H5N2 Avian Influenza in Healthy Wild Waterfowl
Author Information
Author(s): Gaidet Nicolas, Cattoli Giovanni, Hammoumi Saliha, Newman Scott H., Hagemeijer Ward, Takekawa John Y., Cappelle Julien, Dodman Tim, Joannis Tony, Gil Patricia, Monne Isabella, Fusaro Alice, Capua Ilaria, Manu Shiiwuua, Micheloni Pierfrancesco, Ottosson Ulf, Mshelbwala John H., Lubroth Juan, Domenech Joseph, Monicat François
Primary Institution: Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
Hypothesis
Can healthy wild waterfowl be infected by highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses?
Conclusion
The study found evidence of non-lethal H5N2 avian influenza infection in healthy wild waterfowl in Nigeria.
Supporting Evidence
- H5N2 viruses were detected in two wild waterfowl species in Nigeria.
- One infected duck was tracked for 47 days and showed no clinical signs of illness.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed close genetic relationships with low pathogenic H5 viruses.
Takeaway
Some wild ducks can get sick from a virus that usually makes chickens very sick, but they can stay healthy and even fly around.
Methodology
The study involved capturing and testing over 11,000 wild birds for avian influenza viruses and tracking the movements of infected birds using satellite telemetry.
Limitations
The study could not isolate the viruses, which limits understanding of their pathogenicity.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on wild waterfowl species in Nigeria.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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