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Azeem S, Baroch J, Tewari D, Pabilonia KL, Killian M, Bradel-Tretheway B, Sun D, Ghorbani-Nezami S, Yoon KJ. Molecular Characterization of Non-H5 and Non-H7 Avian Influenza Viruses from Non-Mallard Migratory Waterbirds of the North American Flyways, 2006-2011. Pathogens 2024; 13:333. [PMID: 38668288 PMCID: PMC11054893 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040333] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The surveillance of migratory waterbirds (MWs) for avian influenza virus (AIV) is indispensable for the early detection of a potential AIV incursion into poultry. Surveying AIV infections and virus subtypes in understudied MW species could elucidate their role in AIV ecology. Oropharyngeal-cloacal (OPC) swabs were collected from non-mallard MWs between 2006 and 2011. OPC swabs (n = 1158) that molecularly tested positive for AIV (Cts ≤ 32) but tested negative for H5 and H7 subtypes were selected for virus isolation (VI). The selected samples evenly represented birds from all four North American flyways (Pacific, Central, Mississippi, and Atlantic). Eighty-seven low pathogenic AIV isolates, representing 31 sites in 17 states, were recovered from the samples. All isolates belonged to the North American lineage. The samples representing birds from the Central Flyway had the highest VI positive rate (57.5%) compared to those from the other flyways (10.3-17.2%), suggesting that future surveillance can focus on the Central Flyway. Of the isolates, 43.7%, 12.6%, and 10.3% were obtained from blue-winged teal, American wigeon, and American black duck species, respectively. Hatch-year MWs represented the majority of the isolates (70.1%). The most common H and N combinations were H3N8 (23.0%), H4N6 (18.4%), and H4N8 (18.4%). The HA gene between non-mallard and mallard MW isolates during the same time period shared 85.5-99.5% H3 identity and 89.3-99.7% H4 identity. Comparisons between MW (mallard and non-mallard) and poultry H3 and H4 isolates also revealed high similarity (79.0-99.0% and 88.7-98.4%), emphasizing the need for continued AIV surveillance in MWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahan Azeem
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (S.A.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - John Baroch
- Wildlife Services, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Deepanker Tewari
- Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Harrisburg, PA 17110, USA;
| | - Kristy L. Pabilonia
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Mary Killian
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Ames, IA 50010, USA;
| | - Birgit Bradel-Tretheway
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA;
| | - Dong Sun
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (S.A.); (D.S.)
| | - Sara Ghorbani-Nezami
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Kyoung-Jin Yoon
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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Shriner SA, Root JJ, Ellis JW, Bentler KT, VanDalen KK, Gidlewski T, Bevins SN. Influenza A virus surveillance, infection and antibody persistence in snow geese (Anser caerulescens). Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:742-752. [PMID: 33621417 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Some snow geese (Anser caerulescens) migrate between Eurasia and North America and exhibit high seroprevalence for influenza A viruses (IAVs). Hence, these birds might be expected to play a role in intercontinental dispersal of IAVs. Our objective in this manuscript was to characterize basic incidence and infection characteristics for snow geese to assess whether these birds are likely to significantly contribute to circulation of IAVs. Thus, we 1) estimated snow goose infection prevalence by summarizing > 5,000 snow goose surveillance records, 2) experimentally infected snow geese with a low pathogenic IAV (H4N6) to assess susceptibility and infection dynamics and 3) characterized long-term antibody kinetics. Infection prevalence based on surveillance data for snow geese was 7.88%, higher than the infection rates found in other common North American goose species. In the experimental infection study, only 4 of 7 snow geese shed viral RNA. Shedding in infected birds peaked at moderate levels (mean peak 102.62 EID50 equivalents/mL) and was exclusively associated with the oral cavity. Serological testing across a year post-exposure showed all inoculated birds seroconverted regardless of detectable shedding. Antibody levels peaked at 10 days post-exposure and then waned to undetectable levels by 6 months. In sum, while broad-scale surveillance results showed comparatively high infection prevalence, the experimental infection study showed only moderate susceptibility and shedding. Consequently, additional work is needed to assess whether snow geese might exhibit higher levels of susceptibility and shedding rates when exposed to other IAV strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan A Shriner
- United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - J Jeffrey Root
- United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jeremy W Ellis
- United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Kevin T Bentler
- United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Kaci K VanDalen
- United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Thomas Gidlewski
- United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Sarah N Bevins
- United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Ramey AM, Reeves AB. Ecology of Influenza A Viruses in Wild Birds and Wetlands of Alaska. Avian Dis 2020; 64:109-122. [PMID: 32550610 DOI: 10.1637/0005-2086-64.2.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Alaska represents a globally important region for the ecology of avian-origin influenza A viruses (IAVs) given the expansive wetlands in this region, which serve as habitat for numerous hosts of IAVs that disperse among four continents during the annual cycle. Extensive sampling of wild birds for IAVs in Alaska since 1991 has greatly extended inference regarding intercontinental viral exchange between North America and East Asia and the importance of Beringian endemic species to IAV ecology within this region. Data on IAVs in aquatic birds inhabiting Alaska have also been useful for helping to establish global patterns of prevalence in wild birds and viral dispersal across the landscape. In this review, we summarize the main findings from investigations of IAVs in wild birds and wetlands of Alaska with the aim of providing readers with an understanding of viral ecology within this region. More specifically, we review viral detections, evidence of IAV exposure, and genetic characterization of isolates derived from wild bird samples collected in Alaska by host taxonomy. Additionally, we provide a short overview of wetland complexes within Alaska that may be important to IAV ecology at the continental scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Ramey
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK 99508,
| | - Andrew B Reeves
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK 99508
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Subtype Diversity of Influenza A Virus in North American Waterfowl: a Multidecade Study. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.02022-19. [PMID: 32188732 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02022-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery in 1976 of waterfowl as the primary reservoir of influenza A viruses (IAVs) has since spurred decades of waterfowl surveillance efforts by researchers dedicated to understanding the ecology of IAV and its subsequent threat to human and animal health. Here, we employed a multidecade, continental-scale approach of surveillance data to understand trends of seasonal IAV subtype diversity. Between 1976 and 2015, IAVs were detected in 8,427 (10.8%) of 77,969 samples from migratory waterfowl throughout the Central and Mississippi Migratory Flyways in the United States and Canada. A total of 96 hemagglutinin (HA)/neuraminidase (NA) subtype combinations were isolated, which included most HA (H1 to H14) and all 9 NA subtypes. We observed an annual trend of high influenza prevalence, involving a few dominant subtypes, on northern breeding grounds during summer with progressively lowered influenza prevalence, comprised of a highly diverse profile of subtypes, as waterfowl migrate toward southern wintering grounds. Isolates recovered during winter had the highest proportion of mixed and rare HA/NA combinations, indicating increased opportunity for reassortment of IAVs. In addition, 70% of H5 and 49% of H7 IAV isolates were recovered from samples collected during fall and spring, respectively; these are subtypes that can have significant implications for public health and agriculture sectors. Annual cyclical dominance of subtypes on northern breeding grounds is revealed through the longitudinal nature of this study. Our novel findings exhibit the unrealized potential for discovery using existing IAV surveillance data.IMPORTANCE Wild aquatic birds are the primary natural reservoir of influenza A viruses (IAVs) and are therefore responsible for the dispersal and maintenance of IAVs representing a broad range of antigenic and genetic diversity. The aims of IAV surveillance in waterfowl not only relate to understanding the risk of spillover risk to humans, but also to improving our understanding of basic questions related to IAV evolution and ecology. By evaluating several decades of surveillance data from wild aquatic birds sampled along North American migratory flyways, we discovered an annual trend of increasing subtype diversity during southbound migration, peaking on southern wintering grounds. Winter sampling revealed the highest proportion of mixed and rare infections that suggest higher opportunity for spillover. These findings allow improvements to surveillance efforts to robustly capture IAV diversity that will be used for vaccine development and cultivate a more thorough understanding of IAV evolution and persistence mechanisms.
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Froberg T, Cuthbert F, Jennelle CS, Cardona C, Culhane M. Avian Influenza Prevalence and Viral Shedding Routes in Minnesota Ring-Billed Gulls ( Larus delawarensis). Avian Dis 2020; 63:120-125. [PMID: 31131567 DOI: 10.1637/11848-041718-reg.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Birds within the orders Charadriiformes (shorebirds, gulls) and Anseriformes (waterfowl) are reservoir hosts for avian influenza (AI) viruses, but their role in the transmission dynamics of AI viruses is unclear. To date, waterfowl have been the predominant focal species for most surveillance and epidemiological studies, yet gulls, in particular, have been shown to harbor reassortant AI viruses of both North American and Eurasian lineages and are underrepresented in North American surveillance efforts. To address this gap in surveillance, 1346 ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) were sampled during spring and fall migrations and at three breeding sites in 2017 across Minnesota. Results indicate noticeable age-cohort dynamics in AI virus prevalence within ring-billed gulls in Minnesota. Immunologically naïve juveniles represented the cohort with the highest prevalence rate (57.8%). Regardless of age, more gulls had AI virus detected in oropharyngeal (OP) than in cloacal (CL) swabs. The high AI virus prevalence within ring-billed gulls, particularly in immunologically naïve birds, warrants further targeted surveillance efforts of ring-billed gulls and other closely related species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Froberg
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
| | - Francesca Cuthbert
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
| | | | - Carol Cardona
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
| | - Marie Culhane
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108.,Corresponding author. E-mail:
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Abstract
Avian influenza (AI) viruses have been routinely isolated from a wide diversity of free-living avian species, representing numerous taxonomic orders. Birds in orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes are considered the natural reservoirs for all AI viruses; it is from these orders that AI viruses have been most frequently isolated. Since first recognized in the late 1800s, AI viruses have been an important cause of disease in poultry and, occasionally, in non-gallinaceous birds and mammals. While AI viruses tend to be of low pathogenicity (LP) in wild birds, the 2014-2015 incursion of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx viruses into North America and the recent circulation of HPAI H5 viruses in European wild birds highlight the need for targeted, thorough, and continuous surveillance programs in the wild bird reservoir. Such programs are crucial to understanding the potential risk for the incursion of AI into human and domestic animal populations. The aim of this chapter is to provide general concepts and guidelines for the planning and implementation of surveillance plans for AI viruses in wild birds.
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Usui T, Soda K, Sumi K, Ozaki H, Tomioka Y, Ito H, Murase T, Kawamoto T, Miura M, Komatsu M, Imanishi T, Kurobe M, Ito T, Yamaguchi T. Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in zoo birds caused by HA clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 subtype viruses in Japan in winter 2016. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 67:686-697. [PMID: 31605424 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In late 2016, two zoos, one in northern Japan and the other in central Japan, experienced highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks, in which multiple zoo birds were infected with H5N6 subtype HPAI virus (HPAIV). Here, we report an overview of these HPAI outbreaks. HPAIV infections were confirmed by virus isolation in three black swans (Cygnus atratus) and three snowy owls (Bubo scandiacus) kept in the Omoriyama Zoo hospital. At Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, following the death of a black swan at a zoo pond, nine waterfowl, including two black swans, four cackling geese (Branta hutchinsii leucopareia), two mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and a wigeon (Anas penelope), died after HPAIV infection in isolation facilities. Based on the presence of H5-specific antibodies in their sera, two surviving black swans and a surviving mallard at Higashiyama Zoo appeared to have HPAIV infection, although the virus was not isolated. The detectable levels of antibodies (≥10 HI) were maintained for at least 5-9 months, as determined by haemagglutinin inhibition test. Isolation of two H5N6 subtype HPAIVs from an open-air pond where affected zoo birds were previously housed at Higashiyama Zoo strongly indicates that wild waterfowl associated with aquatic environments brought the virus to the zoo. The phylogenetic relationships of the 18 isolates indicated direct viral transmission among birds within each zoo. In both zoos, containment of suspected birds in isolation facilities might have allowed the virus spread among birds inside the facility. However, maintaining containment measures and strict sanitation procedures could facilitate successful physical containment and clearance of HPAIV in both zoos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsufumi Usui
- Avian Zoonosis Research Center, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Kosuke Soda
- Avian Zoonosis Research Center, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Kanae Sumi
- Avian Zoonosis Research Center, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Hiroichi Ozaki
- Avian Zoonosis Research Center, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Yukiko Tomioka
- Laboratory of Experimental Animal, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ito
- Avian Zoonosis Research Center, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Murase
- Avian Zoonosis Research Center, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Masami Kurobe
- Nagoya Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Ito
- Avian Zoonosis Research Center, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
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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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Ramey AM, Uher-Koch BD, Reeves AB, Schmutz JA, Poulson RL, Stallknecht DE. Emperor geese (Anser canagicus) are exposed to a diversity of influenza A viruses, are infected during the non-breeding period and contribute to intercontinental viral dispersal. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1958-1970. [PMID: 31077545 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Emperor geese (Anser canagicus) are endemic to coastal areas within Beringia and have previously been found to have antibodies to or to be infected with influenza A viruses (IAVs) in Alaska. In this study, we use virological, serological and tracking data to further elucidate the role of emperor geese in the ecology of IAVs in Beringia during the non-breeding period. Specifically, we assess evidence for: (a) active IAV infection during spring staging, autumn staging and wintering periods; (b) infection with novel Eurasian-origin or interhemispheric reassortant viruses; (c) contemporary movement of geese between East Asia and North America; (d) previous exposure to viruses of 14 haemagglutinin subtypes, including Eurasian lineage highly pathogenic (HP) H5 IAVs; and (e) subtype-specific antibody seroconversion and seroreversion. Emperor geese were found to shed IAVs, including interhemispheric reassortant viruses, throughout the non-breeding period; migrate between Alaska and the Russian Far East prior to and following remigial moult; have antibodies reactive to a diversity of IAVs including, in a few instances, Eurasian lineage HP H5 IAVs; and exhibit relatively broad and stable patterns of population immunity among breeding females. Results of this study suggest that emperor geese may play an important role in the maintenance and dispersal of IAVs within Beringia during the non-breeding period and provide information that may be used to further optimize surveillance activities focused on the early detection of Eurasian-origin IAVs in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Ramey
- U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska
| | | | - Andrew B Reeves
- U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Joel A Schmutz
- U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Rebecca L Poulson
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - David E Stallknecht
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
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SURVEY OF ARCTIC ALASKAN WILDLIFE FOR INFLUENZA A ANTIBODIES: LIMITED EVIDENCE FOR EXPOSURE OF MAMMALS. J Wildl Dis 2018; 55:387-398. [PMID: 30289331 DOI: 10.7589/2018-05-128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are maintained in wild waterbirds and have the potential to infect a broad range of species, including wild mammals. The Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska supports a diverse suite of species, including waterfowl that are common hosts of IAVs. Mammals co-occur with geese and other migratory waterbirds during the summer breeding season, providing a plausible mechanism for interclass transmission of IAVs. To estimate IAV seroprevalence and identify the subtypes to which geese, loons, Arctic foxes ( Vulpes lagopus), caribou ( Rangifer tarandus), and polar bears ( Ursus maritimus) are potentially exposed, we used a blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA) and a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay to screen for antibodies to IAVs in samples collected during spring and summer of 2012-16. Apparent IAV seroprevalence using the bELISA was 50.3% in geese (range by species: 46-52.8%), 9% in loons (range by species: 3-20%), and 0.4% in Arctic foxes. We found no evidence for exposure to IAVs in polar bears or caribou by either assay. Among geese, we estimated detection probability from replicate bELISA analyses to be 0.92 and also found good concordance (>85%) between results from bELISA and HI assays, which identified antibodies reactive to H1, H6, and H9 subtype IAVs. In contrast, the HI assay detected antibodies in only one of seven loon samples that were positive by bELISA; that sample had low titers to both H4 and H5 IAV subtypes. Our results provide evidence that a relatively high proportion of waterbirds breeding on the Arctic Coastal Plain are exposed to IAVs, although it is unknown whether such exposure occurs locally or on staging or wintering grounds. In contrast, seroprevalence of IAVs in concomitant Arctic mammals is apparently low.
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A LONG-TERM SEROSURVEY OF AVIAN INFLUENZA H5 AMONG WILD BIRDS IN NAKHON SAWAN PROVINCE, THAILAND. J Zoo Wildl Med 2018; 49:464-469. [DOI: 10.1638/2017-0062.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Gaidet N, Leclercq I, Batéjat C, Grassin Q, Daufresne T, Manuguerra JC. Avian Influenza Virus Surveillance in High Arctic Breeding Geese, Greenland. Avian Dis 2018; 62:237-240. [DOI: 10.1637/11793-010418-resnote.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Gaidet
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Département BIOS, TA C-47/F111, Campus international de Baillarguet, 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Environnement et Risques Infectieux, Cellule d'Intervention Biologique d'Urgence (CIBU), 28 rue du Dr Roux, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité (Cellule Pasteur), rue du Dr Roux 75015 Paris, France
| | - India Leclercq
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Environnement et Risques Infectieux, Cellule d'Intervention Biologique d'Urgence (CIBU), 28 rue du Dr Roux, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité (Cellule Pasteur), rue du Dr Roux 75015 Paris, France
| | - Christophe Batéjat
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Environnement et Risques Infectieux, Cellule d'Intervention Biologique d'Urgence (CIBU), 28 rue du Dr Roux, Paris, France
| | - Quentin Grassin
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Environnement et Risques Infectieux, Cellule d'Intervention Biologique d'Urgence (CIBU), 28 rue du Dr Roux, Paris, France
| | - Tanguy Daufresne
- INRA, UMR 210 Eco&Sols, Bat 12, 2 Place Viala, F-34060 Montpellier Cedex 1, France
| | - Jean-Claude Manuguerra
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Environnement et Risques Infectieux, Cellule d'Intervention Biologique d'Urgence (CIBU), 28 rue du Dr Roux, Paris, France
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Reeves AB, Hall JS, Poulson RL, Donnelly T, Stallknecht DE, Ramey AM. Influenza A virus recovery, diversity, and intercontinental exchange: A multi-year assessment of wild bird sampling at Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195327. [PMID: 29621333 PMCID: PMC5950690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Western Alaska is a potential point-of-entry for foreign-origin influenza A viruses (IAVs) into North America via migratory birds. We sampled waterfowl and gulls for IAVs at Izembek National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in western Alaska, USA, during late summer and autumn months of 2011-2015, to evaluate the abundance and diversity of viruses at this site. We collected 4842 samples across five years from 25 species of wild birds resulting in the recovery, isolation, and sequencing of 172 IAVs. With the intent of optimizing sampling efficiencies, we used information derived from this multi-year effort to: 1) evaluate from which species we consistently recover viruses, 2) describe viral subtypes of isolates by host species and year, 3) characterize viral gene segment sequence diversity with respect to host species, and assess potential differences in the viral lineages among the host groups, and 4) examine how evidence of intercontinental exchange of IAVs relates to host species. We consistently recovered viruses from dabbling ducks (Anas spp.), emperor geese (Chen canagica) and glaucous-winged gulls (Larus glaucescens). There was little evidence for differences in viral subtypes and diversity from different waterfowl hosts, however subtypes and viral diversity varied between waterfowl host groups and glaucous-winged gulls. Furthermore, higher proportions of viral sequences from northern pintails (Anas acuta), emperor geese and glaucous-winged gulls were grouped in phylogenetic clades that included IAV sequences originating from wild birds sampled in Asia as compared to non-pintail dabbling ducks, a difference that may be related to intercontinental migratory tendencies of host species. Our summary of research and surveillance efforts at Izembek NWR will assist in future prioritization of which hosts to sample and swab types to collect in Alaska and elsewhere in order to maximize isolate recovery, subtype and sequence diversity for resultant viruses, and detection of evidence for intercontinental viral exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B. Reeves
- United States Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ABR); (AMR)
| | - Jeffrey S. Hall
- United States Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Rebecca L. Poulson
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Tyrone Donnelly
- United States Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - David E. Stallknecht
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Andrew M. Ramey
- United States Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ABR); (AMR)
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Hill SC, Manvell RJ, Schulenburg B, Shell W, Wikramaratna PS, Perrins C, Sheldon BC, Brown IH, Pybus OG. Antibody responses to avian influenza viruses in wild birds broaden with age. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 283:rspb.2016.2159. [PMID: 28003449 PMCID: PMC5204166 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.2159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
For viruses such as avian influenza, immunity within a host population can drive the emergence of new strains by selecting for viruses with novel antigens that avoid immune recognition. The accumulation of acquired immunity with age is hypothesized to affect how influenza viruses emerge and spread in species of different lifespans. Despite its importance for understanding the behaviour of avian influenza viruses, little is known about age-related accumulation of immunity in the virus's primary reservoir, wild birds. To address this, we studied the age structure of immune responses to avian influenza virus in a wild swan population (Cygnus olor), before and after the population experienced an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in 2008. We performed haemagglutination inhibition assays on sampled sera for five avian influenza strains and show that breadth of response accumulates with age. The observed age-related distribution of antibody responses to avian influenza strains may explain the age-dependent mortality observed during the highly pathogenic H5N1 outbreak. Age structures and species lifespan are probably important determinants of viral epidemiology and virulence in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Hill
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Ruth J Manvell
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge KT15 3NB, UK
| | | | - Wendy Shell
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge KT15 3NB, UK
| | | | - Christopher Perrins
- Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Ben C Sheldon
- Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Ian H Brown
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Oliver G Pybus
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
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Spivey TJ, Lindberg MS, Meixell BW, Smith KR, Puryear WB, Davis KR, Runstadler JA, Stallknecht DE, Ramey AM. Maintenance of influenza A viruses and antibody response in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) sampled during the non-breeding season in Alaska. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183505. [PMID: 28837606 PMCID: PMC5570339 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence of influenza A virus (IAV) infections in northern-breeding waterfowl has previously been reported to reach an annual peak during late summer or autumn; however, little is known about IAV infection dynamics in waterfowl populations persisting at high-latitude regions such as Alaska, during winter. We captured mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) throughout the non-breeding season (August–April) of 2012–2015 in Fairbanks and Anchorage, the two largest cities in Alaska, to assess patterns of IAV infection and antibody production using molecular methods and a standard serologic assay. In addition, we used virus isolation, genetic sequencing, and a virus microneutralization assay to characterize viral subtypes and to evaluate the immune response of mallards captured on multiple occasions through time. We captured 923 mallards during three successive sampling years: Fairbanks in 2012/13 and 2013/14, and Anchorage in 2014/15. Prevalence varied by age, season, and year/site with high and relatively stable estimates throughout the non-breeding season. Infected birds were detected in all locations/seasons except early-winter in Fairbanks during 2013/14. IAVs with 17 combinations of hemagglutinin (H1–5, H7–9, H11, H12) and neuraminidase (N1–6, N8, N9) subtypes were isolated. Antibodies to IAVs were detected throughout autumn and winter for all sampling locations and years, however, seroprevalence was higher among adults and varied among years. Mallards exhibited individual heterogeneity with regard to immune response, providing instances of both seroconversion and seroreversion to detected viral subtypes. The probability that an individual transitioned from one serostatus to another varied by age, with juvenile mallards having higher rates of seroconversion and seroreversion than adults. Our study provides evidence that a diversity of IAVs circulate in populations of mallards wintering at urban locations in Alaska, and we suggest waterfowl wintering at high-latitudes may play an important role in maintenance of viruses across breeding seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J. Spivey
- Department of Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States of America
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Mark S. Lindberg
- Department of Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States of America
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Brandt W. Meixell
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Kyle R. Smith
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Wendy B. Puryear
- Department of Biological Engineering & Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kimberly R. Davis
- Department of Biological Engineering & Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jonathan A. Runstadler
- Department of Biological Engineering & Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David E. Stallknecht
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Andrew M. Ramey
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
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Muzyka D, Pantin-Jackwood M, Spackman E, Smith D, Rula O, Muzyka N, Stegniy B. Isolation and Genetic Characterization of Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Wild Birds in the Azov-Black Sea Region of Ukraine (2001-2012). Avian Dis 2017; 60:365-77. [PMID: 27309081 DOI: 10.1637/11114-050115-reg] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Wild bird surveillance for avian influenza virus (AIV) was conducted from 2001 to 2012 in the Azov - Black Sea region of the Ukraine, considered part of the transcontinental wild bird migration routes from northern Asia and Europe to the Mediterranean, Africa, and southwest Asia. A total of 6281 samples were collected from wild birds representing 27 families and eight orders for virus isolation. From these samples, 69 AIVs belonging to 15 of the 16 known hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes and seven of nine known neuraminidase (NA) subtypes were isolated. No H14, N5, or N9 subtypes were identified. In total, nine H6, eight H1, nine H5, seven H7, six H11, six H4, five H3, five H10, four H8, three H2, three H9, one H12, one H13, one H15, and one H16 HA subtypes were isolated. As for the NA subtypes, twelve N2, nine N6, eight N8, seven N7, six N3, four N4, and one undetermined were isolated. There were 27 HA and NA antigen combinations. All isolates were low pathogenic AIV except for eight highly pathogenic (HP) AIVs that were isolated during the H5N1 HPAI outbreaks of 2006-08. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the HA genes revealed epidemiological connections between the Azov-Black Sea regions and Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and Southeast Asia. H1, H2, H3, H7, H8, H6, H9, and H13 AIV subtypes were closely related to European, Russian, Mongolian, and Georgian AIV isolates. H10, H11, and H12 AIV subtypes were epidemiologically linked to viruses from Europe and Southeast Asia. Serology conducted on serum and egg yolk samples also demonstrated previous exposure of many wild bird species to different AIVs. Our results demonstrate the great genetic diversity of AIVs in wild birds in the Azov-Black Sea region as well as the importance of this region for monitoring and studying the ecology of influenza viruses. This information furthers our understanding of the ecology of avian influenza viruses in wild bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denys Muzyka
- A National Scientific Center "Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine," Kharkiv, 61023, Ukraine
| | - Mary Pantin-Jackwood
- B Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA 30677
| | - Erica Spackman
- B Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA 30677
| | - Diane Smith
- B Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA 30677
| | - Oleksandr Rula
- A National Scientific Center "Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine," Kharkiv, 61023, Ukraine
| | - Nataliia Muzyka
- A National Scientific Center "Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine," Kharkiv, 61023, Ukraine
| | - Borys Stegniy
- A National Scientific Center "Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine," Kharkiv, 61023, Ukraine
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Elmberg J, Berg C, Lerner H, Waldenström J, Hessel R. Potential disease transmission from wild geese and swans to livestock, poultry and humans: a review of the scientific literature from a One Health perspective. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2017; 7:1300450. [PMID: 28567210 PMCID: PMC5443079 DOI: 10.1080/20008686.2017.1300450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are more herbivorous waterfowl (swans and geese) close to humans, livestock and poultry than ever before. This creates widespread conflict with agriculture and other human interests, but also debate about the role of swans and geese as potential vectors of disease of relevance for human and animal health. Using a One Health perspective, we provide the first comprehensive review of the scientific literature about the most relevant viral, bacterial, and unicellular pathogens occurring in wild geese and swans. Research thus far suggests that these birds may play a role in transmission of avian influenza virus, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and antibiotic resistance. On the other hand, at present there is no evidence that geese and swans play a role in transmission of Newcastle disease, duck plague, West Nile virus, Vibrio, Yersinia, Clostridium, Chlamydophila, and Borrelia. Finally, based on present knowledge it is not possible to say if geese and swans play a role in transmission of Escherichia coli, Pasteurella, Helicobacter, Brachyspira, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Microsporidia. This is largely due to changes in classification and taxonomy, rapid development of identification methods and lack of knowledge about host specificity. Previous research tends to overrate the role of geese and swans as disease vectors; we do not find any evidence that they are significant transmitters to humans or livestock of any of the pathogens considered in this review. Nevertheless, it is wise to keep poultry and livestock separated from small volume waters used by many wild waterfowl, but there is no need to discourage livestock grazing in nature reserves or pastures where geese and swans are present. Under some circumstances it is warranted to discourage swans and geese from using wastewater ponds, drinking water reservoirs, and public beaches. Intensified screening of swans and geese for AIV, West Nile virus and anatid herpesvirus is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Elmberg
- Division of Natural Sciences, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Berg
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, SLU Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden
| | - Henrik Lerner
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Waldenström
- Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems, Linneaus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Rebecca Hessel
- Division of Natural Sciences, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
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Wong JK, Wilcox BR, Fojtik A, Poulson RL, Stallknecht DE. Antibodies to Influenza A Viruses in Wintering Snow Geese (Chen caerulescens) in Texas. Avian Dis 2016; 60:337-40. [DOI: 10.1637/11104-042115-regr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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19
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Ramey AM, Pearce JM, Reeves AB, Poulson RL, Dobson J, Lefferts B, Spragens K, Stallknecht DE. Surveillance for Eurasian-origin and intercontinental reassortant highly pathogenic influenza A viruses in Alaska, spring and summer 2015. Virol J 2016; 13:55. [PMID: 27036114 PMCID: PMC4815243 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-016-0511-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eurasian-origin and intercontinental reassortant highly pathogenic (HP) influenza A viruses (IAVs) were first detected in North America in wild, captive, and domestic birds during November-December 2014. Detections of HP viruses in wild birds in the contiguous United States and southern Canadian provinces continued into winter and spring of 2015 raising concerns that migratory birds could potentially disperse viruses to more northerly breeding areas where they could be maintained to eventually seed future poultry outbreaks. RESULTS We sampled 1,129 wild birds on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, one of the largest breeding areas for waterfowl in North America, during spring and summer of 2015 to test for Eurasian lineage and intercontinental reassortant HP H5 IAVs and potential progeny viruses. We did not detect HP IAVs in our sample collection from western Alaska; however, we isolated five low pathogenic (LP) viruses. Four isolates were of the H6N1 (n = 2), H6N2, and H9N2 combined subtypes whereas the fifth isolate was a mixed infection that included H3 and N7 gene segments. Genetic characterization of these five LP IAVs isolated from cackling (Branta hutchinsii; n = 2) and greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons; n = 3), revealed three viral gene segments sharing high nucleotide identity with HP H5 viruses recently detected in North America. Additionally, one of the five isolates was comprised of multiple Eurasian lineage gene segments. CONCLUSIONS Our results did not provide direct evidence for circulation of HP IAVs in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region of Alaska during spring and summer of 2015. Prevalence and genetic characteristics of LP IAVs during the sampling period are concordant with previous findings of relatively low viral prevalence in geese during spring, non-detection of IAVs in geese during summer, and evidence for intercontinental exchange of viruses in western Alaska.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Ramey
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA.
| | - John M Pearce
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA
| | - Andrew B Reeves
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA
| | - Rebecca L Poulson
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Jennifer Dobson
- Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, 900 Chief Eddie Hoffman Highway, Bethel, AK, 99559, USA
| | - Brian Lefferts
- Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, 900 Chief Eddie Hoffman Highway, Bethel, AK, 99559, USA
| | - Kyle Spragens
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, San Francisco Bay Estuary, 505 Azuar Drive, Vallejo, CA, 94592, USA
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, 807 Chief Eddie Hoffman Highway, Bethel, AK, 99559, USA
| | - David E Stallknecht
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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20
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Dudley JP, Hoberg EP, Jenkins EJ, Parkinson AJ. Climate Change in the North American Arctic: A One Health Perspective. ECOHEALTH 2015; 12:713-25. [PMID: 26070525 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-015-1036-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is expected to increase the prevalence of acute and chronic diseases among human and animal populations within the Arctic and subarctic latitudes of North America. Warmer temperatures are expected to increase disease risks from food-borne pathogens, water-borne diseases, and vector-borne zoonoses in human and animal populations of Arctic landscapes. Existing high levels of mercury and persistent organic pollutant chemicals circulating within terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in Arctic latitudes are a major concern for the reproductive health of humans and other mammals, and climate warming will accelerate the mobilization and biological amplification of toxic environmental contaminants. The adverse health impacts of Arctic warming will be especially important for wildlife populations and indigenous peoples dependent upon subsistence food resources from wild plants and animals. Additional research is needed to identify and monitor changes in the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens in humans, domestic dogs, and wildlife species of critical subsistence, cultural, and economic importance to Arctic peoples. The long-term effects of climate warming in the Arctic cannot be adequately predicted or mitigated without a comprehensive understanding of the interactive and synergistic effects between environmental contaminants and pathogens in the health of wildlife and human communities in Arctic ecosystems. The complexity and magnitude of the documented impacts of climate change on Arctic ecosystems, and the intimacy of connections between their human and wildlife communities, makes this region an appropriate area for development of One Health approaches to identify and mitigate the effects of climate warming at the community, ecosystem, and landscape scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Dudley
- Leidos, Inc., 20201 Century Boulevard, Suite 105, Germantown, MD, 20874, USA.
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA.
| | - Eric P Hoberg
- US National Parasite Collection, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA.
| | - Emily J Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada.
| | - Alan J Parkinson
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA.
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De Marco MA, Delogu M, Sivay M, Sharshov K, Yurlov A, Cotti C, Shestopalov A. Virological evaluation of avian influenza virus persistence in natural and anthropic ecosystems of Western Siberia (Novosibirsk Region, summer 2012). PLoS One 2014; 9:e100859. [PMID: 24972026 PMCID: PMC4074073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wild aquatic birds, reservoir of low-pathogenicity (LP) avian influenza viruses (AIVs), congregate in huge numbers in Western Siberia wetlands, where major intra- and inter-continental bird flyways overlap. In 2005 and 2006, highly pathogenic (HP) AIV H5N1 epizootics affected wild and domestic birds in the Novosibirsk Region. In 2012, we evaluated AIV persistence in Siberian natural and anthropic ecosystems. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In Novosibirsk Region, 166 wild birds ecologically linked to aquatic environments and 152 domestic waterfowl were examined for AIV isolation in embryonating chicken eggs. Biological samples were obtained by integrating the conventional cloacal swab collection with the harvesting of samples from birds' plumage. Haemagglutinating allantoic fluids were further characterized by serological and molecular methods. In August-September 2012, 17 AIVs, including three H3N8, eight H4N6, two H4N?, one H2N?, one H?N2, and two unsubtyped LPAIVs, were isolated from 15 wild ducks. Whereas comparable proportions of wild Anseriformes (n.118) tested virus isolation (VI)-positive from cloaca and feathers (5.9% vs 8.5%) were detected, the overall prevalence of virus isolation, obtained from both sampling methods, was 2.4 times higher than that calculated on results from cloacal swab examination only (14.4% vs 5.9%). Unlike previously described in this area, the H4N6 antigenic subtype was found to be the prevalent one in 2012. Both cloacal and feather samples collected from domestic waterfowl tested VI-negative. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE We found lack of evidence for the H5N1 HPAIV circulation, explainable by the poor environmental fitness of HPAIVs in natural ecosystems. Our LPAIV isolation data emphasise the importance of Siberia wetlands in influenza A virus ecology, providing evidence of changes in circulation dynamics of HN antigenic subtypes harboured in wild bird reservoirs. Further studies of isolates, based on bioinformatic approaches to virus molecular evolution and phylogenesis, will be needed to better elucidate mechanisms involved in AIV perpetuation in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. De Marco
- Laboratorio di Genetica, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Mauro Delogu
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Mariya Sivay
- Research Center of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Kirill Sharshov
- Research Center of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alexander Yurlov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Claudia Cotti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Alexander Shestopalov
- Research Center of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Research Division, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
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22
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Miller RS, Sweeney SJ, Akkina JE, Saito EK. Potential Intercontinental Movement of Influenza A(H7N9) Virus into North America by Wild Birds: Application of a Rapid Assessment Framework. Transbound Emerg Dis 2014; 62:650-68. [PMID: 24589158 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A critical question surrounding emergence of novel strains of avian influenza viruses (AIV) is the ability for wild migratory birds to translocate a complete (unreassorted whole genome) AIV intercontinentally. Virus translocation via migratory birds is suspected in outbreaks of highly pathogenic strain A(H5N1) in Asia, Africa and Europe. As a result, the potential intercontinental translocation of newly emerging AIV such as A(H7N9) from Eurasia to North America via migratory movements of birds remains a concern. An estimated 2.91 million aquatic birds move annually between Eurasia and North America with an estimated AIV prevalence as high as 32.2%. Here, we present a rapid assessment to address the likelihood of whole (unreassorted)-genome translocation of Eurasian strain AIV into North America. The scope of this assessment was limited specifically to assess the weight of evidence to support the movement of an unreassorted AIV intercontinentally by migratory aquatic birds. We developed a rapid assessment framework to assess the potential for intercontinental movement of avian influenzas by aquatic birds. This framework was iteratively reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel of scientific experts until a consensus was established. Our assessment framework identified four factors that may contribute to the potential for introduction of any AIV intercontinentally into North America by wild aquatic birds. These factors, in aggregate, provide a framework for evaluating the likelihood of new forms of AIV from Eurasia to be introduced by aquatic birds into North America. Based on our assessment, we determined that the potential for introduction of A(H7N9) into North America through aquatic migratory birds is possible, but the likelihood ranges from extremely low to low.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Miller
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - S J Sweeney
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - J E Akkina
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - E K Saito
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Abstract
Avian influenza (AI) viruses have been isolated from a wide-diversity of free-living avian species representing several taxonomic orders. Isolations are most frequently reported from aquatic birds in the Orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes, which are believed to be the primordial reservoirs for all AI viruses. Since first recognized in the late 1800s, AI viruses have been an important agent of disease in poultry and, occasionally, of non-gallinaceous birds and mammals. However, recent infections of humans with AI viruses, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus and low pathogenicity H7N9 AI virus in China during 2013, have increased the awareness of their potential to impact agricultural, wildlife, and public health. This chapter is intended to give general concepts and guidelines for planning and implementing surveillance programs for AI virus in wild birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin D Brown
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA, 30602-7393, USA,
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Swayne DE, Spackman E, Pantin-Jackwood M. Success factors for avian influenza vaccine use in poultry and potential impact at the wild bird-agricultural interface. ECOHEALTH 2013; 11:94-108. [PMID: 24026475 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-013-0861-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Thirty-two epizootics of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) have been reported in poultry and other birds since 1959. The ongoing H5N1 HPAI epizootic that began in 1996 has also spilled over to infect wild birds. Traditional stamping-out programs in poultry have resulted in eradication of most HPAI epizootics. However, vaccination of poultry was added as a control tool in 1995 and has been used during five epizootics. Over 113 billion doses of AI vaccine have been used in poultry from 2002 to 2010 as oil-emulsified, inactivated whole AIV vaccines (95.5%) and live vectored vaccines (4.5%). Over 99% of the vaccine has been used in the four H5N1 HPAI enzootic countries: China including Hong Kong (91%), Egypt (4.7%), Indonesia (2.3%), and Vietnam (1.4%) where vaccination programs have been nationwide and routine to all poultry. Ten other countries used vaccine in poultry in a focused, risk-based manner but this accounted for less than 1% of the vaccine used. Most vaccine "failures" have resulted from problems in the vaccination process; i.e., failure to adequately administer the vaccine to at-risk poultry resulting in lack of population immunity, while fewer failures have resulted from antigenic drift of field viruses away from the vaccine viruses. It is currently not feasible to vaccinate wild birds against H5N1 HPAI, but naturally occurring infections with H5 low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses may generate cross-protective immunity against H5N1 HPAI. The most feasible method to prevent and control H5N1 HPAI in wild birds is through control of the disease in poultry with use of vaccine to reduce environmental burden of H5N1 HPAIV, and eventual eradication of the virus in domestic poultry, especially in domestic ducks which are raised in enzootic countries on range or in other outdoor systems having contact with wild aquatic and periurban terrestrial birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Swayne
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Research Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 934 College Station Road, Athens, GA, 30605, USA,
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