Avian influenza is a viral infection found in domestic poultry and a wide range of other birds. Wild waterfowl and shorebirds are often subclinically affected carriers of the virus. In poultry, low-pathogenicity strains can cause subclinical infections; however, some strains typically cause respiratory signs or decreased egg production. Highly pathogenic strains may cause widespread organ failure and sudden death, often with high mortality rates. Diagnosis is based on detection of the viral genome or specific antibodies or on virus isolation. Antimicrobials may help control secondary bacterial infection in flocks affected by low-pathogenicity strains. Antiviral drugs are not approved or recommended. Prevention is best accomplished by biosecurity measures. Vaccines matched for antigenic type can greatly increase resistance to infection, prevent clinical signs, and decrease viral shedding in infected flocks.
As temperatures drop in fall and winter, respiratory diseases in poultry become more prevalent, creating serious challenges to the livestock industry. These diseases can lead to lower productivity, higher mortality rates, and increased costs for farmers. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment...
Suresh Chitturi (Managing Director, Srinivasa Farms) comments on India’s main strengths, consumer trends, and the evolution of poultry operations in the country, during this Engormix interview....
The 36th edition of the APSS will be held at The University of Sydney – Abercrombie Business School, from 10-12 February 2025.
These will be some of the major themes: Layer Nutrition and Egg Quality, Broiler Nutrition, Managing Antibiotic-free Production, Sustainable use of Protein Ingredients and...
Avian influenza, caused by influenza A viruses, has emerged as a critical zoonotic threat with implications for both public health and wildlife conservation. This abstract provides an overview of the prevalence, transmission dynamics, and potential impacts of avian influenza in wild birds and mammals within the United States. Drawing on comprehensive surveillance data and scientific studies, we highlight the diverse range of avian influenza strains circulating in wild bird populations and...
South American countries such as Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay reported the detection of HPAIV H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4 b in domestic and wild birds for the first time in the region from the end of 2022 to the beginning of 2023. Human infections were reported for the first time in South America, Ecuador, and Chile. Since October 2022, the PREVIR-MCTI network, a Brazilian network for virus surveillance in wild animals, has been collecting samples from asymptomatic wild...
The emergence of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza poses a significant threat to human and animal health worldwide. This summary provides an overview of the surveillance efforts implemented in Peru to combat the spread of H5N1 avian influenza. Joint efforts between the authority, the productive sector, and academia date back to the first influenza outbreak in Chile in 2002. Since then, the government has been developing intense clinical and serological surveillance in the domestic birds...
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses continue to pose a significant threat to animal and human health worldwide. Since the onset of the HPAI H5N1 outbreak in South America, our research group has been conducting environmental influenza A virus (IAV) surveillance in different wetlands throughout Chile to detect and characterize circulating IAV strains. Between November 2022 and June 2023, we collected and screened 3275 environmental samples for IAV by RT-qPCR targeting the M...
The 2022–2023 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak in the United States (U.S.) is the most geographically extensive and costly animal health event in U.S. history. In 2022 alone, over 57 million commercial and backyard poultry in 47 U.S. states were affected. Over 75% of the affected poultry were part of the commercial table egg production sector. Methods: We conducted a case–control study to identify potential risk factors for the introduction of the HPAI virus...
The 2022–2023 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak in the United States (U.S.) is the largest and most costly animal health event in U.S. history. Approximately 70% of commercial farms affected during this outbreak have been turkey farms. We conducted a case-control study to identify potential risk factors for the introduction of the HPAI virus into commercial meat turkey operations. Data were collected from 66 case farms and 59 control farms in 12 states. Univariate...
Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) poses a significant threat to both avian populations and human health due to its potential for zoonotic transmission. The emergence of highly pathogenic strains necessitates the development of innovative control strategies. This abstract presents a comprehensive overview of the potential of CRISPR-based technologies, Quorum Sensing (QS) systems, and the application of the synthetic inducer molecule Arbitrium as strategic control measures for mitigating AIV...
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 poses a significant threat to both commercial poultry operations and wild bird populations worldwide. South America, with its rich avian biodiversity and extensive poultry industry, is susceptible to the introduction and spread of this devastating virus. This study explores the imminent challenges and potential outcomes associated with the upcoming bird migration season in South America, focusing on the detection and incidence of HPAIV...
In Chile, from December 5, 2022, to date (August 30), 892 HPAI H5N1 HPAI-positive samples have been detected in wild birds, affecting 50 species, with 94 zones under control. To date, more than 35,000 wild birds are dead. In addition, 175 positive backyard bird premises have been detected, with more the 14,000 birds culling distributed in the 16 regions of the country in 97 zones under sanitary control. This is the event 4,775 registered in the WAHIS system. In addition, since March 13,...
The poultry industry plays a pivotal role in meeting global demands for protein-rich food. However, it faces significant challenges due to emerging infectious diseases, environmental concerns, and ethical considerations surrounding animal welfare. This abstract presents a comprehensive perspective on the integration of biosecurity measures within the framework of One Health, with the aim of enhancing the overall health, welfare, and productivity of commercial poultry operations. The concept...
Viral diseases that affect the respiratory system of poultry, such as Avian Infectious Bronchitis (IBV), Newcastle Disease (ND), and Avian Influenza (IFV), have a significant and detrimental impact on the health of the animals. This, in turn, has negative consequences for the profitability of poultry producers. To control these types of diseases, the poultry industry has primarily relied on strengthening biosecurity plans, along with the implementation of various vaccination strategies....
The H5N1 avian influenza virus poses a significant threat to poultry populations and human health, with sporadic outbreaks and the potential for pandemic emergence. Traditional vaccine development approaches have faced challenges in achieving broad spectrum protection due to the high mutation rate of the virus. This abstract outlines novel strategies that have emerged to address these hurdles. Firstly, advances in reverse genetics technology have enabled the creation of recombinant vaccines,...
The experience. The silent entry of the Avian Influenza (AI) virus into Mexican territory, for the experience. In March 1994, a Low Pathogenicity (LP) subtype H5N2 virus entered Mexico stealthily and spread fast in poultry districts. The virus was common in flocks when discovered. It became an HP virus in December, jeopardizing food security. A biological was developed using biosafety. December 1995 saw HPAIfree nation. From January to December 1995, 383 million vaccinations were given. The...
Avian influenza (AI) significantly threatens global poultry production and public health. Efforts to combat this viral disease have been predominantly focused on vaccination strategies, with limited success in controlling its spread. This study explores a novel approach utilizing genome editing techniques to enhance avian influenza resistance in chickens. Specifically, we employ CRISPR-Cas9 technology to target the ANP32 genes, endogenous proteins co-opted by influenza for replication in...
The first report of news of an epizootic of Avian Influenza (AI) occurred in the neighborhoods of the city of Turin, Italy, in family poultry farms in 1878, which resulted in high mortality rates. The infection spread to the north and west of Europe, ending a year later in England. It was the distinguished Italian veterinarian Edoardo Bellarmino Perocitto (1847-1936), who created a detailed clinical, pathological, and epidemiological description of this viral infection of birds. In 2014, a...
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), particularly caused by the influenza virus A genus, is a paramount concern for global poultry health. The strains associated with HPAI are known to precipitate mortality rates exceeding 90%. Beyond the immediate and catastrophic impact on poultry, the emergence of HPAI strains disrupts international poultry trade, leading countries to impose trade bans and shake consumer confidence. By September 19th, 2023, Brazil had reported 106 confirmed outbreaks...
Avian influenza is a highly contagious disease that severely affects poultry production and food security. Several countries have developed vaccination programs to prevent and control avian influenza. Unlike currently available vaccines, modified live virus (MLV) vaccines have the potential to be easily mass-applied. Concerns of reversion, recombination, and unintended transmission have slowed the development of MLVs against avian influenza for use in poultry. To address these concerns, we...