Survey of H5N1 Avian Influenza in Duck Farms in Indonesia
Author Information
Author(s): Wibawa Hendra, Henning Joerg, Wong Frank, Selleck Paul, Junaidi Akhmad, Bingham John, Daniels Peter, Meers Joanne
Primary Institution: CSIRO-Australian Animal Health Laboratory
Hypothesis
What are the molecular and antigenic characteristics of H5N1 viruses in smallholder duck farms in Central Java, Indonesia?
Conclusion
The study found that clade 2.1.3 was the most common lineage of H5N1 viruses in ducks, with no significant mutations affecting pathogenicity.
Supporting Evidence
- All characterized viruses belonged to H5N1 clade 2.1.
- Three virus sublineages were identified: clade 2.1.1, clade 2.1.3, and IDN/6/05-like viruses.
- Ducks had a higher survival rate compared to chickens during H5N1 outbreaks.
- No significant amino acid mutations were found in the HA and NA proteins.
- Multiple genetic variants were isolated from the same farms at different times.
- Identical virus variants were found across different farms.
- High phylogenetic relatedness was observed among viruses in clade 2.1.3.
- Antigenic analysis showed no major antigenic variants circulating during the study period.
Takeaway
This study looked at sick ducks on farms in Indonesia to see how the bird flu virus was changing. They found that ducks were better at surviving the virus than chickens.
Methodology
Oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected from ducks and chickens every two months, and viruses were isolated and characterized using molecular techniques.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in sampling methods and reporting from farms.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific geographic area and time frame, which may not represent the broader situation.
Participant Demographics
The study involved smallholder duck farms in Central Java, Indonesia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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