Abstract
There is accumulating evidence that birds of prey are susceptible to fatal infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. We studied the antigenic, molecular, phylogenetic, and pathogenic properties of 2 HPAI H5N1 viruses isolated from dead falcons in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in 2005 and 2007, respectively.
Phylogenetic and antigenic analyses grouped both isolates in clade 2.2 (Qinghai-like viruses). However, the viruses appeared to have spread westward via different flyways. It remains unknown how these viruses spread so rapidly from Qinghai after the 2005 outbreak and how they were introduced into falcons in these two countries.
The H5N1 outbreaks in the Middle East are believed by some to be mediated by wild migratory birds. However, sporting falcons may be at additional risk from the illegal import of live quail to feed them.
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snips
To determine whether the two falcon H5N1 isolates retained pathogenicity for avian species, we inoculated 6-week-old, specific-pathogen-free white leghorn chickens by intravenous injection. Both viruses caused 100% mortality within 24 hours.
We then inoculated 2 groups of 5 mallard ducks via natural routes (trachea, throat, nares, and eyes) with 106 EID50 of Fa/SA/05 and Fa/KW/07 stock virus. All ducks survived during the 10-day observation period. Clinical signs (cloudy eyes and ataxia) were observed in 2 of 5 ducks on day 5 after inoculation with Fa/KW/07. Fa/SA/05 caused only cloudy eyes in 1 of 5 ducks during days 5 to 7 p.i. Tracheal and cloacal swabs were collected every other day starting on day 3 p.i. Both viruses were shed from the trachea on day 3 p.i., and Fa/KW/07 virus was detected in cloacal samples on day 3 p.i. No virus was detected in specimens obtained on days 5, 7, and 10 p.i.
A second possibility is that the virus was introduced by infected falcons illegally imported into the Middle East from China, Mongolia, or Russia. Thousands of wild-caught falcons are traded on the black market withoutveterinary inspection, licensing from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or border controls [27]. Illegal trading of falcons can contribute to the global spread and transmission of HPAI viruses, and therefore export/import activity should be strictly regulated.
A third possibility is that the falcons were infected via diseased pigeons and/or quail, which are their normal food source. To feed hunting falcons, tens of thousands of live quail areflown from the Arabian Gulf into royal falconry camps across Central Asia without veterinary inspection. Many falcons in North America, Germany, and the Persian Gulf area have died after feeding on birds (especially pigeons and quail) and other prey infected with avian influenza viruses. Therefore, falcons in captivity should be fed only birds that have been inspected by a veterinarian.
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/av/2009/294520.html
Henju Marjuki, Ulrich Wernery, Hui-Ling Yen, John Franks, Patrick Seiler, David Walker, Scott Krauss, and Robert G. Webster
There is accumulating evidence that birds of prey are susceptible to fatal infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. We studied the antigenic, molecular, phylogenetic, and pathogenic properties of 2 HPAI H5N1 viruses isolated from dead falcons in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in 2005 and 2007, respectively.
Phylogenetic and antigenic analyses grouped both isolates in clade 2.2 (Qinghai-like viruses). However, the viruses appeared to have spread westward via different flyways. It remains unknown how these viruses spread so rapidly from Qinghai after the 2005 outbreak and how they were introduced into falcons in these two countries.
The H5N1 outbreaks in the Middle East are believed by some to be mediated by wild migratory birds. However, sporting falcons may be at additional risk from the illegal import of live quail to feed them.
---------------------------------------------------
snips
To determine whether the two falcon H5N1 isolates retained pathogenicity for avian species, we inoculated 6-week-old, specific-pathogen-free white leghorn chickens by intravenous injection. Both viruses caused 100% mortality within 24 hours.
We then inoculated 2 groups of 5 mallard ducks via natural routes (trachea, throat, nares, and eyes) with 106 EID50 of Fa/SA/05 and Fa/KW/07 stock virus. All ducks survived during the 10-day observation period. Clinical signs (cloudy eyes and ataxia) were observed in 2 of 5 ducks on day 5 after inoculation with Fa/KW/07. Fa/SA/05 caused only cloudy eyes in 1 of 5 ducks during days 5 to 7 p.i. Tracheal and cloacal swabs were collected every other day starting on day 3 p.i. Both viruses were shed from the trachea on day 3 p.i., and Fa/KW/07 virus was detected in cloacal samples on day 3 p.i. No virus was detected in specimens obtained on days 5, 7, and 10 p.i.
A second possibility is that the virus was introduced by infected falcons illegally imported into the Middle East from China, Mongolia, or Russia. Thousands of wild-caught falcons are traded on the black market withoutveterinary inspection, licensing from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or border controls [27]. Illegal trading of falcons can contribute to the global spread and transmission of HPAI viruses, and therefore export/import activity should be strictly regulated.
A third possibility is that the falcons were infected via diseased pigeons and/or quail, which are their normal food source. To feed hunting falcons, tens of thousands of live quail areflown from the Arabian Gulf into royal falconry camps across Central Asia without veterinary inspection. Many falcons in North America, Germany, and the Persian Gulf area have died after feeding on birds (especially pigeons and quail) and other prey infected with avian influenza viruses. Therefore, falcons in captivity should be fed only birds that have been inspected by a veterinarian.
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/av/2009/294520.html
Henju Marjuki, Ulrich Wernery, Hui-Ling Yen, John Franks, Patrick Seiler, David Walker, Scott Krauss, and Robert G. Webster
