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Rivetti AV, Reischak D, de Oliveira CHS, Otaka JNP, Domingues CS, Freitas TDL, Cardoso FG, Montesino LO, da Silva ALS, Camillo SCA, Malta F, Amgarten D, Goés-Neto A, Aguiar ERGR, de Almeida IG, Pinto CA, Fonseca AA, Camargos MF. Phylodynamics of avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses from outbreaks in Brazil. Virus Res 2024; 347:199415. [PMID: 38880334 PMCID: PMC11239711 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199415] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Our study identified strains of the A/H5N1 virus in analyzed samples of subsistence poultry, wild birds, and mammals, belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.2, with very high genetic similarity to strains from Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina. This suggests a migratory route for wild birds across the Pacific, explaining the phylogenetic relatedness. The Brazilian samples displayed similarity to strains that had already been previously detected in South America. Phylogeographic analysis suggests transmission of US viruses from Europe and Asia, co-circulating with other lineages in the American continent. As mutations can influence virulence and host specificity, genomic surveillance is essential to detect those changes, especially in critical regions, such as hot spots in the HA, NA, and PB2 sequences. Mutations in the PB2 gene (D701N and Q591K) associated with adaptation and transmission in mammals were detected suggesting a potential zoonotic risk. Nonetheless, resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) was not identified, however, continued surveillance is crucial to detect potential resistance. Our study also mapped the spread of the virus in the Southern hemisphere, identifying possible entry routes and highlighting the importance of surveillance to prevent outbreaks and protect both human and animal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anselmo Vasconcelos Rivetti
- Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária, Laboratório Federal de Defesa Agropecuária/MG, Minas Gerais 33250220, Brazil.
| | - Dilmara Reischak
- Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária, Laboratório Federal de Defesa Agropecuária/SP, São Paulo 13100-105, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana Nabuco Pereira Otaka
- Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária, Laboratório Federal de Defesa Agropecuária/SP, São Paulo 13100-105, Brazil
| | - Christian Steffe Domingues
- Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária, Laboratório Federal de Defesa Agropecuária/SP, São Paulo 13100-105, Brazil
| | - Talita de Lima Freitas
- Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária, Laboratório Federal de Defesa Agropecuária/SP, São Paulo 13100-105, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Gomes Cardoso
- Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária, Laboratório Federal de Defesa Agropecuária/SP, São Paulo 13100-105, Brazil
| | - Lucas Oliveira Montesino
- Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária, Laboratório Federal de Defesa Agropecuária/SP, São Paulo 13100-105, Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza Savioli da Silva
- Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária, Laboratório Federal de Defesa Agropecuária/SP, São Paulo 13100-105, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda Malta
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil
| | - Deyvid Amgarten
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil
| | - Aristóteles Goés-Neto
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil
| | | | | | - Carla Amaral Pinto
- Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária, Laboratório Federal de Defesa Agropecuária/MG, Minas Gerais 33250220, Brazil
| | - Antônio Augusto Fonseca
- Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária, Laboratório Federal de Defesa Agropecuária/MG, Minas Gerais 33250220, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Fernandes Camargos
- Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária, Laboratório Federal de Defesa Agropecuária/MG, Minas Gerais 33250220, Brazil
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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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Dao DT, Coleman KK, Bui VN, Bui AN, Tran LH, Nguyen QD, Than S, Pulscher LA, Marushchak LV, Robie ER, Nguyen-Viet H, Pham PD, Christy NC, Brooks JS, Nguyen HC, Rubrum AM, Webby RJ, Gray GC. High Prevalence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza: A Virus in Vietnam's Live Bird Markets. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae355. [PMID: 39015351 PMCID: PMC11250224 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, Vietnam has suffered multiple epizootics of influenza in poultry. Methods From 10 January 2019 to 26 April 2021, we employed a One Health influenza surveillance approach at live bird markets (LBMs) and swine farms in Northern Vietnam. When the COVID-19 pandemic permitted, each month, field teams collected oral secretion samples from poultry and pigs, animal facility bioaerosol and fecal samples, and animal worker nasal washes at 4 LBMs and 5 swine farms across 5 sites. Initially samples were screened with molecular assays followed by culture in embryonated eggs (poultry swabs) or Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (human or swine swabs). Results Many of the 3493 samples collected had either molecular or culture evidence for influenza A virus, including 314 (37.5%) of the 837 poultry oropharyngeal swabs, 144 (25.1%) of the 574 bioaerosol samples, 438 (34.9%) of the 1257 poultry fecal swab samples, and 16 (1.9%) of the 828 human nasal washes. Culturing poultry samples yielded 454 influenza A isolates, 83 of which were H5, and 70 (84.3%) of these were highly pathogenic. Additionally, a positive human sample had a H9N2 avian-like PB1 gene. In contrast, the prevalence of influenza A in the swine farms was much lower with only 6 (0.4%) of the 1700 total swine farm samples studied, having molecular evidence for influenza A virus. Conclusions This study suggests that Vietnam's LBMs continue to harbor high prevalences of avian influenza A viruses, including many highly pathogenic H5N6 strains, which will continue to threaten poultry and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duy Tung Dao
- Virology Department, National Institute of Veterinary Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Kristen K Coleman
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Vuong N Bui
- Virology Department, National Institute of Veterinary Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Anh N Bui
- Virology Department, National Institute of Veterinary Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Long H Tran
- Virology Department, National Institute of Veterinary Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Quy D Nguyen
- Virology Department, National Institute of Veterinary Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Son Than
- Virology Department, National Institute of Veterinary Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Laura A Pulscher
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Lyudmyla V Marushchak
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Emily R Robie
- Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Phuc Duc Pham
- Center for Public Health and Ecosystem Research, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - John S Brooks
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit INDO PACIFIC, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huy C Nguyen
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit INDO PACIFIC, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Adam M Rubrum
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Richard J Webby
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Gregory C Gray
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Global Health, School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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Shalaby S, Awadin W, Manzoor R, Karam R, Mohamadin M, Salem S, El-Shaieb A. Pathological and phylogenetic characteristics of fowl AOAV-1 and H5 isolated from naturally infected Meleagris Gallopavo. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:216. [PMID: 38773480 PMCID: PMC11107055 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04029-4] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we investigated the prevalence of respiratory viruses in four Hybrid Converter Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) farms in Egypt. The infected birds displayed severe respiratory signs, accompanied by high mortality rates, suggesting viral infections. Five representative samples from each farm were pooled and tested for H5 & H9 subtypes of avian influenza viruses (AIVs), Avian Orthoavulavirus-1 (AOAV-1), and turkey rhinotracheitis (TRT) using real-time RT-PCR and conventional RT-PCR. Representative tissue samples from positive cases were subjected to histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS The PCR techniques confirmed the presence of AOAV-1 and H5 AIV genes, while none of the tested samples were positive for H9 or TRT. Microscopic examination of tissue samples revealed congestion and hemorrhage in the lungs, liver, and intestines with leukocytic infiltration. IHC revealed viral antigens in the lungs, liver, and intestines. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that H5 HA belonged to 2.3.4.4b H5 sublineage and AOAV-1 belonged to VII 1.1 genotype. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the need for proper monitoring of hybrid converter breeds for viral diseases, and the importance of vaccination programs to prevent unnecessary losses. To our knowledge, this is the first study that reports the isolation of AOAV-1 and H5Nx viruses from Hybrid Converter Turkeys in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shady Shalaby
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura City, 35516, Egypt.
| | - Walaa Awadin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura City, 35516, Egypt.
| | - Rashid Manzoor
- Veterinary Science Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, P.O. Box 7946, Sharjah City, UAE.
| | - Reham Karam
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura City, 35516, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Mohamadin
- Veterinary Science Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, P.O. Box 7946, Sharjah City, UAE
| | - Sanaa Salem
- Department of Pathology, Zagazig Branch, Agriculture Research Centre (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), P.O. Box 44516, Zagazig City, Egypt
| | - Ahmed El-Shaieb
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura City, 35516, Egypt
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Egyptian Chinese University, Ain Shams City, 4541312, Egypt
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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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Mollerup IM, Bjørneset J, Krock B, Jensen TH, Galatius A, Dietz R, Teilmann J, van den Brand JMA, Osterhaus A, Kokotovic B, Lundholm N, Olsen MT. Did algal toxin and Klebsiella infections cause the unexplained 2007 mass mortality event in Danish and Swedish marine mammals? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169817. [PMID: 38184244 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
An unusual mass mortality event (MME) of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) occurred in Denmark and Sweden in June 2007. Prior to this incident, the region had experienced two MMEs in harbour seals caused by Phocine Distemper Virus (PDV) in 1988 and 2002. Although epidemiology and symptoms of the 2007 MME resembled PDV, none of the animals examined for PDV tested positive. Thus, it has been speculated that another - yet unknown - pathogen caused the June 2007 MME. To shed new light on the likely cause of death, we combine previously unpublished veterinary examinations of harbour seals with novel analyses of algal toxins and algal monitoring data. All harbour seals subject to pathological examination showed pneumonia, but were negative for PDV, influenza and coronavirus. Histological analyses revealed septicaemia in multiple animals, and six animals tested positive for Klebsiella pneumonia. Furthermore, we detected the algal Dinophysis toxin DTX-1b (1-115 ng g-1) in five seals subject to toxicology, representing the first time DTX-1b has been detected in marine vertebrates. However, no animals tested positive for both Klebsiella and toxins. Thus, while our relatively small sample size prevent firm conclusions on causative agents, we speculate that the unexplained MME may have been caused by a chance incidence of multiple pathogens acting in parallel in June 2007, including Dinophysis toxin and Klebsiella. Our study illustrates the complexity of wildlife MMEs and highlights the need for thorough sampling during and after MMEs, as well as additional research on and monitoring of DTX-1b and other algal toxins in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida-Marie Mollerup
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark; Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Juni Bjørneset
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark; Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Bernd Krock
- Alfred Wegener Institut-Helmholtz Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Am Handelshafen 12, D-27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Trine Hammer Jensen
- Aalborg Zoo/Section of Biology and Environmental Science, University of Aalborg, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7, H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Anders Galatius
- Section for Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Section for Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jonas Teilmann
- Section for Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Albert Osterhaus
- Research Center Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Branko Kokotovic
- Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Seruminstitut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Nina Lundholm
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
| | - Morten Tange Olsen
- Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark; Section for Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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7
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El-Shemy AA, Amer MM, Hassan HM, Elaish M. Epidemiological distribution of respiratory viral pathogens in marketable vaccinated broiler chickens in five governorates in the Nile Delta, Egypt, from January 2022 to October 2022. Vet World 2024; 17:303-312. [PMID: 38595666 PMCID: PMC11000479 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.303-312] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Respiratory viral infections significantly negatively impact animal welfare and have significant financial implications in the poultry industry. This study aimed to determine the frequency of the most economically relevant respiratory viruses that circulated in Egyptian chicken flocks in 2022. Materials and Methods Chickens from 359 broiler flocks in five different Egyptian governorates in the Nile Delta (Beheira, Gharbia, Giza, Monufiya, and Qalyoubia) at marketing time (33-38 days of age) were used in this study. Combined oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs and tissue samples were collected from clinically diseased or freshly dead birds suffering from respiratory disease. Avian influenza (AI)-H5, AI-H9, Newcastle disease (ND), and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) were analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results Of the 359 flocks examined, 293 tested positive, whereas 66 were completely negative for the four viruses evaluated, with the highest positive results in Beheira. Out of 293 positive flocks, 211 were positive for a single virus, with Beheira having the highest rate, followed by Qalyoubia, Giza, and Monufiya. ND virus (NDV) was found to be the highest across all governorates, followed by IBV, AI-H9, and AI-H5. A double infection was detected in 73 flocks with either H9 or ND, or both H9 and IB could coinfect each other. The most common viral coinfections were H9 + IB, ND + IB, and ND + H9. Giza had the highest prevalence of ND + H9, H9 + IB, and ND + IB coinfection in the governorates, followed by Monufiya and Beheira. Only six out of 359 flocks were tribally infected with ND + H9 + IB in Giza, Monufiya, and Beheira governorates. On the basis of the number of flocks and the month of the year, July had the lowest number of flocks (23), while September and October had the highest number (48 flocks). Positive flock numbers were highest in October and lowest in January. Conclusion From January to October 2022, prevalent respiratory viral infections (H5N1, NDV, H9N2, and IBV) were detected in broiler chickens across the Delta area governorate, according to the findings of the present study. In addition, IBV and H9, either alone or in combination, significantly contributed to the respiratory infection observed in broiler chickens. Regardless of the type and origin of the vaccine used, it is not possible to protect broiler chickens from the development of the infection and the subsequent dissemination of the virus into the poultry environment. In the presence of face-infectious field virus mutations, poultry vaccinations must be regularly reviewed and updated, and poultry farms must take further biosecurity measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Ali El-Shemy
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, P.O. 12622, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Mahrous Amer
- Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, P.O. Code 12211, Giza, Egypt
| | - Heba M. Hassan
- Agriculture Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki, PO. Box 246, Giza 12618, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elaish
- Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, P.O. Code 12211, Giza, Egypt
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Croville G, Walch M, Sécula A, Lèbre L, Silva S, Filaire F, Guérin JL. An amplicon-based nanopore sequencing workflow for rapid tracking of avian influenza outbreaks, France, 2020-2022. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1257586. [PMID: 38318163 PMCID: PMC10839014 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1257586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
During the recent avian influenza epizootics that occurred in France in 2020/21 and 2021/22, the virus was so contagiousness that it was impossible to control its spread between farms. The preventive slaughter of millions of birds consequently was the only solution available. In an effort to better understand the spread of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in a rapid and innovative manner, we established an amplicon-based MinION sequencing workflow for the rapid genetic typing of circulating AIV strains. An amplicon-based MinION sequencing workflow based on a set of PCR primers targeting primarily the hemagglutinin gene but also the entire influenza virus genome was developed. Thirty field samples from H5 HPAIV outbreaks in France, including environmental samples, were sequenced using the MinION MK1C. A real-time alignment of the sequences with MinKNOW software allowed the sequencing run to be stopped as soon as enough data were generated. The consensus sequences were then generated and a phylogenetic analysis was conducted to establish links between the outbreaks. The whole sequence of the hemagglutinin gene was obtained for the 30 clinical samples of H5Nx HPAIV belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b. The consensus sequences comparison and the phylogenetic analysis demonstrated links between some outbreaks. While several studies have shown the advantages of MinION for avian influenza virus sequencing, this workflow has been applied exclusively to clinical field samples, without any amplification step on cell cultures or embryonated eggs. As this type of testing pipeline requires only a short amount of time to link outbreaks or demonstrate a new introduction, it could be applied to the real-time management of viral epizootics.
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Duriez O, Sassi Y, Le Gall-Ladevèze C, Giraud L, Straughan R, Dauverné L, Terras A, Boulinier T, Choquet R, Van De Wiele A, Hirschinger J, Guérin JL, Le Loc'h G. Highly pathogenic avian influenza affects vultures' movements and breeding output. Curr Biol 2023; 33:3766-3774.e3. [PMID: 37597520 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
An exceptional highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak due to H5N1 virus genotypes belonging to clade 2.3.4.4.b has been affecting birds worldwide since autumn 2021.1,2,3 Mortality caused by viral infection has been well documented in poultry and more recently in wild birds, especially in seabird-breeding colonies.4,5,6 However, there is a critical lack of knowledge about how terrestrial birds deal with HPAI virus infections in terms of behavior and space use, especially during the breeding season.7,8,9 Understanding how birds move when they are infected could help evaluate the risk of spreading the virus at a distance among other populations of wild or domestic birds, this latter risk being especially important for commensal bird species. Through long-term GPS tracking, we described the changes in daily movement patterns of 31 adult griffon vultures Gyps fulvus in two French sites in 2022 compared with 3 previous years. In spring 2022, 21 vultures at both sites showed periods of immobility at the nest, during 5.6 days on average. Positive serological status of 2 individuals confirmed that they had been infected by HPAI viruses. Death was recorded for 3 of the 31 tracked individuals, whereas all others recovered and returned quickly to their foraging routine, although at least 9 birds failed breeding. Such immobility patterns and death rates were never observed in previous years and were not related to weather conditions. The high immobility behavior of infected birds could reduce the risks of transmission. The observed vulnerability to HPAI viruses questions the resistance of endangered vulture species worldwide if infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Duriez
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France.
| | - Yohan Sassi
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Chloé Le Gall-Ladevèze
- IHAP, ENVT, INRAE, Université de Toulouse, 23 chemin des Capelles, BP 87614, 31076 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Léa Giraud
- LPO France - site Grands Causses, Le Bourg, 12720 Peyreleau, France
| | - Robert Straughan
- LPO France - site Grands Causses, Le Bourg, 12720 Peyreleau, France
| | - Lise Dauverné
- LPO Occitanie DT Aude, Ecluse de Mandirac, 11100 Narbonne, France
| | - Anna Terras
- LPO Occitanie DT Aude, Ecluse de Mandirac, 11100 Narbonne, France
| | - Thierry Boulinier
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Rémi Choquet
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Julien Hirschinger
- IHAP, ENVT, INRAE, Université de Toulouse, 23 chemin des Capelles, BP 87614, 31076 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Jean-Luc Guérin
- IHAP, ENVT, INRAE, Université de Toulouse, 23 chemin des Capelles, BP 87614, 31076 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Guillaume Le Loc'h
- IHAP, ENVT, INRAE, Université de Toulouse, 23 chemin des Capelles, BP 87614, 31076 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
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Cana A, Zecchin B, Merovci X, Fusaro A, Giussani E, Heta S, Krstevski K, Mehmetukaj D, Goga I, Hulaj B, Murati B, Terregino C, Dodovski A. Emergence and Persistent Circulation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus A (H5N8) in Kosovo, May 2021-May 2022. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2226. [PMID: 37764070 PMCID: PMC10534373 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092226] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we report the first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H5N8, clade 2.3.4.4b in Kosovo on 19 May 2021. The outbreak consisted of three phases: May-June 2021, September-November 2021, and January-May 2022. In total, 32 backyards and 10 commercial holdings tested positive for the virus. Interestingly, the third and last phase of the outbreak coincided with the massive H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b epidemic in Europe. Phylogenetic analyses of 28 viral strains from Kosovo revealed that they were closely related to the H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4.b viruses that had been circulating in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, and Russia in early 2021. Whole genome sequencing of the 25 and partial sequencing of three H5N8 viruses from Kosovo showed high nucleotide identity, forming a distinctive cluster and suggesting a single introduction. The results of the network analysis were in accordance with the three epidemic waves and suggested that the viral diffusion could have been caused by secondary spreads among farms and/or different introductions of the same virus from wild birds. The persistent circulation of the same virus over a one-year period highlights the potential risk of the virus becoming endemic, especially in settings with non-adequate biosecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armend Cana
- Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency, Industrial Zone, 10 000 Prishtina, Kosovo
- UBT—Higher Education Institution, Lagjja Kalabria, 10 000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Bianca Zecchin
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie (IZSVe), 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Xhavit Merovci
- Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency, Industrial Zone, 10 000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Alice Fusaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie (IZSVe), 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Edoardo Giussani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie (IZSVe), 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Sadik Heta
- Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency, Industrial Zone, 10 000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Kiril Krstevski
- Veterinary Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop Trajkov 5-7, MK-1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Dafina Mehmetukaj
- Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency, Industrial Zone, 10 000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Izedin Goga
- Agricultural and Veterinary Faculty, University of Prishtina, Bulevardi Bill Clinton, 10 000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Beqe Hulaj
- Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency, Industrial Zone, 10 000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Bafti Murati
- Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency, Industrial Zone, 10 000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Calogero Terregino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie (IZSVe), 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Aleksandar Dodovski
- Veterinary Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop Trajkov 5-7, MK-1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
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11
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Moreno A, Bonfante F, Bortolami A, Cassaniti I, Caruana A, Cottini V, Cereda D, Farioli M, Fusaro A, Lavazza A, Lecchini P, Lelli D, Maroni Ponti A, Nassuato C, Pastori A, Rovida F, Ruocco L, Sordilli M, Baldanti F, Terregino C. Asymptomatic infection with clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in carnivore pets, Italy, April 2023. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2300441. [PMID: 37650905 PMCID: PMC10472752 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.35.2300441] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In April 2023, an outbreak of clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses carrying the T271A mammalian adaptive mutation in the PB2 protein was detected in a backyard poultry farm in Italy. Five domestic dogs and one cat living on the premises had seroconverted in the absence of clinical signs. Virological and serological monitoring of individuals exposed to the virus proved the absence of human transmission, however, asymptomatic influenza A(H5N1) infections in mammalian pets may have important public health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Moreno
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Bonfante
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Legnaro (Padua), Italy
| | - Alessio Bortolami
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Legnaro (Padua), Italy
| | - Irene Cassaniti
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- SC Microbiology and Virology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Caruana
- Dipartimento di Igiene e Prevenzione Sanitaria-ATS Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cottini
- Dipartimento Veterinario e Sicurezza degli Alimenti di origine animale-ATS Brescia Direzione Generale, Brescia, Italy
| | - Danilo Cereda
- General Directorate of Welfare, Regione Lombardia, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Farioli
- General Directorate of Welfare, Regione Lombardia, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Fusaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Legnaro (Padua), Italy
| | - Antonio Lavazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Davide Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Nassuato
- Dipartimento Veterinario e Sicurezza degli Alimenti di origine animale-ATS Brescia Direzione Generale, Brescia, Italy
| | - Ambra Pastori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Legnaro (Padua), Italy
| | - Francesca Rovida
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- SC Microbiology and Virology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luigi Ruocco
- Sanità Animale e Farmaci Veterinari, Ministero della Salute, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Sordilli
- Sanità Animale e Farmaci Veterinari, Ministero della Salute, Rome, Italy
| | - Fausto Baldanti
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- SC Microbiology and Virology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share last authorship
| | - Calogero Terregino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Legnaro (Padua), Italy
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share last authorship
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12
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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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13
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Furness RW, Gear SC, Camphuysen KCJ, Tyler G, de Silva D, Warren CJ, James J, Reid SM, Banyard AC. Environmental Samples Test Negative for Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 Four Months after Mass Mortality at A Seabird Colony. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040584. [PMID: 37111470 PMCID: PMC10144497 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) profoundly impacted several seabird populations during the summers of 2021 and 2022. Infection spread rapidly across colonies, causing unprecedented mortality. At Foula, Shetland, 1500 breeding adult great skuas Stercorarius skua, totalling about two tonnes of decomposing virus-laden material, died at the colony in May-July 2022. Carcasses were left where they died as Government policy was not to remove dead birds. The factors influencing risk of further spread of infection are uncertain, but evidence suggests that HPAI can persist in water for many months in cool conditions and may be a major transmission factor for birds living in wetlands. We investigated risk of further spread of infection from water samples collected from under 45 decomposing carcasses and in three freshwater lochs/streams by sampling water in October 2022, by which time the great skua carcasses had rotted to bones, skin, and feathers. No viral genetic material was detected four months after the mortality, suggesting a low risk of seabird infection from the local environment when the seabirds would return the next breeding season. These findings, although based on a relatively small number of water samples, suggest that the high rainfall typical at Shetland probably washed away the virus from the decomposing carcasses. However, limitations to our study need to be taken on board in the design of environmental monitoring at seabird colonies during and immediately after future outbreaks of HPAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Furness
- MacArthur Green, 95 South Woodside Road, Glasgow G20 6NT, UK
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Sheila C Gear
- Foula Ranger Service, Magdala, Foula, Shetland ZE2 9PN, UK
| | - Kees C J Camphuysen
- Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 1790 Den Burg, The Netherlands
| | - Glen Tyler
- NatureScot, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0LL, UK
| | | | | | - Joe James
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Scott M Reid
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
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14
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Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infections in wild carnivores connected to mass mortalities of pheasants in Finland. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 111:105423. [PMID: 36889484 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has caused widespread mortality in both wild and domestic birds in Europe during 2020-2022. Virus types H5N8 and H5N1 have dominated the epidemic. Isolated spill-over infections in mammals started to emerge as the epidemic continued. In autumn 2021, HPAI H5N1 caused a series of mass mortality events in farmed and released pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) in a restricted area in southern Finland. Later, in the same area, an otter (Lutra lutra), two red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and a lynx (Lynx lynx) were found moribund or dead and infected with H5N1 HPAI virus. Phylogenetically, H5N1 strains from pheasants and mammals clustered together. Molecular analyses of the four mammalian virus strains revealed mutations in the PB2 gene segment (PB2-E627K and PB2-D701N) that are known to facilitate viral replication in mammals. This study revealed that avian influenza cases in mammals were spatially and temporally connected with avian mass mortalities suggesting increased infection pressure from birds to mammals.
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15
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Djurdjević B, Polaček V, Pajić M, Petrović T, Vučićević I, Vidanović D, Aleksić-Kovačević S. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 Outbreak in Backyard Chickens in Serbia. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040700. [PMID: 36830487 PMCID: PMC9952722 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In winter 2016/2017, the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N8 was detected in backyard poultry in Serbia for the first time. The second HPAI outbreak case in backyard poultry was reported in 2022, caused by subtype H5N1. This is the first study that documents the laboratory identification and pathology associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry in Serbia during the first and second introduction waves. In both cases, the diagnosis was based on real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. The most common observed lesions included subepicardial hemorrhages, congestion and hemorrhages in the lungs, and petechial hemorrhages in coelomic and epicardial adipose tissue. Histologically, the observed lesions were mostly nonpurulent encephalitis accompanied by encephalomalacia, multifocal necrosis in the spleen, pancreas, and kidneys, pulmonary congestion, and myocardial and pulmonary hemorrhages. In H5N8-infected chickens, immunohistochemical examination revealed strong positive IHC staining in the brain and lungs. Following these outbreaks, strict control measures were implemented on farms and backyard holdings to prevent the occurrence and spread of the disease. Extensive surveillance of birds for avian influenza virus did not detect any additional cases in poultry. These outbreaks highlight the importance of a rapid detection and response system in order to quickly suppress outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biljana Djurdjević
- Department of Epizootiology, Clinical diagnostics and DDD, Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Correspondence:
| | - Vladimir Polaček
- Department of Epizootiology, Clinical diagnostics and DDD, Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Marko Pajić
- Department of Epizootiology, Clinical diagnostics and DDD, Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Tamaš Petrović
- Department of Virology, Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Ivana Vučićević
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dejan Vidanović
- Veterinary Specialized Institute Kraljevo, 36000 Kraljevo, Serbia
| | - Sanja Aleksić-Kovačević
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
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16
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Genotype Diversity, Wild Bird-to-Poultry Transmissions, and Farm-to-Farm Carryover during the Spread of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in the Czech Republic in 2021/2022. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020293. [PMID: 36851507 PMCID: PMC9963064 DOI: 10.3390/v15020293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2021/2022, the re-emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) occurred in Europe. The outbreak was seeded from two sources: resident and reintroduced viruses, which is unprecedented in the recorded history of avian influenza. The dominant subtype was H5N1, which replaced the H5N8 subtype that had predominated in previous seasons. In this study, we present a whole genome sequence and a phylogenetic analysis of 57 H5N1 HPAI and two low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H5N1 strains collected in the Czech Republic during 2021/2022. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close relationships between H5N1 genomes from poultry and wild birds and secondary transmission in commercial geese. The genotyping showed considerable genetic heterogeneity among Czech H5N1 viruses, with six different HPAI genotypes, three of which were apparently unique. In addition, second-order reassortment relationships were observed with the direct involvement of co-circulating H5N1 LPAI strains. The genetic distance between Czech H5N1 HPAI and the closest LPAI segments available in the database illustrates the profound gaps in our knowledge of circulating LPAI strains. The changing dynamics of HPAI in the wild may increase the likelihood of future HPAI outbreaks and present new challenges in poultry management, biosecurity, and surveillance.
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17
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Briand FX, Schmitz A, Scoizec A, Allée C, Busson R, Guillemoto C, Quenault H, Lucas P, Pierre I, Louboutin K, Guillou-Cloarec C, Martenot C, Cherbonnel-Pansart M, Thomas R, Massin P, Souchaud F, Blanchard Y, Steensels M, Lambrecht B, Eterradossi N, Le Bouquin S, Niqueux E, Grasland B. Concomitant NA and NS deletion on avian Influenza H3N1 virus associated with hen mortality in France in 2019. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 104:105356. [PMID: 36038008 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
An H3N1 avian influenza virus was detected in a laying hens farm in May 2019 which had experienced 25% mortality in Northern France. The complete sequencing of this virus showed that all segment sequences belonged to the Eurasian lineage and were phylogenetically very close to many of the Belgian H3N1 viruses detected in 2019. The French virus presented two genetic particularities with NA and NS deletions that could be related to virus adaptation from wild to domestic birds and could increase virulence, respectively. Molecular data of H3N1 viruses suggest that these two deletions occurred at two different times.
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18
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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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Genotype Uniformity, Wild Bird-to-Poultry Transmissions, and Farm-to-Farm Carryover during the Spread of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 in the Czech Republic in 2021. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071411. [PMID: 35891391 PMCID: PMC9321741 DOI: 10.3390/v14071411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2020–2021, the second massive dissemination of a highly pathogenic avian influenza of the H5Nx subtype occurred in Europe. During this period, the virus caused numerous outbreaks in poultry, including in the Czech Republic. In the present study, we provide an insight into the genetic variability of the Czech/2021 (CZE/2021) H5N8 viruses to determine the relationships between strains from wild and domestic poultry and to infer transmission routes between the affected flocks of commercial poultry. For this purpose, whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 70 H5N8 genomes representing 79.7% of the cases were performed. All CZE/2021 H5N8 viruses belonged to the 2.3.4.4b H5 lineage and circulated without reassortment, retaining the A/chicken/Iraq/1/2020 H5N8-like genotype constellation. Phylogenetic analysis suggested the frequent local transmission of H5N8 from wild birds to backyard poultry and extensive spread among commercial poultry farms. In addition, the analysis suggested one cross-border transmission event. Indirect transmission via contaminated materials was considered the most likely source of infection. Improved biosecurity and increased collaboration between field veterinarians and the laboratory are essential to limit the local spread of the virus and to reveal and interrupt critical routes of infection.
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Nagy A, Černíková L, Stará M. A new clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza genotype detected in Europe in 2021. Arch Virol 2022; 167:1455-1459. [PMID: 35469095 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-022-05442-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Despite their widespread distribution, only a single genotype variant of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 influenza viruses has been found so far in Europe. Here, we report the detection of a new highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 genotype in geese and ducks from a backyard farm in the Czech Republic. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Czech H5N1 virus retained the A/Eurasian_Wigeon/Netherlands/1/2020-like backbone with an altered PB2 segment obtained from co-circulating low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Nagy
- State Veterinary Institute Prague, Sídlištní 136/24, 165 03, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Lenka Černíková
- State Veterinary Institute Prague, Sídlištní 136/24, 165 03, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Stará
- State Veterinary Institute Prague, Sídlištní 136/24, 165 03, Prague 6, Czech Republic
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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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Molecular and pathological characterization of natural co-infection of poultry farms with the recently emerged Leucocytozoon caulleryi and chicken anemia virus in Egypt. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:91. [PMID: 35137309 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03097-8] [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: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In the summers of 2018 and 2019, a disease outbreak stroke 25 broiler chicken farms and 3 broiler breeder farms in different Governorates in Egypt. The disease caused a mortality rate ranging from 3.2 to 9%. Postmortem examination showed petechial hemorrhage in the breast and thigh muscles, thymus gland, and peritoneal cavity and extensive hemorrhages in the kidneys. A total of 140 liver, kidney, lung, skeletal muscles, thymus, and spleen samples were collected. Twenty-eight pooled samples were created and examined by PCR and histopathological examination to identify the causative pathogens. All collected samples were PCR-negative to Newcastle disease virus (NDV), avian influenza viruses (H5, H9, and H7), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), and fowl adenovirus (FadV). Leucocytozoon caulleryi (L. caulleryi) genetic material was identified by PCR in 17 out of the 28 collected samples (61%). Five chicken farms (18%) showed positive PCR results for both L. caulleryi and chicken anemia virus (CAV). Histopathological examination revealed unilocular megaloschizonts in thymus, skeletal muscle, and lung as well as massive hemorrhages in parenchymatous organs. Nucleotide sequences of the identified pathogens were compared with other reference sequences available in the GenBank. The identified L. caulleryi has a close relationship with those previously detected in Asia, indicating potential transmission route of the parasite. The CAV has a close genetic relation with CAVs previously identified in Egypt. Furthermore, a real-time PCR for rapid, specific, and quasiquantitative detection of L. caulleryi was developed with a detection limit of 100 genome copies per reaction.
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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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Elbestawy AR, Ellakany HF, Abd El-Hamid HS, Gado AR, Geneedy AM, Noreldin AE, Menshawy S, El-Neweshy M, El-Shall NA, Salaheldin AH. Leucocytozoon caulleryi in Broiler Chicken Flocks: Clinical, Hematologic, Histopathologic, and Molecular Detection. Avian Dis 2021; 65:407-413. [PMID: 34427415 DOI: 10.1637/0005-2086-65.3.407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Despite the vast Egyptian poultry production, scanty information is available concerning the infection of haemprotozoan parasites as pathogens in commercial broilers. In the present study, we provided the first detection of leucocytozoonosis in five broiler chicken flocks in El-Beheira Egyptian governorate. Despite the low mortality rates in the affected flocks (0.3%-1% as a 5-day mortality), severe postmortem (hemorrhagic spots and scars) and histopathologic lesions appeared in different organs including skeletal muscles, liver, kidney, pancreas, abdominal cavity, and bursa of Fabricius. Evaluation of blood smears revealed gametocytes in erythrocytes and leukocytes. Conventional reverse transcriptase-PCR and partial sequence analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase b gene detected Leucocytozoon caulleryi. GenBank accession numbers of the five Egyptian L. caulleryi isolates were obtained. The five L. caulleryi were 99.9% identical to each other and 99.14% similar to the L. caulleryi mitochondrial DNA gene of Asian strains from India, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed R Elbestawy
- Department of Poultry and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, El-Beheira, 22511, Egypt,
| | - Hany F Ellakany
- Department of Poultry and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, El-Beheira, 22511, Egypt
| | - Hatem S Abd El-Hamid
- Department of Poultry and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, El-Beheira, 22511, Egypt
| | - Ahmed R Gado
- Department of Poultry and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, El-Beheira, 22511, Egypt
| | - Amr M Geneedy
- Department of Poultry and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, El-Beheira, 22511, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E Noreldin
- Department Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, El-Beheira, 22511, Egypt
| | - Soad Menshawy
- Department Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, El-Beheira, 22511, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud El-Neweshy
- Department Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, 33516, Egypt
| | - Nahed A El-Shall
- Department Poultry and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, El-Beheira, 22758, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H Salaheldin
- Department Poultry and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, El-Beheira, 22758, Egypt
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26
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Briand FX, Niqueux E, Schmitz A, Martenot C, Cherbonnel M, Massin P, Kerbrat F, Chatel M, Guillemoto C, Guillou-Cloarec C, Ogor K, Le Prioux A, Allée C, Beven V, Hirchaud E, Blanchard Y, Scoizec A, Le Bouquin S, Eterradossi N, Grasland B. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N8) Virus Spread by Short- and Long-Range Transmission, France, 2016-17. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:508-516. [PMID: 33496244 PMCID: PMC7853534 DOI: 10.3201/eid2702.202920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We detected 3 genotypes of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) virus in France during winter 2016–17. Genotype A viruses caused dramatic economic losses in the domestic duck farm industry in southwestern France. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that genotype A viruses formed 5 distinct geographic clusters in southwestern France. In some clusters, local secondary transmission might have been started by a single introduction. The intensity of the viral spread seems to correspond to the density of duck holdings in each production area. To avoid the introduction of disease into an unaffected area, it is crucial that authorities limit the movements of potentially infected birds.
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27
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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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Avian Influenza in Wild Birds and Poultry: Dissemination Pathways, Monitoring Methods, and Virus Ecology. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050630. [PMID: 34065291 PMCID: PMC8161317 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza is one of the largest known threats to domestic poultry. Influenza outbreaks on poultry farms typically lead to the complete slaughter of the entire domestic bird population, causing severe economic losses worldwide. Moreover, there are highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strains that are able to infect the swine or human population in addition to their primary avian host and, as such, have the potential of being a global zoonotic and pandemic threat. Migratory birds, especially waterfowl, are a natural reservoir of the avian influenza virus; they carry and exchange different virus strains along their migration routes, leading to antigenic drift and antigenic shift, which results in the emergence of novel HPAI viruses. This requires monitoring over time and in different locations to allow for the upkeep of relevant knowledge on avian influenza virus evolution and the prevention of novel epizootic and epidemic outbreaks. In this review, we assess the role of migratory birds in the spread and introduction of influenza strains on a global level, based on recent data. Our analysis sheds light on the details of viral dissemination linked to avian migration, the viral exchange between migratory waterfowl and domestic poultry, virus ecology in general, and viral evolution as a process tightly linked to bird migration. We also provide insight into methods used to detect and quantify avian influenza in the wild. This review may be beneficial for the influenza research community and may pave the way to novel strategies of avian influenza and HPAI zoonosis outbreak monitoring and prevention.
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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: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [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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Natural and Experimental Persistence of Highly Pathogenic H5 Influenza Viruses in Slurry of Domestic Ducks, with or without Lime Treatment. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.02288-20. [PMID: 33008818 PMCID: PMC7688237 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02288-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
From November 2015 to July 2017, two successive episodes of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HP AIVs) infections occurred on poultry farms in France, mostly in domestic ducks raised for foie gras production in southwestern France. During the two epizootics, epidemiological investigations were carried out on infected farms and control and biosafety measures were implemented in association with surveillance in order to stop the spread of the viruses. Effluents are known to be an important factor in environmental dissemination of viruses, and suitable effluent management is needed to help prevent the spread of epizootics to other farms or pathogen persistence at the farm level. The present study was therefore designed to assess how long infectious A/H5 HP AIVs can persist in naturally or experimentally contaminated fecal slurry samples from ducks, with or without sanitization by lime treatment. Infections by A/H5 and A/H7 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) can cause acute disease and are therefore notifiable in poultry and wild birds. During winter 2015-2016, several cases of infection caused by highly pathogenic (HP) AIVs belonging to the A/H5N1, A/H5N2, and A/H5N9 subtypes were detected in southwestern France. Throughout winter 2016-2017, several cases of infections caused mainly by A/H5N8 HP AIV (A/goose/GD/1/1996, clade 2.3.4.4) were detected across Europe. On both occasions, the viruses were widely detected on palmiped farms in France. This study was designed to evaluate the persistence of A/H5 HP AIV in slurry from various duck productions. This was achieved (i) in the laboratory setting by artificially spiking four AIV-free slurry samples with known amounts of A/H5N9 HP AIV and monitoring virus infectivity, with or without lime treatment to achieve pH 10 or pH 12, and (ii) by sampling slurry tanks on five naturally A/H5N8 HP-contaminated farms. Experimental results in artificially spiked slurry suggested virus survival for 4 weeks in slurry from Muscovy or Pekin duck breeders and for 2 weeks in slurry from ducks for foie gras production during the assisted-feeding period, without lime treatment. Persistence of infectious A/H5N9 HP AIV in all slurry samples after lime treatment at pH 10 or pH 12 was less than 1 week. The A/H5N8 HP AIV persisted in naturally contaminated untreated slurry for 7 weeks. The results obtained provide experimental support for the 60-day storage period without treatment or the 7-day interval after lime treatment defined in French regulations for slurry sanitization. IMPORTANCE From November 2015 to July 2017, two successive episodes of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HP AIVs) infections occurred on poultry farms in France, mostly in domestic ducks raised for foie gras production in southwestern France. During the two epizootics, epidemiological investigations were carried out on infected farms and control and biosafety measures were implemented in association with surveillance in order to stop the spread of the viruses. Effluents are known to be an important factor in environmental dissemination of viruses, and suitable effluent management is needed to help prevent the spread of epizootics to other farms or pathogen persistence at the farm level. The present study was therefore designed to assess how long infectious A/H5 HP AIVs can persist in naturally or experimentally contaminated fecal slurry samples from ducks, with or without sanitization by lime treatment.
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Świętoń E, Tarasiuk K, Śmietanka K. Low pathogenic avian influenza virus isolates with different levels of defective genome segments vary in pathogenicity and transmission efficiency. Vet Res 2020; 51:108. [PMID: 32859269 PMCID: PMC7453376 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-020-00833-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Defective interfering particles (DIPs) of influenza virus are generated through incorporation of highly truncated forms of genome segments, mostly those coding polymerase complex proteins (PB2, PB1, PA). Such particles are able to replicate only in the presence of a virus with the complete genome, thus DIPs may alter the infection outcome by suppressing production of standard virus particles, but also by stimulating the immune response. In the present study we compared the clinical outcome, mortality and transmission in chickens and turkeys infected with the same infectious doses of H7N7 low pathogenic avian influenza virus containing different levels of defective gene segments (95/95(DVG-high) and 95/95(DVG-low)). No clinical signs, mortality or transmission were noted in SPF chickens inoculated with neither virus stock. Turkeys infected with 95/95(DVG-high) showed only slight clinical signs with no mortality, and the virus was transmitted only to birds in direct contact. In contrast, more severe disease, mortality and transmission to direct and indirect contact birds was observed in turkeys infected with 95/95(DVG-low). Apathy, lower water and food intake, respiratory system disorders and a total mortality of 60% were noted. Shedding patterns in contact turkeys indicated more efficient within- and between-host spread of the virus than in 95/95(DVG-high) group. Sequencing of virus genomes showed no mutations that could account for the observed differences in pathogenicity. The results suggest that the abundance of DIPs in the inoculum was the factor responsible for the mild course of infection and disrupted virus transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Świętoń
- Department of Poultry Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland.
| | - Karolina Tarasiuk
- Department of Poultry Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Śmietanka
- Department of Poultry Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
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Unraveling the Global Phylodynamic and Phylogeographic Expansion of Mycoplasma gallisepticum: Understanding the Origin and Expansion of This Pathogen in Ecuador. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9090674. [PMID: 32825097 PMCID: PMC7557814 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is among the most significant problems in the poultry industry worldwide, representing a serious threat to international trade. Despite the fact that the mgc2 gene has been widely used for diagnostic and molecular characterization purposes, there is a lack of evidence supporting the reliability of this gene as a marker for molecular epidemiology approaches. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the accuracy of the mgc2 gene for phylogenetic, phylodynamic, and phylogeographic evaluations. Furthermore, the global phylodynamic expansion of MG is described, and the origin and extension of the outbreak caused by MG in Ecuador were tracked and characterized. The results obtained strongly supported the use of the mgc2 gene as a reliable phylogenetic marker and accurate estimator for the temporal and phylogeographic structure reconstruction of MG. The phylodynamic analysis denoted the failures in the current policies to control MG and highlighted the imperative need to implement more sensitive methodologies of diagnosis and more efficient vaccines. Framed in Ecuador, the present study provides the first piece of evidence of the circulation of virulent field MG strains in Ecuadorian commercial poultry. The findings derived from the current study provide novel and significant insights into the origin, diversification, and evolutionary process of MG globally.
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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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Puleio R, Manno C, Valenza A, Tolone M, Loria GR. Laboratory findings on the health status of the endemic rock‐partridge (
Alectoris graeca whitakeri
) population during a two‐year conservation programme in Sicily. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1136/vetreccr-2020-001100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Puleio
- Histopathology and Immunohistochemistry LaboratoryIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia Adelmo MirriPalermoSiciliaItaly
| | - Claudia Manno
- Area Diagnostica SpecialisticaIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia Adelmo MirriPalermoSiciliaItaly
| | - Andrea Valenza
- Area Diagnostica SpecialisticaIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia Adelmo MirriPalermoSiciliaItaly
| | - Marco Tolone
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgrarieAlimentari e ForestaliUniversita degli Studi di PalermoPalermoItaly
| | - Guido Ruggero Loria
- Area Diagnostica SpecialisticaIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia Adelmo MirriPalermoSiciliaItaly
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Laconi A, Fortin A, Bedendo G, Shibata A, Sakoda Y, Awuni JA, Go-Maro E, Arafa A, Maken Ali AS, Terregino C, Monne I. Detection of avian influenza virus: a comparative study of the in silico and in vitro performances of current RT-qPCR assays. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8441. [PMID: 32439885 PMCID: PMC7242438 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64003-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza viruses (AIV) are negative sense RNA viruses posing a major threat to the poultry industry worldwide, with the potential to spread to mammals, including humans; hence, an accurate and rapid AIV diagnosis is essential. To date AIV detection relies on molecular methods, mainly RT-qPCR directed against AIV M gene segment. The evolution of AIV represents a relevant issue in diagnostic RT-qPCR due to possible mispriming and/or probe-binding failures resulting in false negative results. Consequently, RT-qPCR for AIV detection should be periodically re-assessed both in silico and in vitro. To this end, a specific workflow was developed to evaluate in silico the complementarity of primers and probes of four published RT-qPCR protocols to their target regions. The four assays and one commercially available kit for AIV detection were evaluated both for their analytical sensitivity using eight different viral dilution panels and for their diagnostic performances against clinical specimens of known infectious status. Differences were observed among the tests under evaluation, both in terms of analytical sensitivity and of diagnostic performances. This finding confirms the importance of continuously monitoring the primers and probes complementarity to their binding regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Laconi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, Legnaro, Padova, 35020, Italy.
| | - Andrea Fortin
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, Legnaro, Padova, 35020, Italy
| | - Giulia Bedendo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, Legnaro, Padova, 35020, Italy
| | - Akihiro Shibata
- Exotic Disease Inspection Division, Laboratory Department, Animal Quarantine Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tokoname, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Sakoda
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | | | - Abdelsatar Arafa
- Reference Lab for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki, Giza, 12618, Egypt
| | | | - Calogero Terregino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, Legnaro, Padova, 35020, Italy
| | - Isabella Monne
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, Legnaro, Padova, 35020, Italy.
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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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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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Awuni JA, Bianco A, Dogbey OJ, Fusaro A, Yingar DT, Salviato A, Ababio PT, Milani A, Bonfante F, Monne I. Avian influenza H9N2 subtype in Ghana: virus characterization and evidence of co-infection. Avian Pathol 2019; 48:470-476. [PMID: 31142135 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2019.1624687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Between November 2017 and February 2018, Ghanaian poultry producers reported to animal health authorities a dramatic increase in mortality rate and a relevant drop in egg production in several layer hen farms. Laboratory investigations revealed that the farms had been infected by the H9N2 influenza subtype. Virological and molecular characterization of the viruses identified in Ghana is described here for the first time. Whole genome analysis showed that the viruses belong to the G1-lineage and cluster with viruses identified in North and West Africa. The low pathogenicity of the virus was confirmed by the intravenous pathogenicity index assay. Further investigations revealed co-infection with infectious bronchitis virus of the GI-19 lineage, which very likely explained the severity of the disease observed during the outbreaks. The H9N2 outbreaks in Ghana highlight the importance of performing a differential diagnosis and an in-depth characterization of emerging viruses. In addition, the detection of a potentially zoonotic subtype, such as the H9N2, in a region where highly pathogenic avian influenza H5Nx is currently circulating highlights the urgency of implementing enhanced monitoring strategies and supporting improved investments in regional diagnostic technologies. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Influenza A H9N2 subtype was detected in layer hens in Ghana in 2017-2018 Whole genome characterization of seven H9N2 viruses was performed Phylogenetic trees revealed that the H9N2 viruses belong to the G1 lineage The HA protein possesses the amino acid mutations 226L and 155T Co-infection with infectious bronchitis virus of the GI-19 lineage was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice Bianco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie , Legnaro , Italy
| | | | - Alice Fusaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie , Legnaro , Italy
| | | | - Annalisa Salviato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie , Legnaro , Italy
| | | | - Adelaide Milani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie , Legnaro , Italy
| | | | - Isabella Monne
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie , Legnaro , Italy
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Samy A, El-Enbaawy M, El-Sanousi A, Abd El-Wanes S, Ammar A, Hikono H, Saito T. In-vitro assessment of differential cytokine gene expression in response to infections with Egyptian classic and variant strains of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. Int J Vet Sci Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijvsm.2015.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A.A. Samy
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki, Giza, 12618, Egypt
| | - M.I. El-Enbaawy
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - A.A. El-Sanousi
- Virology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - S.A. Abd El-Wanes
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki, Giza, 12618, Egypt
| | - A.M. Ammar
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - H. Hikono
- Influenza and Prion Disease Research Centre, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0856, Japan
| | - T. Saito
- Influenza and Prion Disease Research Centre, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0856, Japan
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41
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Souvestre M, Guinat C, Niqueux E, Robertet L, Croville G, Paul M, Schmitz A, Bronner A, Eterradossi N, Guérin JL. Role of Backyard Flocks in Transmission Dynamics of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N8) Clade 2.3.4.4, France, 2016-2017. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:551-554. [PMID: 30623754 PMCID: PMC6390754 DOI: 10.3201/eid2503.181040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [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
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) clade 2.3.4.4 spread in France during 2016–2017. We assessed the biosecurity and avian influenza virus infection status of 70 backyard flocks near H5N8-infected commercial farms. One flock was seropositive for clade 2.3.4.4. Backyard flocks linked to commercial farms had elevated risk for H5 infection.
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42
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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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Tolba HMN, Abou Elez RMM, Elsohaby I, Ahmed HA. Molecular identification of avian influenza virus subtypes H5N1 and H9N2 in birds from farms and live bird markets and in respiratory patients. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5473. [PMID: 30202644 PMCID: PMC6129142 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have been endemic in Egypt since 2006, and the co-circulation of high-pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 and low-pathogenic avian influenza H9N2 subtypes in poultry has been reported; therefore, Egypt is considered a hotspot for the generation of new subtypes and genotypes. We aimed to characterize AIVs circulating on commercial farms and in live bird markets (LBMs) during the winters of 2015 and 2016 in the study area and to identify H5N1 and H9N2 viruses in respiratory patients. Methods In total, 159 samples were collected from ducks, pigeons and quails on farms (n = 59) and in LBMs (n = 100) and screened by real-time RT-PCR for H5N1 and H9N2 subtypes. Clinical and postmortem examination was carried out on birds from the farms. Positive H5N1 samples were sequenced and analysed for mutations. Tracheal swabs were also collected from 89 respiratory patients admitted to respiratory hospitals in the same study area. Results Overall, H5N1 was identified in 13.6% of birds from farms, while it was detected in 17% of birds in LBMs. Subtype H9N2 was only identified from pigeons on farms (6.5%) and LBMs (11.4%). Sequencing of the haemagglutination gene (HA) in nine representative H5N1 isolates revealed a multi-basic amino acid motif at the cleavage site (321-PQGEKRRKKR/GLF-333), which is characteristic of highly pathogenic AIV, in five of our isolates, while the other four isolates showed an amino acid substitution (Q322K) at this cleavage site to make it (321-P K GEKRRKKR/GLF-333). All the isolates belonged to clade 2.2.1.2, and a comparison of HA sequences at the amino acid level showed 98.8-100% homology among the nine isolates, while they showed 94.1-96.1% identity with reference strains and the commonly used vaccine strain in Egypt. Out of 89 respiratory patients, 3.4% were positive for H5N1 and no patients were positive for H9N2. Discussion Our results indicated the circulation of the endemic H5N1 and H9N2 viruses among poultry in 2015 and 2016. Birds on farms and in LBMs are reservoirs playing a role in the dissemination of the virus and producing a public health risk. The application of proper hygienic measures in farms and LBMs to control the exposure of birds and humans to the source of infection along with continuous monitoring of the circulating viruses will provide information on understanding the evolution of the viruses for vaccine studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala M N Tolba
- Department of Avian and Rabbit Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Rasha M M Abou Elez
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Elsohaby
- Department of Animal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.,Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Heba A Ahmed
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Seekings AH, Slomka MJ, Russell C, Howard WA, Choudhury B, Nuñéz A, Löndt BZ, Cox W, Ceeraz V, Thorén P, Irvine RM, Manvell RJ, Banks J, Brown IH. Direct evidence of H7N7 avian influenza virus mutation from low to high virulence on a single poultry premises during an outbreak in free range chickens in the UK, 2008. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 64:13-31. [PMID: 29883773 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
H5 and H7 subtypes of low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) have the potential to evolve into highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs), causing high mortality in galliforme poultry with substantial economic losses for the poultry industry. This study provides direct evidence of H7N7 LPAIV mutation to HPAIV on a single poultry premises during an outbreak that occurred in June 2008 in free range laying hens in Oxfordshire, UK. We report the first detection of a rare di-basic cleavage site (CS) motif (PEIPKKRGLF), unique to galliformes, that has previously been associated with a LPAIV phenotype. Three distinct HPAIV CS sequences (PEIPKRKKRGLF, PEIPKKKKRGLF and PEIPKKKKKKRGLF) were identified in the infected sheds suggesting molecular evolution at the outbreak premises. Further evidence for H7N7 LPAIV preceding mutation to HPAIV was derived by examining clinical signs, epidemiological descriptions and analysing laboratory results on the timing and proportions of seroconversion and virus shedding at each infected shed on the premises. In addition to describing how the outbreak was diagnosed and managed via statutory laboratory testing, phylogenetic analysis revealed reassortant events during 2006-2008 that suggested likely incursion of a wild bird origin LPAIV precursor to the H7N7 HPAIV outbreak. Identifying a precursor LPAIV is important for understanding the molecular changes and mechanisms involved in the emergence of HPAIV. This information can lead to understanding how and why only some H7 LPAIVs appear to readily mutate to HPAIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Seekings
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom.
| | - M J Slomka
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - C Russell
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - W A Howard
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - B Choudhury
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - A Nuñéz
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - B Z Löndt
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - W Cox
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - V Ceeraz
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - P Thorén
- Swedish Agricultural University (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - R M Irvine
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - R J Manvell
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - J Banks
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - I H Brown
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
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45
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Slomka MJ, Seekings AH, Mahmood S, Thomas S, Puranik A, Watson S, Byrne AMP, Hicks D, Nunez A, Brown IH, Brookes SM. Unexpected infection outcomes of China-origin H7N9 low pathogenicity avian influenza virus in turkeys. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7322. [PMID: 29743603 PMCID: PMC5943237 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25062-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The China-origin H7N9 low pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV) emerged as a zoonotic threat in 2013 where it continues to circulate in live poultry markets. Absence of overt clinical signs in poultry is a typical LPAIV infection outcome, and has contributed to its insidious maintenance in China. This study is the first description of H7N9 LPAIV (A/Anhui/1/13) infection in turkeys, with efficient transmission to two additional rounds of introduced contact turkeys which all became infected during cohousing. Surprisingly, mortality was observed in six of eight (75%) second-round contact turkeys which is unusual for LPAIV infection, with unexpected systemic dissemination to many organs beyond the respiratory and enteric tracts, but interestingly no accompanying mutation to highly pathogenic AIV. The intravenous pathogenicity index score for a turkey-derived isolate (0.39) affirmed the LPAIV phenotype. However, the amino acid change L235Q in the haemagglutinin gene occurred in directly-infected turkeys and transmitted to the contacts, including those that died and the two which resolved infection to survive to the end of the study. This polymorphism was indicative of a reversion from mammalian to avian adaptation for the H7N9 virus. This study underlined a new risk to poultry in the event of H7N9 spread beyond China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek J Slomka
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom.
| | - Amanda H Seekings
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Sahar Mahmood
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Saumya Thomas
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Anita Puranik
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha Watson
- Animal Services Unit, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, 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), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Hicks
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Alejandro Nunez
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Ian H Brown
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon M Brookes
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
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Laleye A, Joannis T, Shittu I, Meseko C, Zamperin G, Milani A, Zecchin B, Fusaro A, Monne I, Abolnik C. A two-year monitoring period of the genetic properties of clade 2.3.2.1c H5N1 viruses in Nigeria reveals the emergence and co-circulation of distinct genotypes. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 57:98-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Hartby CM, Krog JS, Merkel F, Holm E, Larsen LE, Hjulsager CK. First Characterization of Avian Influenza Viruses from Greenland 2014. Avian Dis 2017; 60:302-10. [PMID: 27309071 DOI: 10.1637/11119-050515-regr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In late February 2014, unusually high numbers of wild thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia) were found dead on the coast of South Greenland. To investigate the cause of death, 45 birds were submitted for laboratory examination in Denmark. Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) with subtypes H11N2 and low pathogenic H5N1 were detected in some of the birds. Characterization of the viruses by full genome sequencing revealed that all the gene segments belonged to the North American lineage of AIVs. The seemingly sparse and mixed subtype occurrence of low pathogenic AIVs in these birds, in addition to the emaciated appearance of the birds, suggests that the murre die-off was due to malnutrition as a result of sparse food availability or inclement weather. Here we present the first characterization of AIVs isolated in Greenland, and our results support the idea that wild birds in Greenland may be involved in the movement of AIV between North America and Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Marie Hartby
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Jesper Schak Krog
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Flemming Merkel
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland.,Arctic Environment, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Elisabeth Holm
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Lars Erik Larsen
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
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More S, Bøtner A, Butterworth A, Calistri P, Depner K, Edwards S, Garin-Bastuji B, Good M, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda MA, Nielsen SS, Raj M, Sihvonen L, Spoolder H, Stegeman JA, Thulke HH, Velarde A, Willeberg P, Winckler C, Baldinelli F, Broglia A, Verdonck F, Beltrán Beck B, Kohnle L, Morgado J, Bicout D. Assessment of listing and categorisation of animal diseases within the framework of the Animal Health Law (Regulation (EU) No 2016/429): low pathogenic avian influenza. EFSA J 2017; 15:e04891. [PMID: 32625556 PMCID: PMC7009921 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) has been assessed according to the criteria of the Animal Health Law (AHL), in particular criteria of Article 7 on disease profile and impacts, Article 5 on the eligibility of LPAI to be listed, Article 9 for the categorisation of LPAI according to disease prevention and control rules as in Annex IV and Article 8 on the list of animal species related to LPAI. The assessment has been performed following a methodology composed of information collection and compilation, expert judgement on each criterion at individual and, if no consensus was reached before, also at collective levels. The output is composed of the categorical answer, and for the questions where no consensus was reached, the different supporting views are reported. Details on the methodology used for this assessment are explained in a separate opinion. According to the assessment performed, LPAI can be considered eligible to be listed for Union intervention as laid down in Article 5(3) of the AHL. The disease would comply with the criteria as in Sections 3 and 5 of Annex IV of the AHL, for the application of the disease prevention and control rules referred to in points (c) and (e) of Article 9(1). The animal species to be listed for LPAI according to Article 8(3) criteria are all species of domestic poultry and wild species of mainly Anseriformes and Charadriiformes, as indicated in the present opinion.
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Briand FX, Schmitz A, Ogor K, Le Prioux A, Guillou-Cloarec C, Guillemoto C, Allée C, Le Bras MO, Hirchaud E, Quenault H, Touzain F, Cherbonnel-Pansart M, Lemaitre E, Courtillon C, Gares H, Daniel P, Fediaevsky A, Massin P, Blanchard Y, Eterradossi N, van der Werf S, Jestin V, Niqueux E. Emerging highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza viruses in France during winter 2015/16: phylogenetic analyses and markers for zoonotic potential. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 22:30473. [PMID: 28277218 PMCID: PMC5356430 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2017.22.9.30473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Several new highly pathogenic (HP) H5 avian influenza virus (AIV) have been detected in poultry farms from south-western France since November 2015, among which an HP H5N1. The zoonotic potential and origin of these AIVs immediately became matters of concern. One virus of each subtype H5N1 (150169a), H5N2 (150233) and H5N9 (150236) was characterised. All proved highly pathogenic for poultry as demonstrated molecularly by the presence of a polybasic cleavage site in their HA protein – with a sequence (HQRRKR/GLF) previously unknown among avian H5 HPAI viruses – or experimentally by the in vivo demonstration of an intravenous pathogenicity index of 2.9 for the H5N1 HP isolate. Phylogenetic analyses based on the full genomes obtained by NGS confirmed that the eight viral segments of the three isolates were all part of avian Eurasian phylogenetic lineage but differed from the Gs/Gd/1/96-like lineage. The study of the genetic characteristics at specific amino acid positions relevant for modulating the adaptation to and the virulence for mammals showed that presently, these viruses possess most molecular features characteristic of AIV and lack some major characteristics required for efficient respiratory transmission to or between humans. The three isolates are therefore predicted to have no significant pandemic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- François-Xavier Briand
- Anses, Unité VIPAC - LNR influenza aviaire, Ploufragan, France.,Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France
| | - Audrey Schmitz
- Anses, Unité VIPAC - LNR influenza aviaire, Ploufragan, France.,Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France
| | - Katell Ogor
- Anses, Unité VIPAC - LNR influenza aviaire, Ploufragan, France.,Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France
| | - Aurélie Le Prioux
- Anses, Unité VIPAC - LNR influenza aviaire, Ploufragan, France.,Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France
| | - Cécile Guillou-Cloarec
- Anses, Unité VIPAC - LNR influenza aviaire, Ploufragan, France.,Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France
| | - Carole Guillemoto
- Anses, Unité VIPAC - LNR influenza aviaire, Ploufragan, France.,Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France
| | - Chantal Allée
- Anses, Unité VIPAC - LNR influenza aviaire, Ploufragan, France.,Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France
| | - Marie-Odile Le Bras
- Anses, Unité VIPAC - LNR influenza aviaire, Ploufragan, France.,Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France
| | - Edouard Hirchaud
- Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France.,Anses, Unité Génétique Virale et Biosécurité, Ploufragan, France
| | - Hélène Quenault
- Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France.,Anses, Unité Génétique Virale et Biosécurité, Ploufragan, France
| | - Fabrice Touzain
- Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France.,Anses, Unité Génétique Virale et Biosécurité, Ploufragan, France
| | - Martine Cherbonnel-Pansart
- Anses, Unité VIPAC - LNR influenza aviaire, Ploufragan, France.,Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France
| | - Evelyne Lemaitre
- Anses, Unité VIPAC - LNR influenza aviaire, Ploufragan, France.,Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France
| | - Céline Courtillon
- Anses, Unité VIPAC - LNR influenza aviaire, Ploufragan, France.,Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France
| | - Hélène Gares
- Laboratoire Départemental d'Analyses et de Recherche, Coulounieix Chamiers, France
| | - Patrick Daniel
- Laboratoire des Pyrénées et des Landes, Mont-de-Marsan, France
| | | | - Pascale Massin
- Anses, Unité VIPAC - LNR influenza aviaire, Ploufragan, France.,Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France
| | - Yannick Blanchard
- Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France.,Anses, Unité Génétique Virale et Biosécurité, Ploufragan, France
| | - Nicolas Eterradossi
- Anses, Unité VIPAC - LNR influenza aviaire, Ploufragan, France.,Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France
| | - Sylvie van der Werf
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Génétique Moléculaire des Virus à ARN - CNR grippe, Paris, France.,Anses - Groupe d'Experts Spécialisé Santé Animale et Bien-être Animal, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Véronique Jestin
- Anses - Groupe d'Experts Spécialisé Santé Animale et Bien-être Animal, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eric Niqueux
- Anses, Unité VIPAC - LNR influenza aviaire, Ploufragan, France.,Université Bretagne-Loire, Rennes, France
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Clade 2.3.4.4 avian influenza A (H5N8) outbreak in commercial poultry, Iran, 2016: the first report and update data. Trop Anim Health Prod 2017; 49:1089-1093. [PMID: 28478526 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-017-1302-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In 2010, H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the A/Goose/Guangdong/1/1996 lineage dramatically affected poultry and wild birds in Asia, Europe, and North America. In November 2016, HPAI H5N8 was detected in a commercial layer farm in Tehran province. The diagnosis was based on real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RRT-PCR) and sequencing of haemaglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes from suspected samples. Genetic and phylogenetic analysis of the HA gene demonstrated that the Iranian HPAI H5N8 viruses belong to the HPAI H5 virus clade 2.3.4.4 and cluster within group B (Gochang-like). In particular, the highest similarity was found with the sequences of the HPAI H5N8 identified in Russia in 2016. To our knowledge, this clade has not been previously detected in Iran. Previous HPAI A (H5) epidemic in Iran occurred in 2015 and involved exclusively viruses of clade 2.3.2.1c. These findings indicate that Iran is at high risk of introduction of HPAI H5 of the A/Goose/Guangdong/1/1996 lineage from East Asia and highlight the need to maintain adequate monitoring activities in target wild and domestic bird species for HPAI early detection. This study is useful for better understanding the genetic and antigenic evolution of H5 HPAI viruses in the region and the world.
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