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Reid SM, Byrne AMP, Lean FZX, Ross CS, Pascu A, Hepple R, Dominguez M, Frost S, Coward VJ, Núñez A, James J, Stephan L, Aegerter JN, Brown IH, Banyard AC. A multi-species, multi-pathogen avian viral disease outbreak event: Investigating potential for virus transmission at the wild bird - poultry interface. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2348521. [PMID: 38686548 PMCID: PMC11168234 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2348521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
A free-range organic broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus) premises in Staffordshire was infected by high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N8 during the 2020-2021 epizootic in the United Kingdom (UK). Following initial confirmation of the infection in poultry, multiple wild bird species were seen scavenging on chicken carcasses. Detected dead wild birds were subsequently demonstrated to have been infected and succumbed to HPAIV H5N8. Initially, scavenging species, magpie (Pica pica) and raven (Corvus corax) were found dead on the premises but over the following days, buzzards (Buteo buteo) were also found dead within the local area with positive detection of HPAIV in submitted carcasses. The subacute nature of microscopic lesions within a buzzard was consistent with the timeframe of infection. Finally, a considerable number of free-living pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) were also found dead in the surrounding area, with carcasses having higher viral antigen loads compared to infected chickens. Limited virus dissemination was observed in the carcasses of the magpie, raven, and buzzard. Further, an avirulent avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1) was detected within poultry samples as well as in the viscera of a magpie infected with HPAIV. Immunohistochemistry did not reveal colocalization of avian paramyxovirus antigens with lesions, supporting an avirulent APMV-1 infection. Overall, this case highlights scenarios in which bi-directional transmission of avian viral diseases between commercial and wild bird species may occur. It also underlines the importance of bio separation and reduced access when infection pressure from HPAIV is high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M. Reid
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Weybridge, Addlestone, UK
| | - Alexander M. P. Byrne
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Weybridge, Addlestone, UK
| | - Fabian Z. X. Lean
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, APHA Weybridge, Addlestone, UK
| | - Craig S. Ross
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Weybridge, Addlestone, UK
| | - Andrei Pascu
- APHA England Field Delivery, APHA Stafford, Stafford, UK
| | | | | | | | - Vivien J. Coward
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Weybridge, Addlestone, UK
| | - Alejandro Núñez
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, APHA Weybridge, Addlestone, UK
| | - Joe James
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Weybridge, Addlestone, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, APHA Weybridge, Addlestone, UK
| | - Levon Stephan
- Veterinary Exotic Notifiable Disease Unit (VENDU), London, UK
| | | | - Ian H. Brown
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Weybridge, Addlestone, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, APHA Weybridge, Addlestone, UK
| | - Ashley C. Banyard
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Weybridge, Addlestone, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, APHA Weybridge, Addlestone, UK
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2
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Volponi S, De Marco MA, Benigno R, Savorelli E, Frasnelli M, Fiorentini L, Tosi G, Bardasi L, Toschi E, Taddei R, Cocchi R. Ecology and Management of a Large Outbreak of Avian Botulism in Wild Waterbirds in Northeastern Italy (2019-2022). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2291. [PMID: 39199825 PMCID: PMC11350681 DOI: 10.3390/ani14162291] [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: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Avian botulism is a paralytic disease due to the ingestion of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) produced by anaerobic, sporigenic bacteria (notably, Clostridium botulinum). Wild waterbirds worldwide are affected with variable recurrence and severity, and organic material decaying in wetland habitats may constitute a suitable substrate for the replication of clostridia strains producing BoNT in conditions of high temperatures and the absence of oxygen. Here, we describe a large outbreak of avian botulism that occurred in the Valle Mandriole protected area of northeastern Italy (VM). After the recovery in late summer of a few duck carcasses that molecularly tested positive for BoNT-producing clostridia, in October 2019, the avian botulism escalation led to a total of 2367 birds being recovered (2158 carcasses and 209 sick birds). Among these, 2365/2367 were waterbirds, with ducks accounting for 91.8% of the total (2173/2367) and green-winged teals representing 93.5% of the ducks. After the quick collection of dead and sick birds (from 4 to 11 October 2019) and the flooding of the VM wetland (from 5 to 12 October 2019), the 2019 botulism emergency apparently ended. Following two water inputs in May and July 2020, only one pooled sample obtained from 16 bird carcasses found that year in VM tested positive for clostridia type C by real-time PCR, whereas, after to the implementation of measures deterring the bird's presence, new avian botulism cases-due to clostridia type C and C/D, according to molecular and animal-model tests of confirmation-led to the collection of 176 waterbirds (82 carcasses and 94 sick ducks) and 16 waterbirds (9 carcasses and 7 sick ducks) in the summers 2021 and 2022, respectively. In conclusion, the prevention, management, and control of the disease rely on habitat management, the quick and careful collection/removal of animal carcasses, and the regular monitoring and surveillance of live and dead birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Volponi
- Wildlife Service, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (S.V.); (R.C.)
| | - Maria Alessandra De Marco
- Wildlife Service, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (S.V.); (R.C.)
| | - Roberta Benigno
- Office of Sustainability Education and Animal Welfare, Environmental and Land Protection Service, Comune di Ravenna, 48124 Ravenna, Italy;
| | - Enea Savorelli
- Animal Health–Ravenna, Department of Public Health, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale della Romagna, 48124 Ravenna, Italy;
| | - Matteo Frasnelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “B. Ubertini” (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, Italy; (M.F.); (L.F.); (G.T.); (L.B.); (E.T.); (R.T.)
| | - Laura Fiorentini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “B. Ubertini” (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, Italy; (M.F.); (L.F.); (G.T.); (L.B.); (E.T.); (R.T.)
| | - Giovanni Tosi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “B. Ubertini” (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, Italy; (M.F.); (L.F.); (G.T.); (L.B.); (E.T.); (R.T.)
| | - Lia Bardasi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “B. Ubertini” (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, Italy; (M.F.); (L.F.); (G.T.); (L.B.); (E.T.); (R.T.)
| | - Elena Toschi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “B. Ubertini” (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, Italy; (M.F.); (L.F.); (G.T.); (L.B.); (E.T.); (R.T.)
| | - Roberta Taddei
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “B. Ubertini” (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, Italy; (M.F.); (L.F.); (G.T.); (L.B.); (E.T.); (R.T.)
| | - Roberto Cocchi
- Wildlife Service, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (S.V.); (R.C.)
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3
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McMenamy MJ, McKenna R, Bailie VB, Cunningham B, Jeffers A, McCullough K, Forsythe C, Cuartero LG, Flynn O, Byrne C, Connaghan E, Moriarty J, Fanning J, Ronan S, Barrett D, Fusaro A, Monne I, Terregino C, James J, Byrne AMP, Lean FZX, Núñez A, Reid SM, Hansen R, Brown IH, Banyard AC, Lemon K. Evaluating the Impact of Low-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza H6N1 Outbreaks in United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland Poultry Farms during 2020. Viruses 2024; 16:1147. [PMID: 39066308 PMCID: PMC11281592 DOI: 10.3390/v16071147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In January 2020, increased mortality was reported in a small broiler breeder flock in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Gross pathological findings included coelomitis, oophoritis, salpingitis, visceral gout, splenomegaly, and renomegaly. Clinical presentation included inappetence, pronounced diarrhoea, and increased egg deformation. These signs, in combination with increased mortality, triggered a notifiable avian disease investigation. High pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) was not suspected, as mortality levels and clinical signs were not consistent with HPAIV. Laboratory investigation demonstrated the causative agent to be a low-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV), subtype H6N1, resulting in an outbreak that affected 15 premises in Northern Ireland. The H6N1 virus was also associated with infection on 13 premises in the Republic of Ireland and six in Great Britain. The close genetic relationship between the viruses in Ireland and Northern Ireland suggested a direct causal link whereas those in Great Britain were associated with exposure to a common ancestral virus. Overall, this rapidly spreading outbreak required the culling of over 2 million birds across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland to stamp out the incursion. This report demonstrates the importance of investigating LPAIV outbreaks promptly, given their substantial economic impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. McMenamy
- Virological Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Virology Branch, Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute, Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK
| | - Robyn McKenna
- Virological Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Virology Branch, Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute, Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK
| | - Valerie B. Bailie
- Virological Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Virology Branch, Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute, Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK
| | - Ben Cunningham
- Virological Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Virology Branch, Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute, Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK
| | - Adam Jeffers
- Virological Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Virology Branch, Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute, Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK
| | - Kelly McCullough
- Virological Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Virology Branch, Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute, Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK
| | - Catherine Forsythe
- Disease Surveillance & Investigation Branch, Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute, Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK
| | - Laura Garza Cuartero
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, DAFM, Backweston Campus, Stacummy Lane, W23 X3PH Celbridge, Ireland
| | - Orla Flynn
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, DAFM, Backweston Campus, Stacummy Lane, W23 X3PH Celbridge, Ireland
| | - Christina Byrne
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, DAFM, Backweston Campus, Stacummy Lane, W23 X3PH Celbridge, Ireland
| | - Emily Connaghan
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, DAFM, Backweston Campus, Stacummy Lane, W23 X3PH Celbridge, Ireland
| | - John Moriarty
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, DAFM, Backweston Campus, Stacummy Lane, W23 X3PH Celbridge, Ireland
| | - June Fanning
- National Disease Control Centre, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Agriculture House, Kildare Street, D02 WK12 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephanie Ronan
- National Disease Control Centre, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Agriculture House, Kildare Street, D02 WK12 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Damien Barrett
- National Disease Control Centre, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Agriculture House, Kildare Street, D02 WK12 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alice Fusaro
- European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Padua, Italy
| | - Isabella Monne
- European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Padua, Italy
| | - Calogero Terregino
- European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Padua, Italy
| | - Joe James
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency—Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Alexander M. P. Byrne
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency—Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Fabian Z. X. Lean
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency—Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Alejandro Núñez
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency—Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Scott M. Reid
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency—Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Rowena Hansen
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency—Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ian H. Brown
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency—Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- Now the Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Woking GU24 0NF, UK
| | - Ashley C. Banyard
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency—Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ken Lemon
- Virological Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Virology Branch, Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute, Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK
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4
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Shemmings-Payne W, De Silva D, Warren CJ, Thomas S, Slomka MJ, Reid SM, James J, Banyard AC, Brown IH, Ward AI. Repeatability and reproducibility of hunter-harvest sampling for avian influenza virus surveillance in Great Britain. Res Vet Sci 2024; 173:105279. [PMID: 38704977 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Emerging pathogens can threaten human and animal health, necessitating reliable surveillance schemes to enable preparedness. We evaluated the repeatability and reproducibility of a method developed previously during a single year at one study site. Hunter-harvested ducks and geese were sampled for avian influenza virus at three discrete locations in the UK. H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAIV) was detected in four species (mallard [Anas platyrhynchos], Eurasian teal [Anas crecca], Eurasian wigeon [Mareca penelope] and pink-footed goose [Anser brachyrhynchus]) across all three locations and two non-HPAIV H5N1, influenza A positive detections were made from a mallard and Eurasian wigeon at two locations. Virus was detected within 1-to-4 days of sampling at every location. Application of rapid diagnostic methods to samples collected from hunter-harvested waterfowl offers potential as an early warning system for the surveillance and monitoring of emerging and existing strains of avian influenza A viruses in key avian species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dilhani De Silva
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, New Haw, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Caroline J Warren
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, New Haw, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Saumya Thomas
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, New Haw, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Marek J Slomka
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, New Haw, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Scott M Reid
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, New Haw, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Joe James
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, New Haw, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ashley C Banyard
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, New Haw, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ian H Brown
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, New Haw, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
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5
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Abolnik C, Roberts LC, Strydom C, Snyman A, Roberts DG. Outbreaks of H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in South Africa in 2023 Were Caused by Two Distinct Sub-Genotypes of Clade 2.3.4.4b Viruses. Viruses 2024; 16:896. [PMID: 38932187 PMCID: PMC11209199 DOI: 10.3390/v16060896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2023, South Africa continued to experience sporadic cases of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in coastal seabirds and poultry. Active environmental surveillance determined that H5Nx, H7Nx, H9Nx, H11Nx, H6N2, and H12N2, amongst other unidentified subtypes, circulated in wild birds and ostriches in 2023, but that H5Nx was predominant. Genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of confirmed H5N1 HPAI cases determined that only two of the fifteen sub-genotypes that circulated in South Africa in 2021-2022 still persisted in 2023. Sub-genotype SA13 remained restricted to coastal seabirds, with accelerated mutations observed in the neuraminidase protein. SA15 caused the chicken outbreaks, but outbreaks in the Paardeberg and George areas, in the Western Cape province, and the Camperdown region of the KwaZulu-Natal province were unrelated to each other, implicating wild birds as the source. All SA15 viruses contained a truncation in the PB1-F2 gene, but in the Western Cape SA15 chicken viruses, PA-X was putatively expressed as a novel isoform with eight additional amino acids. South African clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses had comparatively fewer markers of virulence and pathogenicity compared to European strains, a possible reason why no spillover to mammals has occurred here yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Abolnik
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa;
| | - Laura Christl Roberts
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa;
- Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government, Elsenburg 7607, South Africa
- Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Research, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Christine Strydom
- SMT Veterinary Laboratory (Pty) Ltd., Irene, Pretoria 0178, South Africa;
| | - Albert Snyman
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town 7441, South Africa; (A.S.); (D.G.R.)
| | - David Gordon Roberts
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town 7441, South Africa; (A.S.); (D.G.R.)
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6
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Graziosi G, Lupini C, Gobbo F, Zecchin B, Quaglia G, Pedrazzoli S, Lizzi G, Dosa G, Martini G, Terregino C, Catelli E. Genetic Diversity of Avian Influenza Viruses Detected in Waterbirds in Northeast Italy Using Two Different Sampling Strategies. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1018. [PMID: 38612257 PMCID: PMC11010841 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071018] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza viruses (AIVs), which circulate endemically in wild aquatic birds, pose a significant threat to poultry and raise concerns for their zoonotic potential. From August 2021 to April 2022, a multi-site cross-sectional study involving active AIV epidemiological monitoring was conducted in wetlands of the Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy, adjacent to densely populated poultry areas. A total of 129 cloacal swab samples (CSs) and 407 avian faecal droppings samples (FDs) were collected, with 7 CSs (5.4%) and 4 FDs (1%) testing positive for the AIV matrix gene through rRT-PCR. A COI-barcoding protocol was applied to recognize the species of origin of AIV-positive FDs. Multiple low-pathogenic AIV subtypes were identified, and five of these were isolated, including an H5N3, an H1N1, and three H9N2 in wild ducks. Following whole-genome sequencing, phylogenetic analyses of the hereby obtained strains showed close genetic relationships with AIVs detected in countries along the Black Sea/Mediterranean migratory flyway. Notably, none of the analyzed gene segments were genetically related to HPAI H5N1 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b isolated from Italian poultry during the concurrent 2021-2022 epidemic. Overall, the detected AIV genetic diversity emphasizes the necessity for ongoing monitoring in wild hosts using diverse sampling strategies and whole-genome sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Graziosi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (C.L.); (G.Q.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Caterina Lupini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (C.L.); (G.Q.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Federica Gobbo
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Division, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (F.G.); (B.Z.); (C.T.)
| | - Bianca Zecchin
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Division, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (F.G.); (B.Z.); (C.T.)
| | - Giulia Quaglia
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (C.L.); (G.Q.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Sara Pedrazzoli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (C.L.); (G.Q.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Gabriele Lizzi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (C.L.); (G.Q.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Geremia Dosa
- Veterinary Services, Local Health Unit of Imola (A.U.S.L. di Imola), 40026 Imola, BO, Italy; (G.D.); (G.M.)
| | - Gabriella Martini
- Veterinary Services, Local Health Unit of Imola (A.U.S.L. di Imola), 40026 Imola, BO, Italy; (G.D.); (G.M.)
| | - Calogero Terregino
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Division, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (F.G.); (B.Z.); (C.T.)
| | - Elena Catelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (C.L.); (G.Q.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (E.C.)
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7
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Ross CS, Byrne AMP, Mahmood S, Thomas S, Reid S, Freath L, Griffin LR, Falchieri M, Holmes P, Goldsmith N, Shaw JM, MacGugan A, Aegerter J, Hansen R, Brown IH, Banyard AC. Genetic Analysis of H5N1 High-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus following a Mass Mortality Event in Wild Geese on the Solway Firth. Pathogens 2024; 13:83. [PMID: 38251390 PMCID: PMC10818813 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010083] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The United Kingdom (UK) and Europe have seen successive outbreaks of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b high-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) since 2020 peaking in the autumn/winter periods. During the 2021/22 season, a mass die-off event of Svalbard Barnacle Geese (Branta leucopsis) was observed on the Solway Firth, a body of water on the west coast border between England and Scotland. This area is used annually by Barnacle Geese to over-winter, before returning to Svalbard to breed. Following initial identification of HPAIV in a Barnacle Goose on 8 November 2021, up to 32% of the total Barnacle Goose population may have succumbed to disease by the end of March 2022, along with other wild bird species in the area. Potential adaptation of the HPAIV to the Barnacle Goose population within this event was evaluated. Whole-genome sequencing of thirty-three HPAIV isolates from wild bird species demonstrated that there had been two distinct incursions of the virus, but the two viruses had remained genetically stable within the population, whilst viruses from infected wild birds were closely related to those from poultry cases occurring in the same region. Analysis of sera from the following year demonstrated that a high percentage (76%) of returning birds had developed antibodies to H5 AIV. This study demonstrates genetic stability of this strain of HPAIV in wild Anseriformes, and that, at the population scale, whilst there is a significant impact on survival, a high proportion of birds recover following infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig S. Ross
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | | | - Sahar Mahmood
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Saumya Thomas
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Scott Reid
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Lorna Freath
- Animal Health and Welfare Advice, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | | | - Marco Falchieri
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Paul Holmes
- APHA Diseases of Wildlife Scheme, Shrewsbury Veterinary Investigation Centre, Shrewsbury SY1 4HD, UK
| | | | | | | | - James Aegerter
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), York YO41 1LZ, UK
| | - Rowena Hansen
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- Animal Health and Welfare Advice, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ian H. Brown
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Swine Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ashley C. Banyard
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Swine Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
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8
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Seekings AH, Liang Y, Warren CJ, Hjulsager CK, Thomas SS, Lean FZX, Nunez A, Skinner P, Selden D, Falchieri M, Simmons H, Brown IH, Larsen LE, Banyard AC, Slomka MJ. Transmission dynamics and pathogenesis differ between pheasants and partridges infected with clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 and H5N1 high-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses. J Gen Virol 2024; 105. [PMID: 38289661 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
During the UK 2020-2021 epizootic of H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b high-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs), high mortality occurred during incursions in commercially farmed common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). Two pheasant farms, affected separately by H5N8 and H5N1 subtypes, included adjacently housed red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa), which appeared to be unaffected. Despite extensive ongoing epizootics, H5Nx HPAIV partridge outbreaks were not reported during 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 in the UK, so it is postulated that partridges are more resistant to HPAIV infection than other gamebirds. To assess this, pathogenesis and both intra- and inter-species transmission of UK pheasant-origin H5N8-2021 and H5N1-2021 HPAIVs were investigated. Onward transmission to chickens was also assessed to better understand the risk of spread from gamebirds to other commercial poultry sectors. A lower infectious dose was required to infect pheasants with H5N8-2021 compared to H5N1-2021. However, HPAIV systemic dissemination to multiple organs within pheasants was more rapid following infection with H5N1-2021 than H5N8-2021, with the former attaining generally higher viral RNA levels in tissues. Intraspecies transmission to contact pheasants was successful for both viruses and associated with viral environmental contamination, while interspecies transmission to a first chicken-contact group was also efficient. However, further onward transmission to additional chicken contacts was only achieved with H5N1-2021. Intra-partridge transmission was only successful when high-dose H5N1-2021 was administered, while partridges inoculated with H5N8-2021 failed to shed and transmit, although extensive tissue tropism was observed for both viruses. Mortalities among infected partridges featured a longer incubation period compared to that in pheasants, for both viruses. Therefore, the susceptibility of different gamebird species and pathogenicity outcomes to the ongoing H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b HPAIVs varies, but pheasants represent a greater likelihood of H5Nx HPAIV introduction into galliforme poultry settings. Consequently, viral maintenance within gamebird populations and risks to poultry species warrant enhanced investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda H Seekings
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Yuan Liang
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Caroline J Warren
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Charlotte K Hjulsager
- Department of Virus and Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Saumya S Thomas
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Fabian Z X Lean
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Alejandro Nunez
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Paul Skinner
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - David Selden
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Marco Falchieri
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Hugh Simmons
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ian H Brown
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Lars E Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Ashley C Banyard
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Marek J Slomka
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
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9
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Goletic S, Softic A, Omeragic J, Koro-Spahic A, Kapo N, Sabic E, Kasagic D, Goletic T. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1255213. [PMID: 37954666 PMCID: PMC10637570 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1255213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus continues to represent a growing problem affecting mainly birds but with an increasing number of mammal transmission events reported each year. Nevertheless, molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of influenza A viruses originating from all confirmed cases have not been systematically performed in all parts of the world. In this study, we investigated a sample originating from a mute swan that died in November 2021 in the northern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina with RT-qPCR and whole genome sequencing using ONT MinION. It was diagnosed as a highly pathogenic Influenza A virus, subtype H5N1 of 2.3.4.4b clade, and phylogenetic analysis revealed high sequence homology with other European HPAI H5N1 sequences at the time. The notable detected mutations in HA (N110S and T139P) and NA genes (H155Y), that facilitate the host specificity shift and enable the resistance to some antiviral drugs respectively, underscore the necessity of virus evolution surveillance. Therefore, the rapid dissemination of information, including virological and molecular data, is essential for the introduction of tailored prevention measures for infected animals, providing clearer insight and better awareness of a potential public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sejla Goletic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Adis Softic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jasmin Omeragic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Amira Koro-Spahic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Naida Kapo
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Emina Sabic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dragan Kasagic
- PI Veterinary Institute of the Republic of Srpska “Dr Vaso Butozan”, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Teufik Goletic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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10
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Seekings AH, Warren CJ, Thomas SS, Lean FZX, Selden D, Mollett BC, van Diemen PM, Banyard AC, Slomka MJ. Different Outcomes of Chicken Infection with UK-Origin H5N1-2020 and H5N8-2020 High-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses (Clade 2.3.4.4b). Viruses 2023; 15:1909. [PMID: 37766317 PMCID: PMC10537040 DOI: 10.3390/v15091909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of the "goose/Guangdong" lineage have caused a series of European epizootics since 2014. During autumn/winter 2020-2021, several H5Nx subtypes were detected in the UK, with H5N8 being the dominant subtype in wild birds and poultry. Despite the greater subtype diversity (due to viral neuraminidase gene reassortment) reported in wild birds, only H5N8 and H5N1 subtypes caused clade 2.3.4.4 UK HPAIV poultry outbreaks during this period. The direct inoculation of layer chickens showed that H5N8-2020 was more infectious than H5N1-2020, which supported the European H5N8 dominance during that season. However, the mean death time was longer for H5N8-2020 (3.42 days) than for H5N1-2020 (2.17 days). Transmission from directly infected to naive in-contact chickens was inefficient for both subtypes. Histological lesions, the tissue dissemination of viral antigen, and nucleic acid were more extensive and abundant and accumulated more rapidly for H5N1-2020 compared with H5N8-2020. Although inefficient, H5N1-2020 transmission was faster, with its greater virulence indicating that this subtype posed a major concern, as subsequently shown during H5N1 dominance of the clade 2.3.4.4 epizootic since autumn 2021. An evaluation of these in vivo viral characteristics is key to understanding the continuing poultry threats posed by clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx HPAIVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda H. Seekings
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Caroline J. Warren
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Saumya S. Thomas
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Fabian Z. X. Lean
- Department of Pathology and Animal Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - David Selden
- Department of Pathology and Animal Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Benjamin C. Mollett
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Pauline M. van Diemen
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ashley C. Banyard
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Swine Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Marek J. Slomka
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
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11
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Reid SM, Skinner P, Sutton D, Ross CS, Drewek K, Weremczuk N, Banyard AC, Mahmood S, Mansfield KL, Mayers J, Thomas SS, Brookes SM, Brown IH. Understanding the disease and economic impact of avirulent avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1) infection in Great Britain. Epidemiol Infect 2023; 151:e163. [PMID: 37622315 PMCID: PMC10600730 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268823001255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Newcastle disease (ND) is a notifiable disease affecting chickens and other avian species caused by virulent strains of Avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1). While outbreaks of ND can have devastating consequences, avirulent strains of APMV-1 generally cause subclinical infections or mild disease. However, viruses can cause different levels of disease in different species and virulence can evolve following cross-species transmission events. This report describes the detection of three cases of avirulent APMV-1 infection in Great Britain (GB). Case 1 emerged from the 'testing to exclude' scheme in chickens in Shropshire while cases 2 and 3 were made directly from notifiable avian disease investigations in chicken broilers in Herefordshire and on premises in Wiltshire containing ducks and mixed species, respectively). Class II/genotype I.1.1 APMV-1 from case 1 shared 99.94% identity to the Queensland V4 strain of APMV-1. Class II/genotype II APMV-1 was detected from case 2 while the class II/genotype I.2 virus from case 3 aligned closely with strains isolated from Anseriformes. Exclusion of ND through rapid detection of avirulent APMV-1 is important where clinical signs caused by avirulent or virulent APMV-1s could be ambiguous. Understanding the diversity of APMV-1s circulating in GB is critical to understanding disease threat from these adaptable viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M. Reid
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, New Haw, UK
| | - Paul Skinner
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, New Haw, UK
| | - David Sutton
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, New Haw, UK
- Qiagen, Manchester, UK
| | - Craig S. Ross
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, New Haw, UK
| | - Karolina Drewek
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, New Haw, UK
| | | | - Ashley C. Banyard
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, New Haw, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Swine Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency, New Haw, UK
| | - Sahar Mahmood
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, New Haw, UK
| | | | - Jo Mayers
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, New Haw, UK
- APHA Veterinary Investigation Centre Starcross, Exeter, UK
| | - Saumya S. Thomas
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, New Haw, UK
| | | | - Ian H. Brown
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, New Haw, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Swine Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency, New Haw, UK
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12
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Byrne AMP, James J, Mollett BC, Meyer SM, Lewis T, Czepiel M, Seekings AH, Mahmood S, Thomas SS, Ross CS, Byrne DJF, McMenamy MJ, Bailie V, Lemon K, Hansen RDE, Falchieri M, Lewis NS, Reid SM, Brown IH, Banyard AC. Investigating the Genetic Diversity of H5 Avian Influenza Viruses in the United Kingdom from 2020-2022. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0477622. [PMID: 37358418 PMCID: PMC10433820 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04776-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 2020, the United Kingdom and Europe have experienced annual epizootics of high-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV). The first epizootic, during the autumn/winter of 2020-2021, involved six H5Nx subtypes, although H5N8 HPAIV dominated in the United Kingdom. While genetic assessments of the H5N8 HPAIVs within the United Kingdom demonstrated relative homogeneity, there was a background of other genotypes circulating at a lower degree with different neuraminidase and internal genes. Following a small number of detections of H5N1 in wild birds over the summer of 2021, the autumn/winter of 2021-2022 saw another European H5 HPAIV epizootic that dwarfed the prior epizootic. This second epizootic was dominated almost exclusively by H5N1 HPAIV, although six distinct genotypes were defined. We have used genetic analysis to evaluate the emergence of different genotypes and proposed reassortment events that have been observed. The existing data suggest that the H5N1 viruses circulating in Europe during late 2020 continued to circulate in wild birds throughout 2021, with minimal adaptation, but then went on to reassort with AIVs in the wild bird population. We have undertaken an in-depth genetic assessment of H5 HPAIVs detected in the United Kingdom over two winter seasons and demonstrate the utility of in-depth genetic analyses in defining the diversity of H5 HPAIVs circulating in avian species, the potential for zoonotic risk, and whether incidents of lateral spread can be defined over independent incursions of infections from wild birds. This provides key supporting data for mitigation activities. IMPORTANCE High-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) outbreaks devastate avian species across all sectors, having both economic and ecological impacts through mortalities in poultry and wild birds, respectively. These viruses can also represent a significant zoonotic risk. Since 2020, the United Kingdom has experienced two successive outbreaks of H5 HPAIV. While H5N8 HPAIV was predominant during the 2020-2021 outbreak, other H5 subtypes were also detected. The following year, there was a shift in the subtype dominance to H5N1 HPAIV, but multiple H5N1 genotypes were detected. Through the thorough utilization of whole-genome sequencing, it was possible to track and characterize the genetic evolution of these H5 HPAIVs in United Kingdom poultry and wild birds. This enabled us to assess the risk posed by these viruses at the poultry-wild bird and the avian-human interfaces and to investigate the potential lateral spread between infected premises, a key factor in understanding the threat to the commercial sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M. P. Byrne
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Joe James
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Swine Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin C. Mollett
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie M. Meyer
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Swine Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Lewis
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Swine Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Magdalena Czepiel
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Swine Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda H. Seekings
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Sahar Mahmood
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Saumya S. Thomas
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Craig S. Ross
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic J. F. Byrne
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Valerie Bailie
- Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Ken Lemon
- Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Rowena D. E. Hansen
- Veterinary Exotics and Notifiable Disease Unit, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Falchieri
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola S. Lewis
- Department of Pathology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
- Worldwide Influenza Centre, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Scott M. Reid
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Ian H. Brown
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Swine Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley C. Banyard
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Swine Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
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13
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Slomka MJ, Reid SM, Byrne AMP, Coward VJ, Seekings J, Cooper JL, Peers-Dent J, Agyeman-Dua E, de Silva D, Hansen RDE, Banyard AC, Brown IH. Efficient and Informative Laboratory Testing for Rapid Confirmation of H5N1 (Clade 2.3.4.4) High-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Outbreaks in the United Kingdom. Viruses 2023; 15:1344. [PMID: 37376643 PMCID: PMC10304448 DOI: 10.3390/v15061344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During the early stages of the UK 2021-2022 H5N1 high-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) epizootic in commercial poultry, 12 infected premises (IPs) were confirmed by four real-time reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RRT)-PCRs, which identified the viral subtype and pathotype. An assessment was undertaken to evaluate whether a large sample throughput would challenge laboratory capacity during an exceptionally large epizootic; hence, assay performance across our test portfolio was investigated. Statistical analysis of RRT-PCR swab testing supported it to be focused on a three-test approach, featuring the matrix (M)-gene, H5 HPAIV-specific (H5-HP) and N1 RRT-PCRs, which was successfully assessed at 29 subsequent commercial IPs. The absence of nucleotide mismatches in the primer/probe binding regions for the M-gene and limited mismatches for the H5-HP RRT-PCR underlined their high sensitivity. Although less sensitive, the N1 RRT-PCR remained effective at flock level. The analyses also guided successful surveillance testing of apparently healthy commercial ducks from at-risk premises, with pools of five oropharyngeal swabs tested by the H5-HP RRT-PCR to exclude evidence of infection. Serological testing at anseriform H5N1 HPAIV outbreaks, together with quantitative comparisons of oropharyngeal and cloacal shedding, provided epidemiological information concerning the chronology of initial H5N1 HPAIV incursion and onward spread within an IP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek J. Slomka
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
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14
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Liang Y, Hjulsager CK, Seekings AH, Warren CJ, Lean FZX, Núñez A, James J, Thomas SS, Banyard AC, Slomka MJ, Brown IH, Larsen LE. Pathogenesis and infection dynamics of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N6 (clade 2.3.4.4b) in pheasants and onward transmission to chickens. Virology 2022; 577:138-148. [PMID: 36371872 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.10.009] [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] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses clade 2.3.4.4 H5 have spread among wild birds worldwide during recent years causing annual die-offs among wild birds and outbreaks in poultry in multiple European countries. The outbreaks significantly impact the poultry and game bird sectors. Infected game birds may act as a bridging species potentially enabling spread of virus into commercial and backyard premises. In this study, the pathogenesis and transmission of a HPAIV clade 2.3.4.4b H5N6 virus was investigated in pheasants and chickens. Efficient virus transmission was detected between pheasants over multiple rounds of naïve pheasant introductions and onwards to chickens. Mortality of up to 100% was observed for both infected pheasants and chickens. Intra-species transmission from chicken to chicken was less efficient. The study confirmed that clade 2.3.4.4b H5N6 HPAIV is highly virulent in pheasants and emphasises the role of pheasants as a bridging host for the infection of commercial poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liang
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Charlotte K Hjulsager
- Department of Virus and Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Amanda H Seekings
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Caroline J Warren
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Fabian Z X Lean
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Alejandro Núñez
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Joe James
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Saumya S Thomas
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ashley C Banyard
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Marek J Slomka
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ian H Brown
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Lars E Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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15
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The Origin of Internal Genes Contributes to the Replication and Transmission Fitness of H7N9 Avian Influenza Virus. J Virol 2022; 96:e0129022. [PMID: 36342296 PMCID: PMC9683025 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01290-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have donated internal gene segments during the emergence of zoonotic AIVs, including H7N9. We used reverse genetics to generate A/Anhui/1/13 (H7N9) and three reassortant viruses (2:6 H7N9) which contained the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase from Anhui/13 (H7N9) and the six internal gene segments from H9N2 AIVs belonging to (i) G1 subgroup 2, (ii) G1 subgroup 3, or (iii) BJ94 lineages, enzootic in different regions throughout Asia. Infection of chickens with the 2:6 H7N9 containing G1-like H9N2 internal genes conferred attenuation in vivo, with reduced shedding and transmission to contact chickens. However, possession of BJ94-like H9N2 internal genes resulted in more rapid transmission and significantly elevated cloacal shedding compared to the parental Anhui/13 H7N9. In vitro analysis showed that the 2:6 H7N9 with BJ94-like internal genes had significantly increased replication compared to the Anhui/13 H7N9 in chicken cells. In vivo coinfection experiments followed, where chickens were coinfected with pairs of Anhui/13 H7N9 and a 2:6 H7N9 reassortant. During ensuing transmission events, the Anhui/13 H7N9 virus outcompeted 2:6 H7N9 AIVs with internal gene segments of BJ94-like or G1-like H9N2 viruses. Coinfection did lead to the emergence of novel reassortant genotypes that were transmitted to contact chickens. Some of the reassortant viruses had a greater replication in chicken and human cells compared to the progenitors. We demonstrated that the internal gene cassette determines the transmission fitness of H7N9 viruses in chickens, and the reassortment events can generate novel H7N9 genotypes with increased virulence in chickens and enhanced zoonotic potential. IMPORTANCE H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are enzootic in poultry in different geographical regions. The internal genes of these viruses can be exchanged with other zoonotic AIVs, most notably the A/Anhui/1/2013-lineage H7N9, which can give rise to new virus genotypes with increased veterinary, economic and public health threats to both poultry and humans. We investigated the propensity of the internal genes of H9N2 viruses (G1 or BJ94) in the generation of novel reassortant H7N9 AIVs. We observed that the internal genes of H7N9 which were derivative of BJ94-like H9N2 virus have a fitness advantage compared to those from the G1-like H9N2 viruses for efficient transmission among chickens. We also observed the generation of novel reassortant viruses during chicken transmission which infected and replicated efficiently in human cells. Therefore, such emergent reassortant genotypes may pose an elevated zoonotic threat.
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16
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Letsholo SL, James J, Meyer SM, Byrne AMP, Reid SM, Settypalli TBK, Datta S, Oarabile L, Kemolatlhe O, Pebe KT, Mafonko BR, Kgotlele TJ, Kumile K, Modise B, Thanda C, Nyange JFC, Marobela-Raborokgwe C, Cattoli G, Lamien CE, Brown IH, Dundon WG, Banyard AC. Emergence of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b in Wild Birds and Poultry in Botswana. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122601. [PMID: 36560605 PMCID: PMC9788244 DOI: 10.3390/v14122601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous outbreaks of high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) were reported during 2020-2021. In Africa, H5Nx has been detected in Benin, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Senegal, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa in both wild birds and poultry. Botswana reported its first outbreak of HPAI to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in 2021. An H5N1 virus was detected in a fish eagle, doves, and chickens. Full genome sequence analysis revealed that the virus belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b and showed high identity within haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase proteins (NA) for viruses identified across a geographically broad range of locations. The detection of H5N1 in Botswana has important implications for disease management, wild bird conservation, tourism, public health, economic empowerment of vulnerable communities and food security in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Letsholo
- Botswana National Veterinary Laboratory (BNVL), Private Bag 0035, Gaborone, Botswana
- Correspondence: (S.L.L.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Joe James
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)—Woodham Ln, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Stephanie M. Meyer
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)—Woodham Ln, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | | | - Scott M. Reid
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)—Woodham Ln, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Tirumala B. K. Settypalli
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory (APHL), United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)/International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratory, IAEA Laboratories, Friedenstrasse 1, 2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Sneha Datta
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory (APHL), United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)/International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratory, IAEA Laboratories, Friedenstrasse 1, 2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Letlhogile Oarabile
- Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Private Bag 0032, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Obakeng Kemolatlhe
- Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Private Bag 0032, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kgakgamatso T. Pebe
- Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Private Bag 0032, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Bruce R. Mafonko
- Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Private Bag 0032, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Tebogo J. Kgotlele
- Botswana National Veterinary Laboratory (BNVL), Private Bag 0035, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kago Kumile
- Botswana National Veterinary Laboratory (BNVL), Private Bag 0035, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Boitumelo Modise
- Botswana National Veterinary Laboratory (BNVL), Private Bag 0035, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Carter Thanda
- Botswana National Veterinary Laboratory (BNVL), Private Bag 0035, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - John F. C. Nyange
- Botswana National Veterinary Laboratory (BNVL), Private Bag 0035, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Giovanni Cattoli
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory (APHL), United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)/International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratory, IAEA Laboratories, Friedenstrasse 1, 2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Charles E. Lamien
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory (APHL), United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)/International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratory, IAEA Laboratories, Friedenstrasse 1, 2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Ian H. Brown
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)—Woodham Ln, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - William G. Dundon
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory (APHL), United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)/International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratory, IAEA Laboratories, Friedenstrasse 1, 2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Ashley C. Banyard
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)—Woodham Ln, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- Correspondence: (S.L.L.); (A.C.B.)
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Emergence of a Reassortant 2.3.4.4b Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus Containing H9N2 PA Gene in Burkina Faso, West Africa, in 2021. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091901. [PMID: 36146708 PMCID: PMC9504354 DOI: 10.3390/v14091901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2006, the poultry population in Burkina Faso has been seriously hit by different waves of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 epizootics. In December 2021, three distinct regions of Burkina Faso, namely, Gomboussougou, Bonyollo, and Koubri, detected HPAI H5N1 viruses in poultry. Whole genome characterization and statistical phylogenetic approaches were applied to shed light on the potential origin of these viruses and estimate the time of virus emergence. Our results revealed that the HPAI H5N1 viruses reported in the three affected regions of Burkina Faso cluster together within clade 2.3.4.4b, and are closely related to HPAI H5N1 viruses identified in Nigeria and Niger in the period 2021–2022, except for the PA gene, which clusters with H9N2 viruses of the zoonotic G1 lineage collected in West Africa between 2017 and 2020. These reassortant viruses possess several mutations that may be associated with an increased zoonotic potential. Although it is difficult to ascertain where and when the reassortment event occurred, the emergence of a H5N1/H9N2 reassortant virus in a vulnerable region, such as West Africa, raises concerns about its possible impact on animal and human health. These findings also highlight the risk that West Africa may become a new hotspot for the emergence of new genotypes of HPAI viruses.
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Grant M, Bröjer C, Zohari S, Nöremark M, Uhlhorn H, Jansson DS. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5Nx, Clade 2.3.4.4.b) in Poultry and Wild Birds in Sweden: Synopsis of the 2020-2021 Season. Vet Sci 2022; 9:344. [PMID: 35878361 PMCID: PMC9318561 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI, Gs/Gd lineage) was introduced to Europe in 2005 and has since caused numerous outbreaks in birds. The 2020-2021 season was the hitherto most devastating when considering bird numbers and duration in Europe. Surveillance data, virologic results and epidemiologic investigations from the 2020-2021 outbreaks in Sweden were analysed. Subtypes H5N8 and H5N5 were detected on 24 farms with poultry or other captive birds. In wild birds, subtypes H5N8, H5N5, H5N1, H5N4, H5Nx were detected in 130 out of 811 sampled birds. There was a spatiotemporal association between cases in wild birds and poultry. Based on phylogeny and epidemiology, most of the introductions of HPAI to commercial poultry were likely a result of indirect contact with wild birds. A definite route of introduction to poultry could not be established although some biosecurity breaches were observed. No spread between farms was identified but airborne spread between flocks on the same farm was suspected. Our findings exemplify the challenges posed by the continuously changing influenza viruses that seem to adapt to a broader species spectrum. This points to the importance of wild bird surveillance, compliance to biosecurity, and identification of risk factors for introduction on poultry farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Grant
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, 751 89 Uppsala, Sweden; (M.G.); (M.N.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Caroline Bröjer
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute, 751 89 Uppsala, Sweden; (C.B.); (H.U.)
| | - Siamak Zohari
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute, 751 89 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Maria Nöremark
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, 751 89 Uppsala, Sweden; (M.G.); (M.N.)
| | - Henrik Uhlhorn
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute, 751 89 Uppsala, Sweden; (C.B.); (H.U.)
| | - Désirée S. Jansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, National Veterinary Institute, 751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
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19
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Al-Dalawi L, Dunham SP, Rauch C. Lipid biophysics and/or soft matter-inspired approach for controlling enveloped virus infectivity. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20210943. [PMID: 35414213 PMCID: PMC9006039 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Proven as a natural barrier against viral infection, pulmonary surfactant phospholipids have a biophysical and immunological role within the respiratory system, acting against microorganisms including viruses. Enveloped viruses have, in common, an outer bilayer membrane that forms the underlying structure for viral membrane proteins to function in an optimal way to ensure infectivity. Perturbating the membrane of viruses using exogenous lipids can be envisioned as a generic way to reduce their infectivity. In this context, the potential of exogenous lipids to be used against enveloped virus infectivity would be indicated by the resulting physical stress imposed to the viral membrane, and conical lipids, i.e. lyso-lipids, would be expected to generate stronger biophysical disturbances. We confirm that when treated with lyso-lipids the infectivity three strains of influenza virus (avian H2N3, equine H3N8 or pandemic human influenza H1N1) is reduced by up to 99% in a cell-based model. By contrast, lipids with a similar head group but two aliphatic chains were less effective (reducing infection by only 40–50%). This work opens a new path to merge concepts from different research fields, i.e. ‘soft matter physics' and virology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamyaa Al-Dalawi
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, College Road, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Stephen P Dunham
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, College Road, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Cyril Rauch
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, College Road, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
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20
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Coinfection of Chickens with H9N2 and H7N9 Avian Influenza Viruses Leads to Emergence of Reassortant H9N9 Virus with Increased Fitness for Poultry and a Zoonotic Potential. J Virol 2022; 96:e0185621. [PMID: 35019727 PMCID: PMC8906417 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01856-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
An H7N9 low-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV) emerged in 2013 through genetic reassortment between H9N2 and other LPAIVs circulating in birds in China. This virus causes inapparent clinical disease in chickens, but zoonotic transmission results in severe and fatal disease in humans. To examine a natural reassortment scenario between H7N9 and G1 lineage H9N2 viruses predominant in the Indian subcontinent, we performed an experimental coinfection of chickens with A/Anhui/1/2013/H7N9 (Anhui/13) virus and A/Chicken/Pakistan/UDL-01/2008/H9N2 (UDL/08) virus. Plaque purification and genotyping of the reassortant viruses shed via the oropharynx of contact chickens showed H9N2 and H9N9 as predominant subtypes. The reassortant viruses shed by contact chickens also showed selective enrichment of polymerase genes from H9N2 virus. The viable "6+2" reassortant H9N9 (having nucleoprotein [NP] and neuraminidase [NA] from H7N9 and the remaining genes from H9N2) was successfully shed from the oropharynx of contact chickens, plus it showed an increased replication rate in human A549 cells and a significantly higher receptor binding to α2,6 and α2,3 sialoglycans compared to H9N2. The reassortant H9N9 virus also had a lower fusion pH, replicated in directly infected ferrets at similar levels compared to H7N9 and transmitted via direct contact. Ferrets exposed to H9N9 via aerosol contact were also found to be seropositive, compared to H7N9 aerosol contact ferrets. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that cocirculation of H7N9 and G1 lineage H9N2 viruses could represent a threat for the generation of novel reassortant H9N9 viruses with greater virulence in poultry and a zoonotic potential. IMPORTANCE We evaluated the consequences of reassortment between the H7N9 and the contemporary H9N2 viruses of the G1 lineage that are enzootic in poultry across the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. Coinfection of chickens with these viruses resulted in the emergence of novel reassortant H9N9 viruses with genes derived from both H9N2 and H7N9 viruses. The "6+2" reassortant H9N9 (having NP and NA from H7N9) virus was shed from contact chickens in a significantly higher proportion compared to most of the reassortant viruses, showed significantly increased replication fitness in human A549 cells, receptor binding toward human (α2,6) and avian (α2,3) sialic acid receptor analogues, and the potential to transmit via contact among ferrets. This study demonstrated the ability of viruses that already exist in nature to exchange genetic material, highlighting the potential emergence of viruses from these subtypes with zoonotic potential.
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21
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Abstract
The 2016–17 European outbreak of H5N8 HPAIV (Clade 2.3.4.4b) affected a wider range of avian species than the previous H5N8 outbreak (2014–15), including an incursion of H5N8 HPAIV into gamebirds in England. Natural infection of captive-reared pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) led to variable disease presentation; clinical signs included ruffled feathers, reluctance to move, bright green faeces, and/or sudden mortality. Several birds exhibited neurological signs (nystagmus, torticollis, ataxia). Birds exhibiting even mild clinical signs maintained substantial levels of virus replication and shedding, with preferential shedding via the oropharyngeal route. Gross pathology was consistent with HPAIV, in gallinaceous species but diphtheroid plaques in oropharyngeal mucosa associated with necrotising stomatitis were novel but consistent findings. However, minimal or modest microscopic pathological lesions were detected despite the systemic dissemination of the virus. Serology results indicated differences in the timeframe of exposure for each case (n = 3). This supported epidemiological conclusions confirming that the movement of birds between sites and other standard husbandry practices with limited hygiene involved in pheasant rearing (including several fomite pathways) contributed to virus spread between premises.
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22
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Rapid and sensitive detection of high pathogenicity Eurasian clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses in wild birds and poultry. J Virol Methods 2022; 301:114454. [PMID: 34998830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2022.114454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Avian influenza virus (AIV) is classified as high or low pathogenicity AIV (HPAIV/LPAIV) based on intravenous pathogenicity in chickens and/or the presence or absence of multiple basic residues at the heamagglutinin (HA) cleavage site (CS). Since 2014, Europe has experienced waves of incursions of H5Nx HPAIV. Between November 2020 and March 2021, these included HPAIV H5N8, with sporadic of H5N1 and H5N5 (all clade 2.3.4.4b), detected in more than 300 "found dead" wild birds submitted through a passive surveillance programme in the United Kingdom. Currently, H5Nx HPAIV detection relies on identification of AIV RNA and H5 subtyping using real-time reverse transcription PCR (rRT-PCR) assays. The pathotype is subsequently determined by Sanger sequencing of the HA CS. Here, we report the validation and application of a rapid, more cost-effective HP H5-detection rRT-PCR assay. The HP H5 rRT-PCR assay specifically, sensitively and reproducibly detected RNA from contemporary clade 2.3.4.4b H5 HPAIVs with comparable sensitivity to the diagnostic H5-specific rRT-PCR; LPAIV H5 RNA and non-AIV RNA were not detected. On material from "found-dead" wild birds, and for statutory disease diagnosis on poultry, the HP H5 rRT-PCR results provided 100% discrimination when compared to conventional CS sequencing, significantly reducing time-to-pathotype determination and cost, enhancing the diagnostic workflow.
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Ripa RN, Sealy JE, Raghwani J, Das T, Barua H, Masuduzzaman M, Saifuddin A, Huq MR, Uddin MI, Iqbal M, Brown I, Lewis NS, Pfeiffer D, Fournie G, Biswas PK. Molecular epidemiology and pathogenicity of H5N1 and H9N2 avian influenza viruses in clinically affected chickens on farms in Bangladesh. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:2223-2234. [PMID: 34753400 PMCID: PMC8635652 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.2004865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Avian influenza virus (AIV) subtypes H5N1 and H9N2 co-circulate in poultry in Bangladesh, causing significant bird morbidity and mortality. Despite their importance to the poultry value chain, the role of farms in spreading and maintaining AIV infections remains poorly understood in most disease-endemic settings. To address this crucial gap in our knowledge, we conducted a cross-sectional study between 2017 and 2019 in the Chattogram Division of Bangladesh in clinically affected and dead chickens in farms with suspected AIV infection. Viral prevalence of each subtype was approximately 10% among farms for which veterinary advice was sought, indicating a high level of virus circulation in chicken farms despite the low number of reported outbreaks. The level of co-circulation of both subtypes on farms was high, with our study suggesting that in the field, the co-circulation of H5N1 and H9N2 can modulate disease severity, which could facilitate an underestimated level of AIV transmission in the poultry value chain. Finally, using newly generated whole-genome sequences, we investigate the evolutionary history of a small subset of H5N1 and H9N2 viruses. Our analyses revealed that for both subtypes, the sampled viruses were genetically most closely related to other viruses isolated in Bangladesh and represented multiple independent incursions. However, due to lack of longitudinal surveillance in this region, it is difficult to ascertain whether these viruses emerged from endemic strains circulating in Bangladesh or from neighbouring countries. We also show that amino acids at putative antigenic residues underwent a distinct replacement during 2012 which coincides with the use of H5N1 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ripatun Nahar Ripa
- Department of Microbiology and Veterinary Public Health, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Joshua E Sealy
- Avian influenza viruses group, the Pirbright institute, Ash road, Pirbright, Woking, GU24 0NF, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tridip Das
- Poultry Research and Training Centre, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Himel Barua
- Department of Microbiology and Veterinary Public Health, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md Masuduzzaman
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Akm Saifuddin
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md Reajul Huq
- District Livestock Office, Chattogram, Department of Livestock Services, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Inkeyas Uddin
- Poultry Research and Training Centre, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Munir Iqbal
- Avian influenza viruses group, the Pirbright institute, Ash road, Pirbright, Woking, GU24 0NF, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Brown
- Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham lane, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola S Lewis
- The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead lane, Brookmans park, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom.,Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham lane, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Dirk Pfeiffer
- Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Guillaume Fournie
- The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead lane, Brookmans park, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Paritosh Kumar Biswas
- Department of Microbiology and Veterinary Public Health, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
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Sealy JE, Howard WA, Molesti E, Iqbal M, Temperton NJ, Banks J, Slomka MJ, Barclay WS, Long JS. Amino acid substitutions in the H5N1 avian influenza haemagglutinin alter pH of fusion and receptor binding to promote a highly pathogenic phenotype in chickens. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34726594 PMCID: PMC8742987 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses cause devastating outbreaks in farmed poultry with serious consequences for animal welfare and economic losses. Zoonotic infection of humans through close contact with H5N1 infected birds is often severe and fatal. England experienced an outbreak of H5N1 in turkeys in 1991 that led to thousands of farmed bird mortalities. Isolation of clonal populations of one such virus from this outbreak uncovered amino acid differences in the virus haemagglutinin (HA) gene whereby the different genotypes could be associated with distinct pathogenic outcomes in chickens; both low pathogenic (LP) and high pathogenic (HP) phenotypes could be observed despite all containing a multi-basic cleavage site (MBCS) in the HA gene. Using reverse genetics, three amino acid substitutions in HA were examined for their ability to affect pathogenesis in the chicken. Restoration of amino acid polymorphisms close to the receptor binding site that are commonly found in H5 viruses only partially improved viral fitness in vitro and in vivo. A third novel substitution in the fusion peptide, HA2G4R, enabled the HP phenotype. HA2G4R decreased the pH stability of HA and increased the pH of HA fusion. The substitutions close to the receptor binding site optimised receptor binding while modulating the pH of HA fusion. Importantly, this study revealed pathogenic determinants beyond the MBCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua E Sealy
- Avian Influenza Group, The Pirbright Institute, Woking, GU24 0NF, UK
| | - Wendy A Howard
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Eleonora Molesti
- Viral Pseudotype Unit, Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, UK.,VisMederi Research S.r.l., Siena, Italy
| | - Munir Iqbal
- Avian Influenza Group, The Pirbright Institute, Woking, GU24 0NF, UK
| | - Nigel J Temperton
- Viral Pseudotype Unit, Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, UK
| | - Jill Banks
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Marek J Slomka
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Wendy S Barclay
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Jason S Long
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK.,Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, London W2 1NY, UK.,Division of Virology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar EN6 3QG, UK
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25
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Floyd T, Banyard AC, Lean FZX, Byrne AMP, Fullick E, Whittard E, Mollett BC, Bexton S, Swinson V, Macrelli M, Lewis NS, Reid SM, Núñez A, Duff JP, Hansen R, Brown IH. Encephalitis and Death in Wild Mammals at a Rehabilitation Center after Infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N8) Virus, United Kingdom. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2856-2863. [PMID: 34670647 PMCID: PMC8544989 DOI: 10.3201/eid2711.211225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a disease and mortality event involving swans, seals, and a fox at a wildlife rehabilitation center in the United Kingdom during late 2020. Five swans had onset of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection while in captivity. Subsequently, 5 seals and a fox died (or were euthanized) after onset of clinical disease. Avian-origin influenza A virus subtype H5N8 was retrospectively determined as the cause of disease. Infection in the seals manifested as seizures, and immunohistochemical and molecular testing on postmortem samples detected a neurologic distribution of viral products. The fox died overnight after sudden onset of inappetence, and postmortem tissues revealed neurologic and respiratory distribution of viral products. Live virus was isolated from the swans, seals, and the fox, and a single genetic change was detected as a potential adaptive mutation in the mammalian-derived viral sequences. No human influenza-like illness was reported in the weeks after the event.
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Gobbo F, Fornasiero D, De Marco MA, Zecchin B, Mulatti P, Delogu M, Terregino C. Active Surveillance for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses in Wintering Waterbirds in Northeast Italy, 2020-2021. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2188. [PMID: 34835314 PMCID: PMC8621713 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing involvement of wild waterfowl in H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV) circulation continues to pose a threat to animal and public health worldwide. In winter 2020-2021, two field surveillance activities were carried out on a weekly basis, through virological and serological analyses, in 823 hunted and 521 trapped migratory aquatic birds in northeast Italy. Sixty Eurasian teals were recaptured several times, which allowed us to follow the progression of the HPAI H5 infection in naturally infected wild waterfowl. Oropharyngeal, cloacal, and feather swabs (OS, CS and FS) were collected from each duck and tested by real time rRT-PCR Type A influenza. The identified viruses were characterized and pathotyped by sequencing. Several viruses belonging to three different HPAI H5 subtypes were detected: H5N8, H5N5, and H5N1. High prevalence of infection with HPAI H5 clade 2.3.4.4b during November-December 2020 (up to 27.1%) was observed in captured Eurasian teals, while infection rates in hunted dabbling ducks, mainly Eurasian wigeons, showed the highest prevalence of infection in November 2020 (8.9%) and January 2021 (10.2%). All HPAI positive birds were also clinically healthy when recaptured weeks apart. The OS and FS showed the highest detection efficiency of HPAIV. Our results highlight that HPAI passive surveillance should be complemented by a targeted active surveillance to more efficiently detect novel HPAI viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Gobbo
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Division, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (F.G.); (B.Z.)
| | - Diletta Fornasiero
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory of Epidemiological Surveillance and Veterinary Legislation, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (D.F.); (P.M.)
| | | | - Bianca Zecchin
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Division, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (F.G.); (B.Z.)
| | - Paolo Mulatti
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory of Epidemiological Surveillance and Veterinary Legislation, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (D.F.); (P.M.)
| | - Mauro Delogu
- Wildlife and Exotic Animal Service, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy;
| | - Calogero Terregino
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Division, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (F.G.); (B.Z.)
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Elsayed M, Arafa A, Abdelwahab S, Hashish A, Youssef A. Novel reassortant of H9N2 avian influenza viruses isolated from chickens and quails in Egypt. Vet World 2021; 14:2142-2149. [PMID: 34566332 PMCID: PMC8448633 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2142-2149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Poultry infections with H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are endemic in Egypt. This study determined the genetic changes in the sequences of H9N2 AIVs isolated from chicken and quails in Egypt, including determining genetic reassortment and detecting the main genetic changes in hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes. Materials and Methods: Swab samples were collected from chicken and quails, examined through reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and AIVs from positive samples were isolated in embryonated chicken eggs. Complete genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were conducted for two H9N2 AIV isolates, and sequences of HA and NA gene segments were analyzed in another two isolates. Results: A novel reassortant virus was identified from a commercial chicken flock (A/chicken/Egypt/374V/2016) and quails from a live bird market (A/quail/Egypt/1253V/2016). The reassortant viruses acquired four genome segments from the classic Egyptian H9N2 viruses (HA, NA, NP, and M) and four segments from Eurasian AIVs (PB2, PB1, PA, and NS). Many genetic changes have been demonstrated in HA and NA genes. The isolated novel reassortant H9N2 virus from quails showed amino acid mutations in the antigenic sites on the globular head of the mature HA monomer matched with the parent Egyptian H9N2 virus. Conclusion: This work described the genetic characterization of a novel reassortment of the H9N2 virus in Egypt. The emergence of new reassorted AIV viruses and genome variability raises the concern of an influenza pandemic with zoonotic potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moataz Elsayed
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, P.O. Box 264, Dokki, Giza 12618, Egypt
| | - AbdelSatar Arafa
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, P.O. Box 264, Dokki, Giza 12618, Egypt
| | - Shahira Abdelwahab
- Department of Virology, Faculty of veterinary medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Amro Hashish
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, P.O. Box 264, Dokki, Giza 12618, Egypt.,Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Ahmed Youssef
- Animal Hygiene and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
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Lean FZX, Núñez A, Banyard AC, Reid SM, Brown IH, Hansen RDE. Gross pathology associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 and H5N1 in naturally infected birds in the UK (2020-2021). Vet Rec 2021; 190:e731. [PMID: 34310721 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple outbreaks with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses, including H5N8 and H5N1, have occurred in the United Kingdom, as well as in other European countries, since late 2020. METHODS This report describes the pathology among poultry species (chickens, turkeys, ducks, and pheasants) and captive birds (Black Swans, a whistling duck and peregrine falcons) naturally infected with HPAIV from 22 cases of HPAIV H5N8 and two cases of HPAIV H5N1 outbreaks investigated between October 2020 and April 2021. RESULTS On gross examination, pancreatic necrosis was easily identified and most commonly observed in galliformes infected with both subtypes of HPAIV but rarely in anseriformes. In addition, splenic necrosis was also frequently observed in chickens and turkeys infected with HPAIV H5N8. Other less common lesions included cardiac petechiae, serosal haemorrhages and ascites in a variety of species. CONCLUSION Given the widespread dissemination of HPAIV infection in susceptible avian species during autumn/winter 2020-2021, these data, when evaluated along with clinical information, is a valuable first step for both veterinarians and field services to evaluate gross pathology at post-mortem to support the diagnosis of HPAIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Z X Lean
- Department of Pathology and Animal Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Alejandro Núñez
- Department of Pathology and Animal Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Ashley C Banyard
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Scott M Reid
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Ian H Brown
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Rowena D E Hansen
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey, UK
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Liang Y, Krog JS, Ryt-Hansen P, Pedersen AG, Kvisgaard LK, Holm E, Nielsen PD, Hammer AS, Madsen JJ, Thorup K, Larsen LE, Hjulsager CK. Molecular Characterization of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses H5N6 Detected in Denmark in 2018-2019. Viruses 2021; 13:1052. [PMID: 34199456 PMCID: PMC8226499 DOI: 10.3390/v13061052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Beginning in late 2017, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N6 viruses caused outbreaks in wild birds and poultry in several European countries. H5N6 viruses were detected in 43 wild birds found dead throughout Denmark. Most of the Danish virus-positive dead birds were found in the period from February to April 2018. However, unlike the rest of Europe, sporadic HPAI H5N6-positive dead wild birds were detected in Denmark in July, August, September, and December 2018, with the last positive bird being found in January 2019. HPAI viruses were not detected in active surveillance of apparently healthy wild birds. In this study, we use full genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to investigate the wild bird HPAI H5N6 viruses found in Denmark. The Danish viruses were found to be closely related to those of contemporary HPAI H5N6 viruses detected in Europe. Their sequences formed two clusters indicating that at least two or more introductions of H5N6 into Denmark occurred. Notably, all viruses detected in the latter half of 2018 and in 2019 grouped into the same cluster. The H5N6 viruses appeared to have been maintained undetected in the autumn 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liang
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (Y.L.); (P.R.-H.); (L.K.K.); (A.S.H.); (L.E.L.)
| | - Jesper Schak Krog
- Department of Virus and Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark; (J.S.K.); (E.H.)
| | - Pia Ryt-Hansen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (Y.L.); (P.R.-H.); (L.K.K.); (A.S.H.); (L.E.L.)
| | - Anders Gorm Pedersen
- DTU Health Tech, Bioinformatics, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Lise Kirstine Kvisgaard
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (Y.L.); (P.R.-H.); (L.K.K.); (A.S.H.); (L.E.L.)
| | - Elisabeth Holm
- Department of Virus and Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark; (J.S.K.); (E.H.)
| | - Pernille Dahl Nielsen
- Animal Health Division, Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark;
| | - Anne Sofie Hammer
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (Y.L.); (P.R.-H.); (L.K.K.); (A.S.H.); (L.E.L.)
| | | | - Kasper Thorup
- GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, 1350 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Lars Erik Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (Y.L.); (P.R.-H.); (L.K.K.); (A.S.H.); (L.E.L.)
| | - Charlotte Kristiane Hjulsager
- Department of Virus and Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark; (J.S.K.); (E.H.)
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Seekings AH, Warren CJ, Thomas SS, Mahmood S, James J, Byrne AMP, Watson S, Bianco C, Nunez A, Brown IH, Brookes SM, Slomka MJ. Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N6 (clade 2.3.4.4b) has a preferable host tropism for waterfowl reflected in its inefficient transmission to terrestrial poultry. Virology 2021; 559:74-85. [PMID: 33839461 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Highly-pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N6 (clade 2.3.4.4b) incurred into Europe in late 2017 and was predominantly detected in wild birds, with very few terrestrial poultry cases. Pekin ducks directly-infected with a UK virus (H5N6-2017) were donors of infection to investigate contact transmission to three recipient species: Ducks, chickens and turkeys. H5N6-2017 transmission to ducks was 100% efficient, but transmission to in-contact galliforme species was infrequent and unpredictable, thereby reflecting the European 2017-2018 H5N6 epidemiology. Although only two of 28 (7%) infected ducks died, the six turkeys and one chicken which became infected all died and displayed systemic H5N6-2017 dissemination, while pathogenesis in ducks was generally milder. Analysis of H5N6-2017 progeny in the contacts revealed no emergent polymorphisms in an infected duck, but the galliforme species included changes in the polymerase (PB2 A199T, PA D347A), matrix (M1 T218A) and neuraminidase genes (T88I). H5N6-2017 environmental contamination was associated with duck shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Seekings
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - C J Warren
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - S S Thomas
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - S Mahmood
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - J James
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - A M P Byrne
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - S Watson
- Animal Sciences Unit, APHA-Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - C Bianco
- Pathology Department, APHA-Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - A Nunez
- Pathology Department, APHA-Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - I H Brown
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - S M Brookes
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - M J Slomka
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK.
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H7N7 Avian Influenza Virus Mutation from Low to High Pathogenicity on a Layer Chicken Farm in the UK. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020259. [PMID: 33567525 PMCID: PMC7914596 DOI: 10.3390/v13020259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza virus (AIV) subtypes H5 and H7 are capable of mutating from low to high pathogenicity strains, causing high mortality in poultry with significant economic losses globally. During 2015, two outbreaks of H7N7 low pathogenicity AIV (LPAIV) in Germany, and one each in the United Kingdom (UK) and The Netherlands occurred, as well as single outbreaks of H7N7 high pathogenicity AIV (HPAIV) in Germany and the UK. Both HPAIV outbreaks were linked to precursor H7N7 LPAIV outbreaks on the same or adjacent premises. Herein, we describe the clinical, epidemiological, and virological investigations for the H7N7 UK HPAIV outbreak on a farm with layer chickens in mixed free-range and caged units. H7N7 HPAIV was identified and isolated from clinical samples, as well as H7N7 LPAIV, which could not be isolated. Using serological and molecular evidence, we postulate how the viruses spread throughout the premises, indicating potential points of incursion and possible locations for the mutation event. Serological and mortality data suggested that the LPAIV infection preceded the HPAIV infection and afforded some clinical protection against the HPAIV. These results document the identification of a LPAIV to HPAIV mutation in nature, providing insights into factors that drive its manifestation during outbreaks.
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A universal RT-qPCR assay for "One Health" detection of influenza A viruses. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244669. [PMID: 33471840 PMCID: PMC7817021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The mutual dependence of human and animal health is central to the One Health initiative as an integrated strategy for infectious disease control and management. A crucial element of the One Health includes preparation and response to influenza A virus (IAV) threats at the human-animal interface. The IAVs are characterized by extensive genetic variability, they circulate among different hosts and can establish host-specific lineages. The four main hosts are: avian, swine, human and equine, with occasional transmission to other mammalian species. The host diversity is mirrored in the range of the RT-qPCR assays for IAV detection. Different assays are recommended by the responsible health authorities for generic IAV detection in birds, swine or humans. In order to unify IAV monitoring in different hosts and apply the One Health approach, we developed a single RT-qPCR assay for universal detection of all IAVs of all subtypes, species origin and global distribution. The assay design was centred on a highly conserved region of the IAV matrix protein (MP)-segment identified by a comprehensive analysis of 99,353 sequences. The reaction parameters were effectively optimised with efficiency of 93–97% and LOD95% of approximately ten IAV templates per reaction. The assay showed high repeatability, reproducibility and robustness. The extensive in silico evaluation demonstrated high inclusivity, i.e. perfect sequence match in the primers and probe binding regions, established as 94.6% for swine, 98.2% for avian and 100% for human H3N2, pandemic H1N1, as well as other IAV strains, resulting in an overall predicted detection rate of 99% on the analysed dataset. The theoretical predictions were confirmed and extensively validated by collaboration between six veterinary or human diagnostic laboratories on a total of 1970 specimens, of which 1455 were clinical and included a diverse panel of IAV strains.
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Qin Z, Peng R, Baravik IK, Liu X. Fighting COVID-19: Integrated Micro- and Nanosystems for Viral Infection Diagnostics. MATTER 2020; 3:628-651. [PMID: 32838297 PMCID: PMC7346839 DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2020.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) highlights the importance of rapid and sensitive diagnostics of viral infection that enables the efficient tracing of cases and the implementation of public health measures for disease containment. The immediate actions from both academia and industry have led to the development of many COVID-19 diagnostic systems that have secured fast-track regulatory approvals and have been serving our healthcare frontlines since the early stage of the pandemic. On diagnostic technologies, many of these clinically validated systems have significantly benefited from the recent advances in micro- and nanotechnologies in terms of platform design, analytical method, and system integration and miniaturization. The continued development of new diagnostic platforms integrating micro- and nanocomponents will address some of the shortcomings we have witnessed in the existing COVID-19 diagnostic systems. This Perspective reviews the previous and ongoing research efforts on developing integrated micro- and nanosystems for nucleic acid-based virus detection, and highlights promising technologies that could provide better solutions for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and other viral infectious diseases. With the summary and outlook of this rapidly evolving research field, we hope to inspire more research and development activities to better prepare our society for future public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Qin
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Ran Peng
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Ilina Kolker Baravik
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
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Seekings AH, Howard WA, Nuñéz A, Slomka MJ, Banyard AC, Hicks D, Ellis RJ, Nuñéz-García J, Hartgroves LC, Barclay WS, Banks J, Brown IH. The Emergence of H7N7 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus from Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus Using an in ovo Embryo Culture Model. Viruses 2020; 12:v12090920. [PMID: 32839404 PMCID: PMC7552004 DOI: 10.3390/v12090920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) often result in the infection of millions of poultry, causing up to 100% mortality. HPAIV has been shown to emerge from low pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV) in field outbreaks. Direct evidence for the emergence of H7N7 HPAIV from a LPAIV precursor with a rare di-basic cleavage site (DBCS) was identified in the UK in 2008. The DBCS contained an additional basic amino acid compared to commonly circulating LPAIVs that harbor a single-basic amino acid at the cleavage site (SBCS). Using reverse genetics, outbreak HPAIVs were rescued with a DBCS (H7N7DB), as seen in the LPAIV precursor or an SBCS representative of common H7 LPAIVs (H7N7SB). Passage of H7N7DB in chicken embryo tissues showed spontaneous evolution to a HPAIV. In contrast, deep sequencing of extracts from embryo tissues in which H7N7SB was serially passaged showed retention of the LPAIV genotype. Thus, in chicken embryos, an H7N7 virus containing a DBCS appears naturally unstable, enabling rapid evolution to HPAIV. Evaluation in embryo tissue presents a useful approach to study AIV evolution and allows a laboratory-based dissection of molecular mechanisms behind the emergence of HPAIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda H. Seekings
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (W.A.H.); (M.J.S.); (A.C.B.); (J.B.); (I.H.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Wendy A. Howard
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (W.A.H.); (M.J.S.); (A.C.B.); (J.B.); (I.H.B.)
| | - Alejandro Nuñéz
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (A.N.); (D.H.)
| | - Marek J. Slomka
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (W.A.H.); (M.J.S.); (A.C.B.); (J.B.); (I.H.B.)
| | - Ashley C. Banyard
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (W.A.H.); (M.J.S.); (A.C.B.); (J.B.); (I.H.B.)
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Daniel Hicks
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (A.N.); (D.H.)
| | - Richard J. Ellis
- Surveillance and Laboratory Services Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (R.J.E.); (J.N.-G.)
| | - Javier Nuñéz-García
- Surveillance and Laboratory Services Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (R.J.E.); (J.N.-G.)
| | | | - Wendy S. Barclay
- Virology Department, Imperial College, London W2 1NY, UK; (L.C.H.); (W.S.B.)
| | - Jill Banks
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (W.A.H.); (M.J.S.); (A.C.B.); (J.B.); (I.H.B.)
| | - Ian H. Brown
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (W.A.H.); (M.J.S.); (A.C.B.); (J.B.); (I.H.B.)
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El-Aried TA, Mansour SMG, ElBakrey RM, N Ismail AES, Eid AAM. Infectious Bursal Disease Virus: Molecular Epidemiologic Perspectives and Impact on Vaccine Efficacy Against Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease Viruses. Avian Dis 2020; 63:606-618. [PMID: 31865675 DOI: 10.1637/aviandiseases-d-19-00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Infectious bursal disease (IBD) virus (IBDV) is the causative agent of a highly contagious and immunosuppressive disease of chickens with huge economic losses to the poultry industry despite extensive vaccination. Analysis of isolated IBDV field strains from vaccinated birds would greatly improve the current immunization regimens and support the development of vaccines that offer better immunity. The study investigated the genetic characteristics and pathologic features of IBDVs in commercial broiler chicken farms, as well as the effect of IBDV infection on the efficacy of vaccination against avian influenza virus (AIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) under field conditions. A preliminary diagnosis of IBD was made on the basis of the flock history and the characteristic gross pathologic findings. Microscopically, lymphoid depletion in bursal follicles with infiltration of lymphomononuclear cells along with cystic cavitations reflected the IBDV infection. The molecular analysis confirmed the IBDV infection in (57.1%) of tested flocks. Upon phylogenetic analysis of the VP2 hypervariable region of 14 Egyptian IBDVs, most viruses (n = 12) were clustered within the genogroup 3, while two viruses were closely related to attenuated vaccine isolates in genogroup 1. The analysis of the amino acid (aa) sequences revealed that most of the strains possessed five consistent aas at the VP2 protein (222A, 242I, 256I, 294I, and 299S), which are characteristic for the very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV). Serology indicated the immunosuppressive effect of IBDV, which is represented by a decrease (1.6-2.6 and 1.4-2.6 mean log 2) in the hemagglutination inhibition titer of the low pathogenic AIV subtype H9N2 and NDV, respectively. The examined IBDVs showed a high mutation rate within the hypervariable domain of the VP2 peptide. The results highlighted the need for carrying out an inclusive surveillance of IBDV infections in chicken flocks in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer A El-Aried
- Reference Laboratory for Quality Control on Poultry Production, Sharkia Branch, Zagazig 44516, Egypt
| | - Shimaa M G Mansour
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia 44511, Egypt
| | - Reham M ElBakrey
- Department of Avian and Rabbit Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia 44511, Egypt
| | - Abd El-Shakour N Ismail
- Department of Avian and Rabbit Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia 44511, Egypt
| | - Amal A M Eid
- Department of Avian and Rabbit Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharkia 44511, Egypt,
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Reid SM, Núñez A, Seekings AH, Thomas SS, Slomka MJ, Mahmood S, Clark JR, Banks J, Brookes SM, Brown IH. Two Single Incursions of H7N7 and H5N1 Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in U.K. Broiler Breeders During 2015 and 2016. Avian Dis 2020; 63:181-192. [PMID: 31131576 DOI: 10.1637/11898-051418-reg.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Low pathogenicity (LP) avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have a natural reservoir in wild birds. These cause few (if any) overt clinical signs, but include H5 and H7 LPAIVs, which are notifiable in poultry. In the European Union, notifiable avian disease (NAD) demands laboratory confirmation with prompt statutory interventions to prevent dissemination of infection to multiple farms. Crucially, for H5 and H7 LPAIVs, movement restrictions and culling limit the further risk of mutation to the corresponding highly pathogenic (HP) H5 and H7 AIVs in gallinaceous poultry. An H7N7 LPAIV outbreak occurred during February 2015 at a broiler breeder chicken premise in England. Full genome sequencing suggested an avian origin closely related to contemporary European H7 LPAIV wild bird strains with no correlates for human adaptation. However, a high similarity of PB2, PB1, and NA genes with H10N7 viruses from European seals during 2014 was observed. An H5N1 LPAIV outbreak during January 2016 affecting broiler breeder chickens in Scotland resulted in rapid within-farm spread. An interesting feature from this case was that although viral tropism occurred in heart and kidney endothelial cells, suggesting HPAIV infection, the H5N1 virus had the molecular cleavage site signature of an LPAIV belonging to an indigenous European H5 lineage. There was no genetic evidence for human adaptation or antiviral drug resistance. The source of the infection was also likely to be via indirect contact with wild birds mediated via fomite spread from the nearby environment. Both LPAIV outbreaks were preceded by local flooding events that attracted wild waterfowl to the premises. Prompt detection of both outbreaks highlighted the value of the "testing to exclude" scheme launched in the United Kingdom for commercial gallinaceous poultry in 2014 as an early warning surveillance mechanism for NAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Reid
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom,
| | - Alejandro Núñez
- Department of Pathology, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda H Seekings
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Saumya S Thomas
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Marek J Slomka
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Sahar Mahmood
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Jane R Clark
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Jill Banks
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon M Brookes
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Ian H Brown
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
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Slomka MJ, Puranik A, Mahmood S, Thomas SS, Seekings AH, Byrne AMP, Núñez A, Bianco C, Mollett BC, Watson S, Brown IH, Brookes SM. Ducks Are Susceptible to Infection with a Range of Doses of H5N8 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (2016, Clade 2.3.4.4b) and Are Largely Resistant to Virus-Specific Mortality, but Efficiently Transmit Infection to Contact Turkeys. Avian Dis 2020; 63:172-180. [PMID: 31131575 DOI: 10.1637/11905-052518-reg.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Widespread H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV; clade 2.3.4.4b) infections occurred in wild birds and poultry across Europe during winter 2016-17. Four different doses of H5N8 HPAIV (A/wigeon/Wales/052833/2016 [wg-Wal-16]) were used to infect 23 Pekin ducks divided into four separate pens, with three contact turkeys introduced for cohousing per pen at 1 day postinfection (dpi). All doses resulted in successful duck infection, with four sporadic mortalities recorded among the 23 (17%) infected ducks, which appeared unrelated to the dose. The ducks transmitted wg-Wal-16 efficiently to the contact turkeys; all 12 (100%) turkeys died. Systemic viral dissemination was detected in multiple organs in two duck mortalities, with limited viral dissemination in another duck, which died after resolution of shedding. Systemic viral tropism was observed in two of the turkeys. The study demonstrated the utility of Pekin ducks as surrogates of infected waterfowl to model the wild bird/gallinaceous poultry interface for introduction of H5N8 HPAIV into terrestrial poultry, where contact turkeys served as a susceptible host. Detection of H5N8-specific antibody up to 58 dpi assured the value of serologic surveillance in farmed ducks by hemagglutination inhibition and anti-nucleoprotein ELISAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek J Slomka
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom,
| | - Anita Puranik
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Sahar Mahmood
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Saumya S Thomas
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda H Seekings
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander M P Byrne
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Alejandro Núñez
- Pathology Department, APHA-Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Carlo Bianco
- Pathology Department, APHA-Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin C Mollett
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha Watson
- Animal Services Unit, APHA-Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Ian H Brown
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon M Brookes
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
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38
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James J, Slomka MJ, Reid SM, Thomas SS, Mahmood S, Byrne AMP, Cooper J, Russell C, Mollett BC, Agyeman-Dua E, Essen S, Brown IH, Brookes SM. Proceedings Paper-Avian Diseases 10th AI Symposium Issue Development and Application of Real-Time PCR Assays for Specific Detection of Contemporary Avian Influenza Virus Subtypes N5, N6, N7, N8, and N9. Avian Dis 2020; 63:209-218. [PMID: 31131579 DOI: 10.1637/11900-051518-reg.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Previously published NA subtype-specific real-time reverse-transcriptase PCRs (RRT-PCRs) were further validated for the detection of five avian influenza virus (AIV) NA subtypes, namely N5, N6, N7, N8, and N9. Testing of 30 AIV isolates of all nine NA subtypes informed the assay assessments, with the N5 and N9 RRT-PCRs retained as the original published assays while the N7 and N8 assays were modified in the primer-probe sequences to optimize detection of current threats. The preferred N6 RRT-PCR was either the original or the modified variant, depending on the specific H5N6 lineage. Clinical specimen (n = 137) testing revealed the ability of selected N5, N6, and N8 RRT-PCRs to sensitively detect clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic AIV (HPAIV) infections due to H5N5, H5N6, and H5N8 subtypes, respectively, all originating from European poultry and wild bird cases during 2016-2018. Similar testing (n = 32 clinical specimens) also showed the ability of N7 and N9 RRT-PCRs to sensitively detect European H7N7 HPAIV and China-origin H7N9 low pathogenicity AIV infections, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe James
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom,
| | - Marek J Slomka
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Scott M Reid
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Saumya S Thomas
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Sahar Mahmood
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander M P Byrne
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Jayne Cooper
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Christine Russell
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin C Mollett
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Agyeman-Dua
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Steve Essen
- EU/OIE/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Ian H Brown
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom.,EU/OIE/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon M Brookes
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
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39
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Beerens N, Heutink R, Harders F, Bossers A, Koch G, Peeters B. Emergence and Selection of a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H7N3 Virus. J Virol 2020; 94:e01818-19. [PMID: 31969434 PMCID: PMC7108855 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01818-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Low-pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses of subtypes H5 and H7 have the ability to spontaneously mutate to highly pathogenic (HPAI) virus variants, causing high mortality in poultry. The highly pathogenic phenotype is caused by mutation of the hemagglutinin (HA) cleavage site, but additional mutations may play a role. Evidence from the field for the switch to high pathogenicity remains scarce. This study provides direct evidence for LPAI-to-HPAI virus mutation during H7N3 infection of a turkey farm in the Netherlands. No severe clinical symptoms were reported at the farm, but deep sequencing of isolates from the infected turkeys revealed a minority of HPAI virus sequences (0.06%) in the virus population. The HPAI virus contained a 12-nucleotide insertion in the HA cleavage site that was likely introduced by a single event as no intermediates with shorter inserts were identified. This suggests nonhomologous recombination as the mechanism of insertion. Analysis of different organs of the infected turkeys showed the largest amount of HPAI virus in the lung (4.4%). The HPAI virus was rapidly selected in experimentally infected chickens after both intravenous and intranasal/intratracheal inoculation with a mixed virus preparation. Full-genome sequencing revealed that both pathotypes contained a deletion in the stalk region of the neuraminidase protein. We identified additional mutations in HA and polymerase basic protein 1 (PB1) in the HPAI virus, which were already present as minority variants in the LPAI virus population. Our findings provide more insight into the molecular changes and mechanisms involved in the emergence and selection of HPAI viruses.IMPORTANCE Low-pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses circulate in wild birds and can be transmitted to poultry. LPAI viruses can mutate to become highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses causing severe disease and death in poultry. Little is known about this switch to high pathogenicity. We isolated an LPAI H7N3 virus from an infected turkey farm and showed that this contains small amounts of HPAI virus. The HPAI virus rapidly outcompeted the LPAI virus in chickens that were experimentally infected with this mixture of viruses. We analyzed the genome sequences of the LPAI and HPAI viruses and identified several changes that may be important for a virus to become highly pathogenic. This knowledge may be used for timely identification of LPAI viruses that pose a risk of becoming highly pathogenic in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Beerens
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Rene Heutink
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Harders
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Alex Bossers
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Guus Koch
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Peeters
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
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40
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Nabil NM, Erfan AM, Tawakol MM, Haggag NM, Naguib MM, Samy A. Wild Birds in Live Birds Markets: Potential Reservoirs of Enzootic Avian Influenza Viruses and Antimicrobial Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Northern Egypt. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9030196. [PMID: 32155863 PMCID: PMC7157678 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9030196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild migratory birds are often implicated in the introduction, maintenance, and global dissemination of different pathogens, such as influenza A viruses (IAV) and antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. Trapping of migratory birds during their resting periods at the northern coast of Egypt is a common and ancient practice performed mainly for selling in live bird markets (LBM). In the present study, samples were collected from 148 wild birds, representing 14 species, which were being offered for sale in LBM. All birds were tested for the presence of AIV and enterobacteriaceae. Ten samples collected from Northern Shoveler birds (Spatula clypeata) were positive for IAV and PCR sub-typing and pan HA/NA sequencing assays detected H5N8, H9N2, and H6N2 viruses in four, four, and one birds, respectively. Sequencing of the full haemagglutinin (HA) gene revealed a high similarity with currently circulating IAV in Egypt. From all the birds, E.coli was recovered from 37.2% and Salmonella from 20.2%, with 66%-96% and 23%-43% isolates being resistant to at least one of seven selected critically important antimicrobials (CIA), respectively. The presence of enzootic IAV and the wide prevalence of AMR enterobacteriaceae in wild birds highlight the potential role of LBM in the spread of different pathogens from and to wild birds. Continued surveillance of both AIV and antimicrobial-resistant enterobacteriaceae in wild birds' habitats is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehal M. Nabil
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza 12618, Egypt; (N.M.N.); (A.M.E.); (M.M.T.); (N.M.H.); (M.M.N.)
| | - Ahmed M. Erfan
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza 12618, Egypt; (N.M.N.); (A.M.E.); (M.M.T.); (N.M.H.); (M.M.N.)
| | - Maram M. Tawakol
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza 12618, Egypt; (N.M.N.); (A.M.E.); (M.M.T.); (N.M.H.); (M.M.N.)
| | - Naglaa M. Haggag
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza 12618, Egypt; (N.M.N.); (A.M.E.); (M.M.T.); (N.M.H.); (M.M.N.)
| | - Mahmoud M. Naguib
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza 12618, Egypt; (N.M.N.); (A.M.E.); (M.M.T.); (N.M.H.); (M.M.N.)
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-75185, Sweden
| | - Ahmed Samy
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza 12618, Egypt; (N.M.N.); (A.M.E.); (M.M.T.); (N.M.H.); (M.M.N.)
- Immunogenetics, The Pirbright Institute, Surrey GU24 0NF, UK
- Correspondence: or
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41
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Venkatesh D, Bianco C, Núñez A, Collins R, Thorpe D, Reid SM, Brookes SM, Essen S, McGinn N, Seekings J, Cooper J, Brown IH, Lewis NS. Detection of H3N8 influenza A virus with multiple mammalian-adaptive mutations in a rescued Grey seal ( Halichoerus grypus) pup. Virus Evol 2020; 6:veaa016. [PMID: 32211197 PMCID: PMC7079721 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza A viruses (IAVs) in different species of seals display a spectrum of pathogenicity, from sub-clinical infection to mass mortality events. Here we present an investigation of avian IAV infection in a 3- to 4-month-old Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) pup, rescued from St Michael's Mount, Cornwall in 2017. The pup underwent medical treatment but died after two weeks; post-mortem examination and histology indicated sepsis as the cause of death. IAV NP antigen was detected by immunohistochemistry in the nasal mucosa, and sensitive real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays detected trace amounts of viral RNA within the lower respiratory tract, suggesting that the infection may have been cleared naturally. IAV prevalence among Grey seals may therefore be underestimated. Moreover, contact with humans during the rescue raised concerns about potential zoonotic risk. Nucleotide sequencing revealed the virus to be of subtype H3N8. Combining a GISAID database BLAST search and time-scaled phylogenetic analyses, we inferred that the seal virus originated from an unsampled, locally circulating (in Northern Europe) viruses, likely from wild Anseriformes. From examining the protein alignments, we found several residue changes in the seal virus that did not occur in the bird viruses, including D701N in the PB2 segment, a rare mutation, and a hallmark of mammalian adaptation of bird viruses. IAVs of H3N8 subtype have been noted for their particular ability to cross the species barrier and cause productive infections, including historical records suggesting that they may have caused the 1889 pandemic. Therefore, infections such as the one we report here may be of interest to pandemic surveillance and risk and help us better understand the determinants and drivers of mammalian adaptation in influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Venkatesh
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Scienes, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Carlo Bianco
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- Diagnostic & Consultant Avian Pathology, Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Lasswade), Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Alejandro Núñez
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Rachael Collins
- Starcross Veterinary Investigation Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Staplake Mount, Starcross, Devon, EX6 8PE, UK
| | - Darryl Thorpe
- British Divers Marine Life Rescue, Lime House, Regency Close, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1DS, UK
| | - Scott M Reid
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Sharon M Brookes
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Steve Essen
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- OIE/FAO/EURL International Reference Laboratory for avian influenza, swine influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Natalie McGinn
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- OIE/FAO/EURL International Reference Laboratory for avian influenza, swine influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - James Seekings
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- OIE/FAO/EURL International Reference Laboratory for avian influenza, swine influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Jayne Cooper
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ian H Brown
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- OIE/FAO/EURL International Reference Laboratory for avian influenza, swine influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Nicola S Lewis
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Scienes, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
- OIE/FAO/EURL International Reference Laboratory for avian influenza, swine influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
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42
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Puranik A, Slomka MJ, Warren CJ, Thomas SS, Mahmood S, Byrne AMP, Ramsay AM, Skinner P, Watson S, Everett HE, Núñez A, Brown IH, Brookes SM. Transmission dynamics between infected waterfowl and terrestrial poultry: Differences between the transmission and tropism of H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (clade 2.3.4.4a) among ducks, chickens and turkeys. Virology 2019; 541:113-123. [PMID: 32056709 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2019.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
H5N8 highly-pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs, clade 2.3.4.4) have spread globally via migratory waterfowl. Pekin ducks infected with a UK virus (H5N8-2014) served as the donors of infection in three separate cohousing experiments to attempt onward transmission chains to sequentially introduced groups of contact ducks, chickens and turkeys. Efficient transmission occurred among ducks and turkeys up to the third contact stage, with all (100%) birds becoming infected. Introduction of an additional fourth contact group of ducks to the turkey transmission chain demonstrated retention of H5N8-2014's waterfowl-competent adaptation. However, onward transmission ceased in chickens at the second contact stage where only 13% became infected. Analysis of viral progeny at this contact stage revealed no emergent polymorphisms in the intra-species (duck) transmission chain, but both terrestrial species included changes in the polymerase and accessory genes. Typical HPAIV pathogenesis and mortality occurred in infected chickens and turkeys, contrasting with 5% mortality among ducks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Puranik
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Marek J Slomka
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK.
| | - Caroline J Warren
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Saumya S Thomas
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Sahar Mahmood
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Alexander M P Byrne
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Andrew M Ramsay
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Paul Skinner
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Samantha Watson
- Animal Sciences Unit, APHA-Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Helen E Everett
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Alejandro Núñez
- Pathology Department, APHA-Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ian H Brown
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Sharon M Brookes
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
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Bergervoet SA, Pritz-Verschuren SBE, Gonzales JL, Bossers A, Poen MJ, Dutta J, Khan Z, Kriti D, van Bakel H, Bouwstra R, Fouchier RAM, Beerens N. Circulation of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses in wild birds and poultry in the Netherlands, 2006-2016. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13681. [PMID: 31548582 PMCID: PMC6757041 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50170-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we explore the circulation of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses in wild birds and poultry in the Netherlands. Surveillance data collected between 2006 and 2016 was used to evaluate subtype diversity, spatiotemporal distribution and genetic relationships between wild bird and poultry viruses. We observed close species-dependent associations among hemagglutinin and neuraminidase subtypes. Not all subtypes detected in wild birds were found in poultry, suggesting transmission to poultry is selective and likely depends on viral factors that determine host range restriction. Subtypes commonly detected in poultry were in wild birds most frequently detected in mallards and geese. Different temporal patterns in virus prevalence were observed between wild bird species. Virus detections in domestic ducks coincided with the prevalence peak in wild ducks, whereas virus detections in other poultry types were made throughout the year. Genetic analysis of the surface genes demonstrated that most poultry viruses were related to locally circulating wild bird viruses, but no direct spatiotemporal link was observed. Results indicate prolonged undetected virus circulation and frequent reassortment events with local and newly introduced viruses within the wild bird population. Increased knowledge on LPAI virus circulation can be used to improve surveillance strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia A Bergervoet
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands.,Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jose L Gonzales
- Department of Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Alex Bossers
- Department of Infection Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein J Poen
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jayeeta Dutta
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Zenab Khan
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Divya Kriti
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Harm van Bakel
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | | | - Ron A M Fouchier
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nancy Beerens
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands.
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44
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Hill SC, Hansen R, Watson S, Coward V, Russell C, Cooper J, Essen S, Everest H, Parag KV, Fiddaman S, Reid S, Lewis N, Brookes SM, Smith AL, Sheldon B, Perrins CM, Brown IH, Pybus OG. Comparative micro-epidemiology of pathogenic avian influenza virus outbreaks in a wild bird population. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20180259. [PMID: 31056057 PMCID: PMC6553603 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the epidemiological dynamics of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) in wild birds is crucial for guiding effective surveillance and control measures. The spread of H5 HPAIV has been well characterized over large geographical and temporal scales. However, information about the detailed dynamics and demographics of individual outbreaks in wild birds is rare and important epidemiological parameters remain unknown. We present data from a wild population of long-lived birds (mute swans; Cygnus olor) that has experienced three outbreaks of related H5 HPAIVs in the past decade, specifically, H5N1 (2007), H5N8 (2016) and H5N6 (2017). Detailed demographic data were available and intense sampling was conducted before and after the outbreaks; hence the population is unusually suitable for exploring the natural epidemiology, evolution and ecology of HPAIV in wild birds. We show that key epidemiological features remain remarkably consistent across multiple outbreaks, including the timing of virus incursion and outbreak duration, and the presence of a strong age-structure in morbidity that likely arises from an equivalent age-structure in immunological responses. The predictability of these features across a series of outbreaks in a complex natural population is striking and contributes to our understanding of HPAIV in wild birds. This article is part of the theme issue 'Modelling infectious disease outbreaks in humans, animals and plants: approaches and important themes'. This issue is linked with the subsequent theme issue 'Modelling infectious disease outbreaks in humans, animals and plants: epidemic forecasting and control'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Hill
- Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rowena Hansen
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Samantha Watson
- Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Vivien Coward
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Christine Russell
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Jayne Cooper
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Steve Essen
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Holly Everest
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Kris V. Parag
- Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Steven Fiddaman
- Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Scott Reid
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Nicola Lewis
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
- The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, UK
| | - Sharon M. Brookes
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Adrian L. Smith
- Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ben Sheldon
- Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christopher M. Perrins
- Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ian H. Brown
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Oliver G. Pybus
- Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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45
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Bergervoet SA, Ho CKY, Heutink R, Bossers A, Beerens N. Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N5 Viruses in Europe in 2016-2017 Appears Related to the Timing of Reassortment Events. Viruses 2019; 11:E501. [PMID: 31159210 PMCID: PMC6631432 DOI: 10.3390/v11060501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During the epizootic of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 virus in Europe in 2016-2017, HPAI viruses of subtype H5N5 were also isolated. However, the detection of H5N5 viruses was limited compared to H5N8. In this study, we show that the genetic constellation of a newly isolated H5N5 virus is different from two genotypes previously identified in the Netherlands. The introduction and spread of the three H5N5 genotypes in Europe was studied using spatiotemporal and genetic analysis. This demonstrated that the genotypes were isolated in distinguishable phases of the epizootic, and suggested multiple introductions of H5N5 viruses into Europe followed by local spread. We estimated the timing of the reassortment events, which suggested that the genotypes emerged after the start of autumn migration. This may have prevented large-scale spread of the H5N5 viruses on wild bird breeding sites before introduction into Europe. Experiments in primary chicken and duck cells revealed only minor differences in cytopathogenicity and replication kinetics between H5N5 genotypes and H5N8. These results suggest that the limited spread of HPAI H5N5 viruses is related to the timing of the reassortment events rather than changes in virus pathogenicity or replication kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia A Bergervoet
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands.
| | - Cynthia K Y Ho
- Department of Infection Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands.
| | - Rene Heutink
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands.
| | - Alex Bossers
- Department of Infection Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands.
| | - Nancy Beerens
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands.
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46
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Bergervoet SA, Heutink R, Bouwstra R, Fouchier RAM, Beerens N. Genetic analysis identifies potential transmission of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses between poultry farms. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1653-1664. [PMID: 30964232 PMCID: PMC6850361 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13199] [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: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Poultry can become infected with low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses via (in)direct contact with infected wild birds or by transmission of the virus between farms. This study combines routinely collected surveillance data with genetic analysis to assess the contribution of between‐farm transmission to the overall incidence of LPAI virus infections in poultry. Over a 10‐year surveillance period, we identified 35 potential cases of between‐farm transmission in the Netherlands, of which 10 formed geographical clusters. A total of 21 LPAI viruses were isolated from nine potential between‐farm transmission cases, which were further studied by genetic and epidemiological analysis. Whole genome sequence analysis identified close genetic links between infected farms in seven cases. The presence of identical deletions in the neuraminidase stalk region and minority variants provided additional indications of between‐farm transmission. Spatiotemporal analysis demonstrated that genetically closely related viruses were detected within a median time interval of 8 days, and the median distance between the infected farms was significantly shorter compared to farms infected with genetically distinct viruses (6.3 versus 69.0 km; p < 0.05). The results further suggest that between‐farm transmission was not restricted to holdings of the same poultry type and not related to the housing system. Although separate introductions from the wild bird reservoir cannot be excluded, our study indicates that between‐farm transmission occurred in seven of nine virologically analysed cases. Based on these findings, it is likely that between‐farm transmission contributes considerably to the incidence of LPAI virus infections in poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia A Bergervoet
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands.,Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlandss
| | - Rene Heutink
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ron A M Fouchier
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlandss
| | - Nancy Beerens
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
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47
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Kim JW, Lee CY, Nguyen TT, Kim IH, Kwon HJ, Kim JH. An optimized molecular method for detection of influenza A virus using improved generic primers and concentration of the viral genomic RNA and nucleoprotein complex. J Vet Diagn Invest 2019; 31:175-183. [PMID: 30795722 DOI: 10.1177/1040638719830760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
For reported primer sets used to detect influenza A viruses (IAVs), we verified the nucleotide identities with 9,103 complete sequences of matrix (M) genes. At best, only 93.2% and 85.3% of the sequences had a 100% match with reported forward and reverse primers, respectively. Therefore, we designed new degenerate forward and reverse primers with 100% identity to 94.4% and 96.2% of compared genes, respectively, and the primer set was used with SYBR-based reverse-transcription real-time PCR (SYBR-RT-rtPCR) for lower detection limits. The sensitivity of SYBR-RT-rtPCR with the new primers was 10-fold higher than that with a conventional method in ~2.37% of all M genes in the database used in our study. We successfully increased the sensitivity of SYBR-RT-rtPCR by concentrating the viral ribonucleoprotein (RNP) using immunomagnetic beads and Triton X-100. The improved generic primer set and RNP concentration method may be useful for sensitive detection of IAVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Woon Kim
- Laboratory of Avian Diseases (J-W Kim, Lee, Nguyen, J-H Kim), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Farm Animal Medicine (Kwon), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Farm Animal Clinical Training and Research Center, Institutes of Green Bio Science and Technology (Kwon), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Research Institute for Veterinary Science (Kwon, J-H Kim), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Division of Antimicrobial Resistance, Center for Infectious Diseases, National Research Institute of Health, Cheongju, Republic of Korea (I-H Kim)
| | - Chung-Young Lee
- Laboratory of Avian Diseases (J-W Kim, Lee, Nguyen, J-H Kim), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Farm Animal Medicine (Kwon), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Farm Animal Clinical Training and Research Center, Institutes of Green Bio Science and Technology (Kwon), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Research Institute for Veterinary Science (Kwon, J-H Kim), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Division of Antimicrobial Resistance, Center for Infectious Diseases, National Research Institute of Health, Cheongju, Republic of Korea (I-H Kim)
| | - Thanh Trung Nguyen
- Laboratory of Avian Diseases (J-W Kim, Lee, Nguyen, J-H Kim), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Farm Animal Medicine (Kwon), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Farm Animal Clinical Training and Research Center, Institutes of Green Bio Science and Technology (Kwon), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Research Institute for Veterinary Science (Kwon, J-H Kim), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Division of Antimicrobial Resistance, Center for Infectious Diseases, National Research Institute of Health, Cheongju, Republic of Korea (I-H Kim)
| | - Il-Hwan Kim
- Laboratory of Avian Diseases (J-W Kim, Lee, Nguyen, J-H Kim), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Farm Animal Medicine (Kwon), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Farm Animal Clinical Training and Research Center, Institutes of Green Bio Science and Technology (Kwon), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Research Institute for Veterinary Science (Kwon, J-H Kim), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Division of Antimicrobial Resistance, Center for Infectious Diseases, National Research Institute of Health, Cheongju, Republic of Korea (I-H Kim)
| | - Hyuk-Joon Kwon
- Laboratory of Avian Diseases (J-W Kim, Lee, Nguyen, J-H Kim), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Farm Animal Medicine (Kwon), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Farm Animal Clinical Training and Research Center, Institutes of Green Bio Science and Technology (Kwon), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Research Institute for Veterinary Science (Kwon, J-H Kim), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Division of Antimicrobial Resistance, Center for Infectious Diseases, National Research Institute of Health, Cheongju, Republic of Korea (I-H Kim)
| | - Jae-Hong Kim
- Laboratory of Avian Diseases (J-W Kim, Lee, Nguyen, J-H Kim), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Farm Animal Medicine (Kwon), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Farm Animal Clinical Training and Research Center, Institutes of Green Bio Science and Technology (Kwon), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Research Institute for Veterinary Science (Kwon, J-H Kim), College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Division of Antimicrobial Resistance, Center for Infectious Diseases, National Research Institute of Health, Cheongju, Republic of Korea (I-H Kim)
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48
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Reid SM, Manvell R, Seekings JM, Ceeraz V, Errington H, Fuller CM, Shell WM, Essen S, Puranik A, Brown IH, Irvine RM. Surveillance and investigative diagnosis of a poultry flock in Great Britain co-infected with an influenza A virus and an avirulent avian avulavirus type 1. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:696-704. [PMID: 30390413 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13064] [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: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A detailed veterinary and laboratory investigation revealed an unusual case of concurrent avian avulavirus type 1 (AAvV-1, formerly called avian paramyxovirus type 1) and low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) virus infections of chickens during March 2010 in a mixed poultry and livestock farm in Great Britain. Respiratory signs and daily mortality of 5-6 birds in a broiler flock 8-weeks of age prompted submission of two carcasses to an Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) regional laboratory. Infectious bronchitis virus infection was suspected initially and virus isolation in SPF embryonated fowls' eggs was attempted at APHA-Weybridge. Avirulent AAvV-1 was detected in the first sampling. Both in vitro nucleotide sequencing of the fusion gene and in vivo pathotyping by intracerebral pathogenicity index revealed an avirulent AAvV-1 not definitively ascribed to licensed vaccine. Upon initial detection of the AAvV-1 virus, statutory restrictions were placed on the farm, an official veterinary visit was performed and further samples were submitted to APHA-Weybridge for official statutory disease investigation. An H2N3 LPAI virus was subsequently isolated from tissue samples and swabs submitted from the follow-up statutory investigation. The subtype was confirmed by haemagglutination inhibition test (HAIT) and neuraminidase inhibition (NI) tests on egg-amplified virus. As neither virus was notifiable according to the internationally recognized EU and OIE standards, and/or definitions of disease, statutory farm restrictions were lifted. Veterinary investigations identified the broiler flock to be free-range, next to a river and duck pen, reinforcing the suspicion of wild bird origin for both viruses which may have been co-circulating in ducks. It could not, however, be established as to whether there were separate introductions of the two viruses or whether there had been a single co-introduction of the viruses. The described case highlights the value of integrated surveillance and laboratory approaches, including veterinary field investigations, international standards and definitions of notifiable avian disease, validated RRT-PCR assays, and virus isolation in achieving rapid and accurate diagnostic results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Reid
- Department of Virology, Animal & Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, UK
| | - Ruth Manvell
- Department of Virology, Animal & Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, UK
| | - James M Seekings
- Department of Virology, Animal & Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, UK
| | - Vanessa Ceeraz
- Department of Virology, Animal & Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, UK
| | - Helen Errington
- Animal & Plant Health Agency-Penrith, Merrythought, Calthwaite, Penrith, UK
| | - Chad M Fuller
- Department of Virology, Animal & Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, UK
| | - Wendy M Shell
- Department of Virology, Animal & Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, UK
| | - Steve Essen
- Department of Virology, Animal & Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, UK
| | - Anita Puranik
- Department of Virology, Animal & Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, UK
| | - Ian H Brown
- Department of Virology, Animal & Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, UK
| | - Richard M Irvine
- Department of Virology, Animal & Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, UK
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49
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Gharieb R, Mohamed M, Khalil A, Ali A. Influenza A viruses in birds and humans: Prevalence, molecular characterization, zoonotic significance and risk factors' assessment in poultry farms. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 63:51-57. [PMID: 30961818 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of influenza A viruses in birds and humans residing in the same localities of Sharkia Province, Egypt and the risk factors' assessment in poultry farms. A total of 100 birds comprised of 50 chickens, 25 ducks and 25 wild egrets were sampled. Swab samples were collected from 65 people (50 poultry farm workers and 15 hospitalized patients). All samples were screened for the presence of influenza A viruses using isolation and molecular assays. Avian influenza viruses were only detected in chicken samples (18%) and molecularly confirmed as subtype H5. The infection rate was higher in broilers (40%) than layers (8.6%). Influenza A (H1) pdm09 virus was detected in a single human case (1.54%). All the isolated AI H5 viruses were clustered into clade (2.2.1.2) and shared a high similarity rate at nucleotides and amino acid levels. In addition, they had a multi-basic amino acid motif (ـــPQGEKRRKKR/GLFـــ) at the H5 gene cleavage site that exhibited point mutations. Chicken breed, movement of workers from one flock to another, lack of utensils' disinfection and the introduction of new birds to the farm were significant risk factors associated with highly pathogenic AI H5 virus infection in poultry farms (p ≤ 0.05). Other factors showed no significant association. The HPAI H5 viruses are still endemic in Egypt with continuous mutation. Co-circulation of these viruses in birds and pdm09 viruses in humans raises alarm for the emergence of reassortant viruses that are capable of potentiating pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Gharieb
- Depatment of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44511, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Mohamed
- Depatment of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44511, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Khalil
- Depatment of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44511, Zagazig, Egypt; The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, 16771-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi-shi, 753-8515, Japan
| | - Ahmed Ali
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44511, Zagazig, Egypt
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Sutton DA, Allen DP, Fuller CM, Mayers J, Mollett BC, Londt BZ, Reid SM, Mansfield KL, Brown IH. Development of an avian avulavirus 1 (AAvV-1) L-gene real-time RT-PCR assay using minor groove binding probes for application as a routine diagnostic tool. J Virol Methods 2018; 265:9-14. [PMID: 30579921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Newcastle disease is a devastating disease of poultry caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV), a virulent form of avian avulavirus 1 (AAvV-1). A rapid, sensitive and specific means for the detection of NDV is fundamental for the control of this notifiable transboundary virus. Although several real-time RT-PCR assays exist for the detection of AAvV-1, diagnostic sensitivity and specificities can be sub-optimal. In this study, we describe a modification to an existing AAvV-1 l-gene RT-PCR screening assay, where the original probe set was replaced with minor groove binding (MGB) probes, to create the MGB l-gene assay. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of this assay was evaluated against a broad panel of both Class I and Class II AAvV-1 viruses of diverse and representative lineages/genotypes in both clinical samples and amplified viruses, and compared with a number of previously published real-time RT-PCR screening assays for AAvV-1. The MGB l-gene assay outperformed all other assays in this assessment, with enhanced sensitivity and specificity, detecting isolates from a broad range of virus lineages/genotypes (including contemporaneously-circulating strains). The assay has also proved its value for screening original clinical samples for the presence of AAvV-1, thus providing an improved screening assay for routine detection of this notifiable disease agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Sutton
- Qiagen, Skelton House, Lloyd St N, Manchester M15 6SH, United Kingdom
| | - David P Allen
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Chad M Fuller
- Okanagan National Alliance, 3535 Old Okanagan Highway, Westbank, BC, V4T 3L7, Canada
| | - Jo Mayers
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom.
| | - Benjamin C Mollett
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Brandon Z Londt
- hVivo, Queen Mary BioEnterprises Innovation Centre, 42 New Road, London, E1 2AX, United Kingdom
| | - Scott M Reid
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Karen L Mansfield
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Ian H Brown
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
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