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LPAI in European Starlings

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  • LPAI in European Starlings

    Qin et al. (2010) Detection of influenza viral gene in European starlings and experimental infection. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-2659.2010.00190.x.

    Background
    European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) are common, widely distributed birds in North America that frequently come into contact with agricultural operations. However, starlings have been one of the neglected land-based wild bird species for influenza surveillance.

    Objectives
    To study the potential role of starlings in the ecology and epidemiology of influenza virus.

    Methods
    We collected 328 digestive and 156 tracheal samples from starlings in Ohio in years 2007 (July) to 2008 (August) and screened for the presence of influenza virus by real-time RT-PCR, standard RT-PCR and virus isolation using embryonated chicken eggs. In addition, we conducted an experimental infection study to evaluate the replication and induction of antibody response by two low pathogenic avian influenza (AI) viruses in starlings.

    Results
    Although virus isolation was negative, we confirmed 21 influenza positive digestive and tracheal samples by real-time and standard RT-PCR tests. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that five NS genes recovered from Starlings belonged to NS subtype A and were most similar to the NS genes from a wild aquatic bird origin isolate from Ohio. Experimental infection studies using two low pathogenic AI strains showed that starlings could be infected, shed virus, and seroconvert.

    Conclusions
    This study shows that starlings can carry influenza virus that is genetically similar to wild aquatic bird origin strains and may serve as a carrier of influenza virus to domestic animals.

    Full article: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/1...0.00190.x/full
    The salvage of human life ought to be placed above barter and exchange ~ Louis Harris, 1918
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