature review included publications and data in the IRD from 1984 to 2020 that reported results from nearly 5000 collected samples. For any given collection, the IAV isolation rate never exceeded 5.5%, and seroprevalence estimates ranged from 0 to 42%. Results from our prospective study in Louisiana are consistent with this historic literature; however, although all data consistently demonstrated a low prevalence of infection, the potential role of this species in the epidemiology of IAV should not be totally discounted. In sum, whistling ducks can be infected with IAV, they represent important species on many areas where waterfowl winter, and their distribution across the globe appears to be changing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L. Carter
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, 589 D. W. Brooks Dr., Athens, GA 30602, USA; (D.L.C.); (D.E.S.)
| | - Paul Link
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, 2000 Quail Drive, Room 436, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA;
| | - Gene Tan
- J. Craig Venter Institute, 4120 Capricorn Lane, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - David E. Stallknecht
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, 589 D. W. Brooks Dr., Athens, GA 30602, USA; (D.L.C.); (D.E.S.)
| | - Rebecca L. Poulson
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, 589 D. W. Brooks Dr., Athens, GA 30602, USA; (D.L.C.); (D.E.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Soilemetzidou ES, De Bruin E, Franz M, Aschenborn OHK, Rimmelzwaan GF, van Beek R, Koopmans M, Greenwood AD, Czirják GÁ. Diet May Drive Influenza A Virus Exposure in African Mammals. J Infect Dis 2020; 221:175-182. [PMID: 30838397 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza A viruses (IAVs) represent repeatedly emerging pathogens with near worldwide distribution and an unclear nonavian-host spectrum. While the natural hosts for IAV are among waterfowl species, certain mammals can be productively infected. Southern Africa is home to diverse avian and mammalian fauna for which almost no information exists on IAV dynamics. METHODS We evaluated 111 serum samples from 14 mammalian species from Namibia for the presence of IAV-specific antibodies and tested whether host phylogeny, sociality, or diet influence viral prevalence and diversity. RESULTS Free-ranging African mammals are exposed to diverse IAV subtypes. Herbivores developed antibodies against 3 different hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes, at low prevalence, while carnivores showed a higher prevalence and diversity of HA-specific antibody responses against 11 different subtypes. Host phylogeny and sociality were not significantly associated with HA antibody prevalence or subtype diversity. Both seroprevalence and HA diversity were significantly increased in carnivores regularly feeding on birds. CONCLUSIONS The risk of infection and transmission may be driven by diet and ecological factors that increase contact with migratory and resident waterfowl. Consequently, wild mammals, particularly those that specialize on hunting and scavenging birds, could play an important but overlooked role in influenza epizootics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mathias Franz
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin
| | - Ortwin H K Aschenborn
- Bwabwata Ecological Institute, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Zambezi, Namibia
| | - Guus F Rimmelzwaan
- Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany.,Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Alex D Greenwood
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin, Berlin
| | - Gábor Á Czirják
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin
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Kalonda A, Saasa N, Nkhoma P, Kajihara M, Sawa H, Takada A, Simulundu E. Avian Influenza Viruses Detected in Birds in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review. Viruses 2020; 12:v12090993. [PMID: 32906666 PMCID: PMC7552061 DOI: 10.3390/v12090993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the recent past, sub-Saharan Africa has not escaped the devastating effects of avian influenza virus (AIV) in poultry and wild birds. This systematic review describes the prevalence, spatiotemporal distribution, and virus subtypes detected in domestic and wild birds for the past two decades (2000–2019). We collected data from three electronic databases, PubMed, SpringerLink electronic journals and African Journals Online, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. A total of 1656 articles were reviewed, from which 68 were selected. An overall prevalence of 3.0% AIV in birds was observed. The prevalence varied between regions and ranged from 1.1% to 7.1%. The Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test showed no significant difference in the prevalence of AIV across regions, χ2(3) = 5.237, p = 0.1553 and seasons, T = 820, z = −1.244, p = 0.2136. Nineteen hemagglutinin/neuraminidase subtype combinations were detected during the reviewed period, with southern Africa recording more diverse AIV subtypes than other regions. The most detected subtype was H5N1, followed by H9N2, H5N2, H5N8 and H6N2. Whilst these predominant subtypes were mostly detected in domestic poultry, H1N6, H3N6, H4N6, H4N8, H9N1 and H11N9 were exclusively detected in wild birds. Meanwhile, H5N1, H5N2 and H5N8 were detected in both wild and domestic birds suggesting circulation of these subtypes among wild and domestic birds. Our findings provide critical information on the eco-epidemiology of AIVs that can be used to improve surveillance strategies for the prevention and control of avian influenza in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Kalonda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (A.K.); (P.N.)
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (N.S.); (H.S.); (A.T.)
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Disease of Humans and Animals, School of Veterinary Medicine, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Ngonda Saasa
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (N.S.); (H.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Panji Nkhoma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (A.K.); (P.N.)
| | - Masahiro Kajihara
- Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan;
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (N.S.); (H.S.); (A.T.)
- Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan;
| | - Ayato Takada
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (N.S.); (H.S.); (A.T.)
- Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan;
- Global Station for Zoonosis Control, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Edgar Simulundu
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (N.S.); (H.S.); (A.T.)
- Macha Research Trust, Choma 20100, Zambia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +260-977469479
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Cumming GS, Henry DAW. Point counts outperform line transects when sampling birds along routes in South African protected areas. AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/15627020.2019.1658540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Graeme S Cumming
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dominic AW Henry
- FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa
- Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Current address: Endangered Wildlife Trust, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Evidence of the Presence of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza A Viruses in Wild Waterfowl in 2018 in South Africa. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8040163. [PMID: 31557802 PMCID: PMC6963398 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8040163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza viruses are pathogens of global concern to both animal and human health. Wild birds are the natural reservoir of avian influenza viruses and facilitate virus transport over large distances. Surprisingly, limited research has been performed to determine avian influenza host species and virus dynamics in wild birds on the African continent, including South Africa. This study described the first wild bird surveillance efforts for influenza A viruses in KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa after the 2017/2018 outbreak with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N8 in poultry. A total of 550 swab samples from 278 migratory waterfowl were tested using real-time RT-PCR methods. Two samples (0.7%) were positive for avian influenza virus based on the matrix gene real-time RT-PCR but were negative for the hemagglutinin subtypes H5 and H7. Unfortunately, no sequence information or viable virus could be retrieved from the samples. This study shows that avian influenza viruses are present in the South African wild bird population, emphasizing the need for more extensive surveillance studies to determine the South African avian influenza gene pool and relevant local host species.
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Zhang Y, Dong J, Bo H, Dong L, Zou S, Li X, Shu Y, Wang D. Genetic and biological characteristics of avian influenza virus subtype H1N8 in environments related to live poultry markets in China. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:458. [PMID: 31117981 PMCID: PMC6532177 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4079-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since 2008, avian influenza surveillance in poultry-related environments has been conducted annually in China. Samples have been collected from environments including live poultry markets, wild bird habitats, slaughterhouses, and poultry farms. Multiple subtypes of avian influenza virus have been identified based on environmental surveillance, and an H1N8 virus was isolated from the drinking water of a live poultry market. Methods Virus isolation was performed by inoculating influenza A-positive specimens into embryonated chicken eggs. Next-generation sequencing was used for whole-genome sequencing. A solid-phase binding assay was performed to test the virus receptor binding specificity. Trypsin dependence plaque formation assays and intravenous pathogenicity index tests were used to evaluate virus pathogenicity in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Different cell lines were chosen for comparison of virus replication capacity. Results According to the phylogenetic trees, the whole gene segments of the virus named A/Environment/Fujian/85144/2014(H1N8) were of Eurasian lineage. The HA, NA, PB1, and M genes showed the highest homology with those of H1N8 or H1N2 subtype viruses isolated from local domestic ducks, while the PB2, PA, NP and NS genes showed high similarity with the genes of H7N9 viruses detected in 2017 and 2018 in the same province. This virus presented an avian receptor binding preference. The plaque formation assay showed that it was a trypsin-dependent virus. The intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) in chickens was 0.02. The growth kinetics of the A/Environment/Fujian/85144/2014(H1N8) virus in different cell lines were similar to those of a human-origin virus, A/Brisbane/59/2007(H1N1), but lower than those of the control avian-origin and swine-origin viruses. Conclusions The H1N8 virus was identified in avian influenza-related environments in China for the first time and may have served as a gene carrier involved in the evolution of the H7N9 virus in poultry. This work further emphasizes the importance of avian influenza virus surveillance, especially in live poultry markets (LPMs). Active surveillance of avian influenza in LPMs is a major pillar supporting avian influenza control and response. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-019-4079-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- Chinese National Influenza Centre, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza; Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Chinese National Influenza Centre, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza; Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Bo
- Chinese National Influenza Centre, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza; Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Libo Dong
- Chinese National Influenza Centre, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza; Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Shumei Zou
- Chinese National Influenza Centre, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza; Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Xiyan Li
- Chinese National Influenza Centre, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza; Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Yuelong Shu
- Chinese National Influenza Centre, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza; Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Beijing, China.,Present Address: Public Health School (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dayan Wang
- Chinese National Influenza Centre, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza; Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Beijing, China.
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Abiodun GJ, Njabo KY, Witbooi PJ, Adeola AM, Fuller TL, Okosun KO, Makinde OS, Botai JO. Exploring the Influence of Daily Climate Variables on Malaria Transmission and Abundance of Anopheles arabiensis over Nkomazi Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 2018:3143950. [PMID: 30584427 PMCID: PMC6280252 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3143950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The recent resurgence of malaria incidence across epidemic regions in South Africa has been linked to climatic and environmental factors. An in-depth investigation of the impact of climate variability and mosquito abundance on malaria parasite incidence may therefore offer useful insight towards the control of this life-threatening disease. In this study, we investigate the influence of climatic factors on malaria transmission over Nkomazi Municipality. The variability and interconnectedness between the variables were analyzed using wavelet coherence analysis. Time-series analyses revealed that malaria cases significantly declined after the outbreak in early 2000, but with a slight increase from 2015. Furthermore, the wavelet coherence and time-lagged correlation analyses identified rainfall and abundance of Anopheles arabiensis as the major variables responsible for malaria transmission over the study region. The analysis further highlights a high malaria intensity with the variables from 1998-2002, 2004-2006, and 2010-2013 and a noticeable periodicity value of 256-512 days. Also, malaria transmission shows a time lag between one month and three months with respect to mosquito abundance and the different climatic variables. The findings from this study offer a better understanding of the importance of climatic factors on the transmission of malaria. The study further highlights the significant roles of An. arabiensis on malaria occurrence over Nkomazi. Implementing the mosquito model to predict mosquito abundance could provide more insight into malaria elimination or control in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gbenga J. Abiodun
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Kevin Y. Njabo
- Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Peter J. Witbooi
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Abiodun M. Adeola
- South African Weather Service, Private Bag X097, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Trevon L. Fuller
- Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kazeem O. Okosun
- Department of Mathematics, Vaal University of Technology, X021, Vanderbijlpark 1900, South Africa
| | - Olusola S. Makinde
- Department of Statistics, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 704, Akure, Nigeria
| | - Joel O. Botai
- South African Weather Service, Private Bag X097, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Geography, Geoinformation and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
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Kumar M, Nagarajan S, Murugkar HV, Saikia B, Singh B, Mishra A, Tripathi SK, Agarwal S, Shukla S, Kulkarni DD, Singh VP, Tosh C. Emergence of novel reassortant H6N2 avian influenza viruses in ducks in India. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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Houston DD, Azeem S, Lundy CW, Sato Y, Guo B, Blanchong JA, Gauger PC, Marks DR, Yoon KJ, Adelman JS. Evaluating the role of wild songbirds or rodents in spreading avian influenza virus across an agricultural landscape. PeerJ 2017; 5:e4060. [PMID: 29255648 PMCID: PMC5732541 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Avian influenza virus (AIV) infections occur naturally in wild bird populations and can cross the wildlife-domestic animal interface, often with devastating impacts on commercial poultry. Migratory waterfowl and shorebirds are natural AIV reservoirs and can carry the virus along migratory pathways, often without exhibiting clinical signs. However, these species rarely inhabit poultry farms, so transmission into domestic birds likely occurs through other means. In many cases, human activities are thought to spread the virus into domestic populations. Consequently, biosecurity measures have been implemented to limit human-facilitated outbreaks. The 2015 avian influenza outbreak in the United States, which occurred among poultry operations with strict biosecurity controls, suggests that alternative routes of virus infiltration may exist, including bridge hosts: wild animals that transfer virus from areas of high waterfowl and shorebird densities. METHODS Here, we examined small, wild birds (songbirds, woodpeckers, etc.) and mammals in Iowa, one of the regions hit hardest by the 2015 avian influenza epizootic, to determine whether these animals carry AIV. To assess whether influenza A virus was present in other species in Iowa during our sampling period, we also present results from surveillance of waterfowl by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Unites Stated Department of Agriculture. RESULTS Capturing animals at wetlands and near poultry facilities, we swabbed 449 individuals, internally and externally, for the presence of influenza A virus and no samples tested positive by qPCR. Similarly, serology from 402 animals showed no antibodies against influenza A. Although several species were captured at both wetland and poultry sites, the overall community structure of wild species differed significantly between these types of sites. In contrast, 83 out of 527 sampled waterfowl tested positive for influenza A via qPCR. DISCUSSION These results suggest that even though influenza A viruses were present on the Iowa landscape at the time of our sampling, small, wild birds and rodents were unlikely to be frequent bridge hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek D. Houston
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
- Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Western State Colorado University, Gunnison, CO, United States of America
| | - Shahan Azeem
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Coady W. Lundy
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, United States Department of Agriculture, Urbandale, IA, United States of America
| | - Yuko Sato
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Baoqing Guo
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Julie A. Blanchong
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Phillip C. Gauger
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - David R. Marks
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, United States Department of Agriculture, Urbandale, IA, United States of America
| | - Kyoung-Jin Yoon
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - James S. Adelman
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
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Venter M, Treurnicht FK, Buys A, Tempia S, Samudzi R, McAnerney J, Jacobs CA, Thomas J, Blumberg L. Risk of Human Infections With Highly Pathogenic H5N2 and Low Pathogenic H7N1 Avian Influenza Strains During Outbreaks in Ostriches in South Africa. J Infect Dis 2017; 216:S512-S519. [PMID: 28934458 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Risk factors for human infection with highly pathogenic (HP) and low-pathogenic (LP) avian influenza (AI) H5N2 and H7N1 were investigated during outbreaks in ostriches in the Western Cape province, South Africa. Methods Serum surveys were conducted for veterinarians, farmworkers, and laboratory and abattoir workers involved in 2 AI outbreaks in the Western Cape province: (1) controlling and culling of 42000 ostriches during (HPAI)H5N2 outbreaks in ostriches (2011) (n = 207); (2) movement control during (LPAI)H7N1 outbreaks in 2012 (n = 66). A third serosurvey was conducted on state veterinarians from across the country in 2012 tasked with disease control in general (n = 37). Antibodies to H5 and H7 were measured by means of hemagglutination inhibition and microneutralization assays, with microneutralization assay titers >40 considered positive. Results Two of 207 (1%) participants were seropositive for H5 and 4 of 207 (2%) for H7 in 2011, compared with 1 of 66 (1.5%) and 8 of 66 (13%) in 2012. Although individuals in all professions tested seropositive, abattoir workers (10 of 97; 10.3%) were significantly more at risk of influenza A(H7N1) infection (P = .001) than those in other professions (2 of 171;1.2%). Among state veterinarians, 4 of 37(11%) were seropositive for H7 and 1 of 37 (2.7%) for H5. Investigations of (LP)H7N1-associated fatalities in wild birds and quarantined exotic birds in Gauteng, AI outbreaks in poultry in KwaZulu-Natal, and ostriches in Western Cape province provide possible exposure events. Conclusion (LPAI)H7N1 strains pose a greater infection-risk than (HPAI)H5N2 strains to persons involved in control of outbreaks in infected birds, with ostrich abattoir workers at highest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marietjie Venter
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis.,Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department Medical Virology, University of Pretoria
| | | | - Amelia Buys
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis
| | - Stefano Tempia
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis.,Influenza Program, US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Pretoria.,Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | - Charlene A Jacobs
- Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Sandringham.,Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Juno Thomas
- Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Sandringham
| | - Lucille Blumberg
- Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Sandringham
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Abolnik C, Olivier A, Reynolds C, Henry D, Cumming G, Rauff D, Romito M, Petty D, Falch C. Susceptibility and Status of Avian Influenza in Ostriches. Avian Dis 2017; 60:286-95. [PMID: 27309069 DOI: 10.1637/11110-042815-reg] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The extensive nature of ostrich farming production systems bears the continual risk of point introductions of avian influenza virus (AIV) from wild birds, but immune status, management, population density, and other causes of stress in ostriches are the ultimate determinants of the severity of the disease in this species. From January 2012 to December 2014, more than 70 incidents of AIV in ostriches were reported in South Africa. These included H5N2 and H7N1 low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) in 2012, H7N7 LPAI in 2013, and H5N2 LPAI in 2014. To resolve the molecular epidemiology in South Africa, the entire South African viral repository from ostriches and wild birds from 1991 to 2013 (n = 42) was resequenced by next-generation sequencing technology to obtain complete genomes for comparison. The phylogenetic results were supplemented with serological data for ostriches from 2012 to 2014, and AIV-detection data from surveillance of 17 762 wild birds sampled over the same period. Phylogenetic evidence pointed to wild birds, e.g., African sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), in the dissemination of H7N1 LPAI to ostriches in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces during 2012, in separate incidents that could not be epidemiologically linked. In contrast, the H7N7 LPAI outbreaks in 2013 that were restricted to the Western Cape Province appear to have originated from a single-point introduction from wild birds. Two H5N2 viruses detected in ostriches in 2012 were determined to be LPAI strains that were new introductions, epidemiologically unrelated to the 2011 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks. Seventeen of 27 (63%) ostrich viruses contained the polymerase basic 2 (PB2) E627K marker, and 2 of the ostrich isolates that lacked E627K contained the compensatory Q591K mutation, whereas a third virus had a D701N mutation. Ostriches maintain a low upper- to midtracheal temperature as part of their adaptive physiology for desert survival, which may explain the selection in ratites for E627K or its compensatory mutations-markers that facilitate AIV replication at lower temperatures. An AIV prevalence of 5.6% in wild birds was recorded between 2012 and 2014, considerably higher than AIV prevalence for the southern African region of 2.5%-3.6% reported in the period 2007-2009. Serological prevalence of AI in ostriches was 3.7%, 3.6%, and 6.1% for 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. An annual seasonal dip in incidence was evident around March/April (late summer/autumn), with peaks around July/August (mid to late winter). H5, H6, H7, and unidentified serotypes were present at varying levels over the 3-yr period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Abolnik
- A Poultry Section, Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Adriaan Olivier
- B Klein Karoo International Research Laboratory, Oudtshoorn 6625, South Africa
| | - Chevonne Reynolds
- C Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - Dominic Henry
- C Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - Graeme Cumming
- C Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - Dionne Rauff
- D Deltamune (Pty.) Ltd., Lyttleton, Pretoria 0157, South Africa
| | - Marco Romito
- E Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Old Soutpan Road, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Deryn Petty
- F Veterinary Services, Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Claudia Falch
- G Deltamune (Pty.) Ltd., Oudtshoorn 6625, South Africa
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Caron A, Cappelle J, Gaidet N. Challenging the conceptual framework of maintenance hosts for influenza A viruses in wild birds. J Appl Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Caron
- UPR AGIRs; Department Environment & Societies; Cirad; Campus International de Baillarguet; Montpellier 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
- Faculdade de Veterinária; Universidade Edouardo Mondlane; Av. de Moçambique Km; 1,5 - Caixa Postal 257 Maputo 01009 Moçambique
| | - Julien Cappelle
- UPR AGIRs; Department Environment & Societies; Cirad; Campus International de Baillarguet; Montpellier 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
- Institut Pasteur du Cambodge; Epi-SP, 5; Boulevard Monivong; BP 983 Phnom Penh Cambodia
| | - Nicolas Gaidet
- UPR AGIRs; Department Environment & Societies; Cirad; Campus International de Baillarguet; Montpellier 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
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Parsons NJ, Gous TA, Schaefer AM, Vanstreels RET. Health evaluation of African penguins ( Spheniscus demersus) in southern Africa. Onderstepoort J Vet Res 2016; 83:e1-e13. [PMID: 27796116 PMCID: PMC6238701 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v83i1.1147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is an endangered seabird that breeds along the coast of Namibia and South Africa, and disease surveillance was identified as a priority for its conservation. Aiming for the establishment of baseline data on the presence of potential pathogens in this species, a comprehensive health assessment (blood smear examination, haematology, biochemistry and serology) was conducted on samples obtained from 578 African penguins at 11 breeding colonies and a rehabilitation centre. There were 68 penguins that were seropositive for at least one of seven pathogens tested: avian encephalomyelitis virus, avian infectious bronchitis virus, avian reovirus, infectious bursal disease virus, Newcastle disease virus, Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae. All samples were seronegative for avian influenza virus subtypes H5 and H7 and infectious laryngotracheitis virus. The apparent prevalence of Babesia sp. and Borrelia sp. in blood smears was consistent with previous studies. Babesia-infected individuals had a regenerative response of the erythrocytic lineage, an active inflammatory response and hepatic function impairment. These findings indicate that African penguins may be exposed to conservation-significant pathogens in the wild and encourage further studies aiming for the direct detection and/or isolation of these microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nola J Parsons
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, Bloubergrant; Bayworld Centre for Research and Education, Port Elizabeth.
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Henry DAW, Ament JM, Cumming GS. Exploring the environmental drivers of waterfowl movement in arid landscapes using first-passage time analysis. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2016; 4:8. [PMID: 27042310 PMCID: PMC4818463 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-016-0073-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The movement patterns of many southern African waterfowl are typified by nomadism, which is thought to be a response to unpredictable changes in resource distributions. Nomadism and the related movement choices that waterfowl make in arid environments are, however, poorly understood. Tracking multiple individuals across wide spatiotemporal gradients offers one approach to elucidating the cues and mechanisms underpinning movement decisions. We used first-passage time (FPT) to analyse high spatial and temporal resolution telemetry data for Red-billed Teal and Egyptian Geese across a 1500 km geographical gradient between 2008 and 2014. We tested the importance of several environmental variables in structuring movement patterns, focusing on two competing hypotheses: (1) whether movements are driven by resource conditions during the current period of habitat occupation (reactive movement hypothesis), or (2) whether movements are structured by shifts in the magnitude and direction of environmental variables at locations prior to occupation (prescient movement hypothesis). RESULTS An increase in rainfall at a 32 day lag (i.e., prior to wetland occupancy), along with tagging site, were significant predictors of FPT in both waterfowl species. There was a positive relationship between NDVI and FPT for Egyptian Geese during this 32 day period; the relationship was negative for Red-billed Teal. Consistent with findings for migratory grazing geese, Egyptian Geese prioritised food quality over food biomass. Red-billed Teal showed few immediate responses to wetland filling, contrary to what one would predict for a dabbling duck, suggesting high dietary flexibility. Our results were consistent with the prescient movement hypothesis. CONCLUSIONS Using FPT analysis we showed that the proximate drivers of southern African waterfowl movement are the dynamics of rainfall and primary productivity. Waterfowl appeared to be able to perceive and respond to temporal shifts in resource conditions prior to habitat patch occupation. This in turn suggests that their movements in semi-arid landscapes may be underpinned by intimate knowledge of the local environment; waterfowl pursue a complex behavioural strategy, locating suitable habitat patches proactively, rather than acting as passive respondents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic A. W. Henry
- />Percy FitzPatrick Institute, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701 South Africa
| | - Judith M. Ament
- />Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT UK
- />Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY UK
| | - Graeme S. Cumming
- />Percy FitzPatrick Institute, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701 South Africa
- />ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
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24
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Hellard E, Cumming GS, Caron A, Coe E, Peters JL. Testing epidemiological functional groups as predictors of avian haemosporidia patterns in southern Africa. Ecosphere 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eléonore Hellard
- Percy FitzPatrick InstituteDST‐NRF Centre of ExcellenceUniversity of Cape Town Private Bag X3 Rondebosch 7701 South Africa
| | - Graeme S. Cumming
- Percy FitzPatrick InstituteDST‐NRF Centre of ExcellenceUniversity of Cape Town Private Bag X3 Rondebosch 7701 South Africa
| | - Alexandre Caron
- UPR AGIRsCirad Montpellier 34398 France
- UPR AGIRsCirad‐RP‐PCPUniversity of Zimbabwe PO Box 13 78 Harare Zimbabwe
- Mammal Research InstituteUniversity of Pretoria Pretoria 0110 South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Coe
- Department of Biological SciencesWright State University Dayton Ohio 45435 USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Peters
- Department of Biological SciencesWright State University Dayton Ohio 45435 USA
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25
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Abstract
In ecology, the grouping of species into functional groups has played a valuable role in simplifying ecological complexity. In epidemiology, further clarifications of epidemiological functions are needed: while host roles may be defined, they are often used loosely, partly because of a lack of clarity on the relationships between a host’s function and its epidemiological role. Here we focus on the definition of bridge hosts and their epidemiological consequences. Bridge hosts provide a link through which pathogens can be transmitted from maintenance host populations or communities to receptive populations that people want to protect (i.e., target hosts). A bridge host should (1) be competent for the pathogen or able to mechanically transmit it; and (2) come into direct contact or share habitat with both maintenance and target populations. Demonstration of bridging requires an operational framework that integrates ecological and epidemiological approaches. We illustrate this framework using the example of the transmission of Avian Influenza Viruses across wild bird/poultry interfaces in Africa and discuss a range of other examples that demonstrate the usefulness of our definition for other multi-host systems. Bridge hosts can be particularly important for understanding and managing infectious disease dynamics in multi-host systems at wildlife/domestic/human interfaces, including emerging infections.
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26
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Fuller TL, Ducatez MF, Njabo KY, Couacy-Hymann E, Chasar A, Aplogan GL, Lao S, Awoume F, Téhou A, Langeois Q, Krauss S, Smith TB. Avian influenza surveillance in Central and West Africa, 2010-2014. Epidemiol Infect 2015; 143:2205-12. [PMID: 25530320 PMCID: PMC9506990 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268814003586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 11/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza virus (AIV) is an important zoonotic pathogen, resulting in global human morbidity and mortality and substantial economic losses to the poultry industry. Poultry and wild birds have transmitted AIV to humans, most frequently subtypes H5 and H7, but also different strains and subtypes of H6, H9, and H10. Determining which birds are AIV reservoirs can help identify human populations that have a high risk of infection with these viruses due to occupational or recreational exposure to the reservoir species. To assess the prevalence of AIV in tropical birds, from 2010 to 2014, we sampled 40 099 birds at 32 sites in Central Africa (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon) and West Africa (Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo). In Central Africa, detection rates by real-time RT-PCR were 16·6% in songbirds (eight passerine families, n = 1257), 16·4% in kingfishers (family Alcedinidae, n = 73), 8·2% in ducks (family Anatidae, n = 564), and 3·65% in chickens (family Phasianidae, n = 1042). Public health authorities should educate human cohorts that have high exposure to these bird populations about AIV and assess their adherence to biosecurity practices, including Cameroonian farmers who raise small backyard flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Fuller
- Center for Tropical Research,Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California,Los Angeles,CA,USA
| | - M F Ducatez
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique,Unité Mixte de Recherche 1225,Interaction Hôtes Agents Pathogènes,Toulouse,France
| | - K Y Njabo
- Center for Tropical Research,Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California,Los Angeles,CA,USA
| | - E Couacy-Hymann
- Central Laboratory for Animal Diseases (LANADA),Bingerville,Côte d'Ivoire
| | - A Chasar
- Center for Tropical Research,Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California,Los Angeles,CA,USA
| | - G L Aplogan
- Laboratoire de Diagnostic Vétérinaire et de Sérosurveillance (LADISERO),Parakou,Benin
| | - S Lao
- Center for Tropical Research,Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California,Los Angeles,CA,USA
| | - F Awoume
- Laboratoire Vétérinaire de Lomé,Lomé,Togo
| | - A Téhou
- Centre National de Gestion de Réserve de Faune (CENAGREF),Cotonou,Benin
| | - Q Langeois
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique,Unité Mixte de Recherche 1225,Interaction Hôtes Agents Pathogènes,Toulouse,France
| | - S Krauss
- Department of Infectious Diseases,St Jude Children's Research Hospital,Memphis,TN,USA
| | - T B Smith
- Center for Tropical Research,Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California,Los Angeles,CA,USA
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27
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Lebarbenchon C, Jaeger A, Feare C, Bastien M, Dietrich M, Larose C, Lagadec E, Rocamora G, Shah N, Pascalis H, Boulinier T, Le Corre M, Stallknecht DE, Dellagi K. Influenza A virus on oceanic islands: host and viral diversity in seabirds in the Western Indian Ocean. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1004925. [PMID: 25996394 PMCID: PMC4440776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ducks and seabirds are natural hosts for influenza A viruses (IAV). On oceanic islands, the ecology of IAV could be affected by the relative diversity, abundance and density of seabirds and ducks. Seabirds are the most abundant and widespread avifauna in the Western Indian Ocean and, in this region, oceanic islands represent major breeding sites for a large diversity of potential IAV host species. Based on serological assays, we assessed the host range of IAV and the virus subtype diversity in terns of the islands of the Western Indian Ocean. We further investigated the spatial variation in virus transmission patterns between islands and identified the origin of circulating viruses using a molecular approach. Our findings indicate that terns represent a major host for IAV on oceanic islands, not only for seabird-related virus subtypes such as H16, but also for those commonly isolated in wild and domestic ducks (H3, H6, H9, H12 subtypes). We also identified strong species-associated variation in virus exposure that may be associated to differences in the ecology and behaviour of terns. We discuss the role of tern migrations in the spread of viruses to and between oceanic islands, in particular for the H2 and H9 IAV subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Lebarbenchon
- GIS CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Saint Denis, Reunion Island
| | - Audrey Jaeger
- GIS CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Saint Denis, Reunion Island
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Marine, FRE 3560 INEE-CNRS, Université de La Réunion, Saint Denis, Reunion Island
| | - Chris Feare
- WildWings Bird Management, Grayswood Common, Haslemere, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Matthieu Bastien
- GIS CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Marine, FRE 3560 INEE-CNRS, Université de La Réunion, Saint Denis, Reunion Island
| | - Muriel Dietrich
- GIS CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island
| | - Christine Larose
- WildWings Bird Management, Grayswood Common, Haslemere, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Erwan Lagadec
- GIS CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Saint Denis, Reunion Island
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island
| | | | - Nirmal Shah
- Nature Seychelles, The Center for Environment and Education, Roche Caiman, Mahé, Seychelles
| | - Hervé Pascalis
- GIS CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Saint Denis, Reunion Island
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island
| | - Thierry Boulinier
- Centre d’Écologie Fonctionnelle et Évolutive, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Montpellier, France
| | - Matthieu Le Corre
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Marine, FRE 3560 INEE-CNRS, Université de La Réunion, Saint Denis, Reunion Island
| | - David E. Stallknecht
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Diseases Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Koussay Dellagi
- GIS CRVOI (Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les maladies émergentes dans l'Océan Indien), Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Saint Denis, Reunion Island
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Sainte Clotilde, Reunion Island
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28
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Caron A, Grosbois V, Etter E, Gaidet N, de Garine-Wichatitsky M. Bridge hosts for avian influenza viruses at the wildlife/domestic interface: an eco-epidemiological framework implemented in southern Africa. Prev Vet Med 2014; 117:590-600. [PMID: 25457135 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Wild terrestrial birds can act as potential local spreaders or bridge hosts for avian influenza viruses (AIVs) between waterfowl (the maintenance hosts of AIVs) and domestic avian populations in which AIVs may cause disease. Few studies have investigated this hypothesis, although it is an important knowledge gap in our understanding of AIV spread within socio-ecosystems. We designed a simple and reproducible approach in an agro-ecosystem in Zimbabwe based on: (1) bird counts at key target sites (i.e., wetlands, villages, intensive poultry production buildings and ostrich farms) to identify which wild birds species co-occur in these different sites and seasons when the risk of AIV transmission through these potential bridge hosts is maximal and (2) targeted sampling and testing for AIV infection in the identified potential bridge hosts. We found that 12 wild bird species represented the vast majority (79%) of co-occurrences in the different sites, whereas 230 bird species were recorded in this ecosystem. Specifically, three species - barn swallow, Hirundo rustica, red-billed quelea, Quelea quelea and cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis - represented the main potential bridge host species (65% of co-occurrences). In two out of these three species (i.e., barn swallow and red-billed quelea), we detected AIV infections, confirming that they can play a bridge function between waterfowl and domestic species in the ecosystem. Our approach can be easily implemented in other ecosystems to identify potential bridge hosts, and our results have implications in terms of surveillance, risk management and control of AIV spread in socio-ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Caron
- Cirad, UPR AGIRs, RP-PCP, Harare, Zimbabwe; Cirad, UPR AGIRs, Department ES, Montpellier, France; Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - V Grosbois
- Cirad, UPR AGIRs, Department ES, Montpellier, France.
| | - E Etter
- Cirad, UPR AGIRs, RP-PCP, Harare, Zimbabwe; Cirad, UPR AGIRs, Department ES, Montpellier, France.
| | - N Gaidet
- Cirad, UPR AGIRs, Department ES, Montpellier, France.
| | - M de Garine-Wichatitsky
- Cirad, UPR AGIRs, RP-PCP, Harare, Zimbabwe; Cirad, UPR AGIRs, Department ES, Montpellier, France.
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29
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Slusher MJ, Wilcox BR, Lutrell MP, Poulson RL, Brown JD, Yabsley MJ, Stallknecht DE. Are passerine birds reservoirs for influenza A viruses? J Wildl Dis 2014; 50:792-809. [PMID: 25121402 PMCID: PMC11312393 DOI: 10.7589/2014-02-043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Although peridomestic passerine species have been involved in influenza A virus (IAV) outbreaks in poultry, there is little evidence to indicate they serve as reservoirs for these viruses under natural conditions. Recent molecular-based detections of IAV in terrestrial wild birds have challenged this paradigm, and it has been suggested that additional research is warranted to better define the role of these birds as IAV hosts. To address this need, we reviewed the published literature reporting results from IAV surveillance of passerines. We also conducted prospective virologic and serologic surveillance of North American passerines for IAVs. The literature review included 60 publications from 1975-2013 that reported results from 829 species of passerines and other terrestrial birds. In our prospective study during 2010 and 2011, 3,868 serum samples and 900 swab samples were collected and tested from 102 terrestrial wild bird species from Georgia, New Jersey, Delaware, and Minnesota, USA. Antibodies to the nucleoprotein of IAV were detected with a commercial blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 4/3,868 serum samples (0.1%); all positive samples were from Minnesota. No virus was detected in 900 swab samples by virus isolation in embryonated chicken eggs or matrix real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. Our results are consistent with historic literature; although passerines and terrestrial wild birds may have a limited role in the epidemiology of IAV when associated with infected domestic poultry or other aberrant hosts, there is no evidence supporting their involvement as natural reservoirs for IAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan J. Slusher
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, Wildlife Health Building, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia 30602-4393, USA
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, 180 E Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Benjamin R. Wilcox
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, Wildlife Health Building, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia 30602-4393, USA
| | - M. Page Lutrell
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, Wildlife Health Building, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia 30602-4393, USA
| | - Rebecca L. Poulson
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, Wildlife Health Building, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia 30602-4393, USA
| | - Justin D. Brown
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, Wildlife Health Building, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia 30602-4393, USA
- Current address: Pennsylvania Game Commission, Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Orchard Rd., University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Michael J. Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, Wildlife Health Building, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia 30602-4393, USA
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, 180 E Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - David E. Stallknecht
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, Wildlife Health Building, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia 30602-4393, USA
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30
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Vela EM, Kasoji MD, Wendling MQ, Price JA, Knostman KAB, Bresler HS, Long JP. MicroRNA expression in mice infected with seasonal H1N1, swine H1N1 or highly pathogenic H5N1. J Med Microbiol 2014; 63:1131-1142. [PMID: 24913561 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.067959-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza virus infections in humans remain a healthcare concern, and the need for vaccines, therapeutics and prophylactics remains a high priority. Understanding the molecular events associated with influenza-virus-induced pathology may lead to the identification of clinical disease biomarkers and novel antiviral targets. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are well-conserved endogenous non-coding RNAs known to regulate post-transcriptional gene expression as well as play a major role in many biological processes and pathways. Animal studies have demonstrated that miRNAs are involved in viral disease and controlling inflammation. In this study, we examined the differences in the miRNA expression profiles associated with the lung in mice infected with influenza viruses that varied in virulence and pathogenicity. A statistical model was employed that utilized changes in miRNA expression to identify the virus that was used to infect the mice. This study identified a unique fingerprint of viral pathogenicity associated with seasonal H1N1, swine H1N1 and highly pathogenic H5N1 in the mouse model, and may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic and prophylactic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Vela
- Battelle, 505 King Avenue, Columbus, OH, USA
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31
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Abdelwhab EM, Veits J, Mettenleiter TC. Prevalence and control of H7 avian influenza viruses in birds and humans. Epidemiol Infect 2014; 142:896-920. [PMID: 24423384 PMCID: PMC9151109 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268813003324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Revised: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The H7 subtype HA gene has been found in combination with all nine NA subtype genes. Most exhibit low pathogenicity and only rarely high pathogenicity in poultry (and humans). During the past few years infections of poultry and humans with H7 subtypes have increased markedly. This review summarizes the emergence of avian influenza virus H7 subtypes in birds and humans, and the possibilities of its control in poultry. All H7Nx combinations were reported from wild birds, the natural reservoir of the virus. Geographically, the most prevalent subtype is H7N7, which is endemic in wild birds in Europe and was frequently reported in domestic poultry, whereas subtype H7N3 is mostly isolated from the Americas. In humans, mild to fatal infections were caused by subtypes H7N2, H7N3, H7N7 and H7N9. While infections of humans have been associated mostly with exposure to domestic poultry, infections of poultry have been linked to wild birds or live-bird markets. Generally, depopulation of infected poultry was the main control tool; however, inactivated vaccines were also used. In contrast to recent cases caused by subtype H7N9, human infections were usually self-limiting and rarely required antiviral medication. Close genetic and antigenic relatedness of H7 viruses of different origins may be helpful in development of universal vaccines and diagnostics for both animals and humans. Due to the wide spread of H7 viruses and their zoonotic importance more research is required to better understand the epidemiology, pathobiology and virulence determinants of these viruses and to develop improved control tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Abdelwhab
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Biology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - J Veits
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Biology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - T C Mettenleiter
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Biology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
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32
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Kord E, Kaffashi A, Ghadakchi H, Eshratabadi F, Bameri Z, Shoushtari A. Molecular characterization of the surface glycoprotein genes of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses detected in Iran in 2011. Trop Anim Health Prod 2014; 46:549-54. [PMID: 24389885 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-013-0528-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus is causing the death of a large number of wild birds and poultry. HPAI H5N1 was reported in the north of Iran in 2011. In this study, two A/Chicken/Iran/271/2011 and A/Duck/Iran/178/2011 viruses were genetically characterized by sequence analysis of Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA) genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these viruses were different from previous Iranian isolates (Clade 2.2) and belonged to the subclade 2.3.2.1. The results showed that the detected viruses are almost identical to each other and closely related to HPAI H5N1 strains isolated in Mongolia in 2010. Based on the amino acid sequence analysis, these viruses at their HA cleavage sites contained the multibasic amino acid motif PQRERRRK-R/GLF lacking a lysine residue compared with the previous reports of the same motif. There is also a 20-amino acid deletion (resides 49-69) in the NA stalk similar to other viruses isolated after 2000. It seems that introduction of HPAI H5N1 to Iran might have happened by wild birds from Mongolian origin virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Kord
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
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33
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Hosseini PR, Fuller T, Harrigan R, Zhao D, Arriola CS, Gonzalez A, Miller MJ, Xiao X, Smith TB, Jones JH, Daszak P. Metapopulation dynamics enable persistence of influenza A, including A/H5N1, in poultry. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80091. [PMID: 24312455 PMCID: PMC3846554 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic influenza A/H5N1 has persistently but sporadically caused human illness and death since 1997. Yet it is still unclear how this pathogen is able to persist globally. While wild birds seem to be a genetic reservoir for influenza A, they do not seem to be the main source of human illness. Here, we highlight the role that domestic poultry may play in maintaining A/H5N1 globally, using theoretical models of spatial population structure in poultry populations. We find that a metapopulation of moderately sized poultry flocks can sustain the pathogen in a finite poultry population for over two years. Our results suggest that it is possible that moderately intensive backyard farms could sustain the pathogen indefinitely in real systems. This fits a pattern that has been observed from many empirical systems. Rather than just employing standard culling procedures to control the disease, our model suggests ways that poultry production systems may be modified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trevon Fuller
- Center for Tropical Research, Institute of the Environment, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Ryan Harrigan
- Center for Tropical Research, Institute of the Environment, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Delong Zhao
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Center for Spatial Analysis, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Carmen Sofia Arriola
- Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, San Marcos Major National University, Lima, Peru
| | - Armandoe Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, San Marcos Major National University, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Xiangming Xiao
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Center for Spatial Analysis, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Tom B. Smith
- Center for Tropical Research, Institute of the Environment, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Jamie Holland Jones
- Woods Institute for the Environment and Department of Anthropology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Peter Daszak
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America
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34
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Balancing Livestock Production and Wildlife Conservation in and around Southern Africa's Transfrontier Conservation Areas. Transbound Emerg Dis 2013; 60:492-506. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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35
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Abolnik C, Olivier AJ, Grewar J, Gers S, Romito M. Molecular analysis of the 2011 HPAI H5N2 outbreak in ostriches, South Africa. Avian Dis 2013; 56:865-79. [PMID: 23402106 DOI: 10.1637/10171-041012-reg.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The third outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N2 in less than seven years affected ostriches of South Africa's Western Cape during 2011. Twenty farms tested PCR positive for the presence of HPAI H5N2 between March and November 2011. Three HPAI H5N2 (AI2114, AI2214, AI2512) and 1 H1N2 (AI2887) viruses were isolated during this period, but H6N2 and H1N2 infections of ostriches were also confirmed by PCR. HPAI H5N2 isolate AI2114 produced an intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) score of 1.37 in chickens whereas isolate AI2214 produced an IVPI score of 0.8. The former virus had an additional, predicted N-linked glycosylation site at position 88 of the hemagglutinin protein as well as an E627K mutation in the PB2 protein that was lacking from AI2214. Four variations at HA0 were detected in the PCR-positive cases. Phylogenetically, the branching order of outbreak strains indicated a lack of reassortment between outbreak strains that implied a single outbreak source and a wild duck origin for the progenitor outbreak strain. The 2011 outbreak strains had no genetic relationships to the previous 2004 and 2006 HPAI H5N2 outbreak viruses. Molecular clock analysis based on the N2 neuraminidase genes estimated a recent common ancestor for the outbreak tentatively dated at September 2010. Deep sequencing results of 16 clinical PCR-positive samples yielded data in the range of 573 to 12,590 base pairs (bp), with an average of 4468 bp of total genomic sequence recovered per sample. This data was used to confirm the lack ofreassortment and to assign samples into one of two epidemiologic groups to support epidemiologic tracing of the spread of the outbreak. One farm (no. 142), thought to have played a major epidemiologic role in the outbreak, was confirmed by deep sequencing to contain a mix of both epidemiologic virus groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Abolnik
- Agricultural Research Council--Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
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Caron A, de Garine-Wichatitsky M, Ndlovu M, Cumming GS. Linking avian communities and avian influenza ecology in southern Africa using epidemiological functional groups. Vet Res 2012; 43:73. [PMID: 23101696 PMCID: PMC3495702 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-43-73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The ecology of pathogens, and particularly their emergence in multi-host systems, is complex. New approaches are needed to reduce superficial complexities to a level that still allows scientists to analyse underlying and more fundamental processes. One promising approach for simplification is to use an epidemiological-function classification to describe ecological diversity in a way that relates directly to pathogen dynamics. In this article, we develop and apply the epidemiological functional group (EFG) concept to explore the relationships between wild bird communities and avian influenza virus (AIV) in three ecosystems in southern Africa. Using a two year dataset that combined bird counts and bimonthly sampling for AIV, we allocated each bird species to a set of EFGs that captured two overarching epidemiological functions: the capacity of species to maintain AIV in the system, and their potential to introduce the virus. Comparing AIV prevalence between EFGs suggested that the hypothesis that anseriforms (ducks) and charadriiforms (waders) drive AIV epidemiology cannot entirely explain the high prevalence observed in some EFGs. If anseriforms do play an important role in AIV dynamics in each of the three ecosystems, the role of other species in the local maintenance of AIV cannot be ruled out. The EFG concept thus helped us to identify gaps in knowledge and to highlight understudied bird groups that might play a role in AIV epidemiology. In general, the use of EFGs has potential for generating a range of valuable insights in epidemiology, just as functional group approaches have done in ecology.
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Host associations, biogeography, and phylogenetics of avian malaria in southern African waterfowl. Parasitology 2012; 140:193-201. [PMID: 23057964 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182012001461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The relevance of spatial variation in the environment and host communities for parasite community composition is poorly documented, creating a need for additional case studies from which general principles can be developed. Avian malaria in southern African waterfowl has not previously been studied. As a first step towards documenting and understanding its biogeography, we used PCR and molecular sequencing techniques to analyse 454 blood samples from Afrotropical ducks from 5 different locations (spread around the subregion) for avian malaria. Fifty-five blood samples were positive for one or more genera of haematozoa. The regional infection rate across all sites and sampling periods was 12·1%. Nine individuals carried dual infections containing multiple haematozoa. Fifteen different cytochrome b haplotypes among 52 positives (3 samples failed to sequence) and 61 total sequences were found. Eleven haplotypes closely matched Plasmodium, whereas 4 were more similar to Haemoproteus. Five distinct haematozoan clades were identified. Haemoproteus parasites appeared to be more host-specific than Plasmodium, which occurred at every sampling location and in every host species examined. There were no significant differences in overall parasite prevalence attributable to either site or species, although Plasmodium and Haemoproteus occurrences differed by site-species combination and the borderline significance of our test for between-site variation (P < 0·06) implied that with a larger sample size, differences in parasite prevalence among locations might be detectable.
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Gaidet N, Ould El Mamy AB, Cappelle J, Caron A, Cumming GS, Grosbois V, Gil P, Hammoumi S, de Almeida RS, Fereidouni SR, Cattoli G, Abolnik C, Mundava J, Fofana B, Ndlovu M, Diawara Y, Hurtado R, Newman SH, Dodman T, Balança G. Investigating avian influenza infection hotspots in old-world shorebirds. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46049. [PMID: 23029383 PMCID: PMC3460932 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneity in the transmission rates of pathogens across hosts or environments may produce disease hotspots, which are defined as specific sites, times or species associations in which the infection rate is consistently elevated. Hotspots for avian influenza virus (AIV) in wild birds are largely unstudied and poorly understood. A striking feature is the existence of a unique but consistent AIV hotspot in shorebirds (Charadriiformes) associated with a single species at a specific location and time (ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres at Delaware Bay, USA, in May). This unique case, though a valuable reference, limits our capacity to explore and understand the general properties of AIV hotspots in shorebirds. Unfortunately, relatively few shorebirds have been sampled outside Delaware Bay and they belong to only a few shorebird families; there also has been a lack of consistent oropharyngeal sampling as a complement to cloacal sampling. In this study we looked for AIV hotspots associated with other shorebird species and/or with some of the larger congregation sites of shorebirds in the old world. We assembled and analysed a regionally extensive dataset of AIV prevalence from 69 shorebird species sampled in 25 countries across Africa and Western Eurasia. Despite this diverse and extensive coverage we did not detect any new shorebird AIV hotspots. Neither large shorebird congregation sites nor the ruddy turnstone were consistently associated with AIV hotspots. We did, however, find a low but widespread circulation of AIV in shorebirds that contrast with the absence of AIV previously reported in shorebirds in Europe. A very high AIV antibody prevalence coupled to a low infection rate was found in both first-year and adult birds of two migratory sandpiper species, suggesting the potential existence of an AIV hotspot along their migratory flyway that is yet to be discovered.
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Vela EM, Buccellato MA, Tordoff K, Stark G, Bigger JE. Efficacy of a heterologous vaccine and adjuvant in ferrets challenged with influenza virus H5N1. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2012; 6:328-40. [PMID: 22192389 PMCID: PMC3412077 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-2659.2011.00321.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 1997, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses caused outbreaks of disease in domestic poultry markets in Hong Kong. The virus has also been detected in infected poultry in Europe and Africa. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a heterologous vaccine administered with and without the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant in ferrets challenged with HPAI (A/Vietnam/1203/04). METHODS Animals in four of the five groups were vaccinated twice 21 days apart, with two doses of a heterologous monovalent subvirion vaccine with or without an aluminum hydroxide adjuvant and challenged with a lethal target dose of A/Vietnam/1203/04. RESULTS All animals vaccinated with the heterologous vaccine in combination with the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant survived a lethal challenge of A/Vietnam/1203/04. Four of the eight animals vaccinated with 30 μg of the vaccine without the adjuvant survived, while two of the eight animals vaccinated with 15 μg of the vaccine without the adjuvant survived. None of the unvaccinated control animals survived challenge. Additionally, changes in virus recovered from nasal washes and post-mortem tissues and serology suggest vaccine efficacy. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, the data suggest that the heterologous vaccine in combination with the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant offers maximum protection against challenge with A/Vietnam/1203/04 when compared to the unvaccinated control animals or animals vaccinated without any adjuvant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Vela
- Battelle, 505 King Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201, USA.
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Berkes F, Doubleday NC, Cumming GS. Aldo Leopold's land health from a resilience point of view: self-renewal capacity of social-ecological systems. ECOHEALTH 2012; 9:278-287. [PMID: 22968329 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-012-0796-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Revised: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Health approaches to ecology have a strong basis in Aldo Leopold's thinking, and contemporary ecohealth in turn has a strong philosophical basis in Leopold. To commemorate the 125th anniversary of Leopold's birth (1887-1948), we revisit his ideas, specifically the notions of stewardship (land ethic), productive use of ecosystems (land), and ecosystem renewal. We focus on Leopold's perspective on the self-renewal capacity of the land, as understood in terms of integrity and land health, from the contemporary perspective of resilience theory and ecological theory more generally. Using a broad range of literature, we explore insights and implications of Leopold's work for today's human-environment relationships (integrated social-ecological systems), concerns for biodiversity, the development of agency with respect to stewardship, and key challenges of his time and of ours. Leopold's seminal concept of land health can be seen as a triangulation of productive use, self-renewal, and stewardship, and it can be reinterpreted through the resilience lens as the health of social-ecological systems. In contemporary language, this involves the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and the ability to exercise agency both for conservation and for environmental justice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fikret Berkes
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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Burger CE, Abolnik C, Fosgate GT. Antibody response and viral shedding profile of Egyptian geese (Alopochen aegyptiacus) infected with low pathogenicity H7N1 and H6N8 avian influenza viruses. Avian Dis 2012; 56:341-6. [PMID: 22856191 DOI: 10.1637/9920-090811-reg.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Egyptian geese (Alopochen aegypticus), a duck species endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and occasionally implicated in the transmission of avian influenza viruses (AIV) to farmed ostriches, were experimentally infected with low pathogenicity H7N1 and H6N8 viruses to assess viral shedding and immune profiles. Following the first infection with H7N1 virus, high titers of virus were shed from both the tracheae and cloacae for at least 7 days postinfection, and tracheal shedding lasting until day 14. All detectable shedding from both tracheae and cloacae had ceased within 28 days of infection. Antibody titers peaked at day 7 postinfection, but the initial immune response was short-lived. Birds that received a second challenge with the homologous H7N1 virus mounted a more robust response that lasted beyond 66 days postchallenge, and H7N1 virus was detected, albeit at much lower levels, until day 28 post secondary infection (psi) in the cloaca and beyond day 28 psi in the trachea. Birds that received an initial infection with H7N1 virus were also challenged with H6N8 virus, and because a comparable shedding pattern to the H7N1 challenge group was observed, we concluded that the effect of any nonspecific immunity was negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina E Burger
- ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
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Gaidet N, Caron A, Cappelle J, Cumming GS, Balança G, Hammoumi S, Cattoli G, Abolnik C, de Almeida RS, Gil P, Fereidouni SR, Grosbois V, Tran A, Mundava J, Fofana B, El Mamy ABO, Ndlovu M, Mondain-Monval JY, Triplet P, Hagemeijer W, Karesh WB, Newman SH, Dodman T. Understanding the ecological drivers of avian influenza virus infection in wildfowl: a continental-scale study across Africa. Proc Biol Sci 2011; 279:1131-41. [PMID: 21920984 PMCID: PMC3267134 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2011.1417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable effort for surveillance of wild birds for avian influenza viruses (AIVs), empirical investigations of ecological drivers of AIV prevalence in wild birds are still scarce. Here we used a continental-scale dataset, collected in tropical wetlands of 15 African countries, to test the relative roles of a range of ecological factors on patterns of AIV prevalence in wildfowl. Seasonal and geographical variations in prevalence were positively related to the local density of the wildfowl community and to the wintering period of Eurasian migratory birds in Africa. The predominant influence of wildfowl density with no influence of climatic conditions suggests, in contrast to temperate regions, a predominant role for inter-individual transmission rather than transmission via long-lived virus persisting in the environment. Higher prevalences were found in Anas species than in non-Anas species even when we account for differences in their foraging behaviour (primarily dabbling or not) or their geographical origin (Eurasian or Afro-tropical), suggesting the existence of intrinsic differences between wildfowl taxonomic groups in receptivity to infection. Birds were found infected as often in oropharyngeal as in cloacal samples, but rarely for both types of sample concurrently, indicating that both respiratory and digestive tracts may be important for AIV replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Gaidet
- CIRAD-ES, UR AGIRS, Montpellier, France.
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