This project seeks to improve our understanding of the susceptibility and pathogenesis of pertinent strains of avian influenza viruses in diving duck species.
Prior to this effort, the susceptibility and pathogenesis of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) had not been characterized in numerous duck species, especially diving ducks (genera Melanitta, Aythya, and Oxyura), some of which migrate across the continental US. The few studies previously available (on Tufted duck, Aythya fuligula) suggest that they may shed high amounts of virus, but it is unclear whether they have the capacity to spread HPAI long distances.
This project, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Southeast Poultry Disease Research Laboratory, has characterized the pathobiology of HPAI in two diving duck species, Ruddy ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis) and Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis). Virus shed, clinical disease, mortality, gross and microscopic lesions were evaluated, with results showing that diving ducks have strong potential to serve as compotent hosts of avian influenza viruses. Due to the valuable information gained from this initial work we have continued this effort by expanding the species and viral strains used.
This study helps fill an important gap in our current state of knowledge on HPAI in wild birds, and provides input factors for disease transmission risk models.
- Overview
This project seeks to improve our understanding of the susceptibility and pathogenesis of pertinent strains of avian influenza viruses in diving duck species.
Prior to this effort, the susceptibility and pathogenesis of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) had not been characterized in numerous duck species, especially diving ducks (genera Melanitta, Aythya, and Oxyura), some of which migrate across the continental US. The few studies previously available (on Tufted duck, Aythya fuligula) suggest that they may shed high amounts of virus, but it is unclear whether they have the capacity to spread HPAI long distances.
This project, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Southeast Poultry Disease Research Laboratory, has characterized the pathobiology of HPAI in two diving duck species, Ruddy ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis) and Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis). Virus shed, clinical disease, mortality, gross and microscopic lesions were evaluated, with results showing that diving ducks have strong potential to serve as compotent hosts of avian influenza viruses. Due to the valuable information gained from this initial work we have continued this effort by expanding the species and viral strains used.
This study helps fill an important gap in our current state of knowledge on HPAI in wild birds, and provides input factors for disease transmission risk models.
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