Rapid and sensitive detection of high pathogenicity Eurasian clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses in wild birds and poultry

James, Joe; Seekings, Amanda H.; Skinner, Paul; Purchase, Katie; Mahmood, Sahar; Brown, Ian H.; Hansen, Rowena; Banyard, Ashley C.; Reid, Scott M.

doi:10.1016/j.jviromet.2022.114454

Cited by 31 publications

(35 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…These positive swabs were then tested using subtyping PCRs for HA and NA subtype. To rapidly determine the viral pathotype, an H5 HPAIV clade 2.3.4.4 specific rRT-PCR assay was undertaken [21]. Cleavage site sequence was confirmed by whole genome sequencing [20].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b in Great Skuas: A Species of Conservation Concern in Great Britain

Banyard

Lean

Robinson

et al. 2022

Viruses

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The UK and Europe have seen successive outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza across the 2020/21 and 2021/22 autumn/winter seasons. Understanding both the epidemiology and transmission of these viruses in different species is critical to aid mitigating measures where outbreaks cause extensive mortalities in both land- and waterfowl. Infection of different species can result in mild or asymptomatic outcomes, or acute infections that result in high morbidity and mortality levels. Definition of disease outcome in different species is of great importance to understanding the role different species play in the maintenance and transmission of these pathogens. Further, the infection of species that have conservation value is also important to recognise and characterise to understand the impact on what might be limited wild populations. Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b has been detected in great skuas (Stercorarius skua) across different colonies on islands off the shore of Scotland, Great Britain during summer 2021. A large number of great skuas were observed as developing severe clinical disease and dying during the epizootic and mortalities were estimated to be high where monitored. Of eight skuas submitted for post-mortem examination, seven were confirmed as being infected with this virus using a range of diagnostic assays. Here we overview the outbreak event that occurred in this species, listed as species of conservation concern in Great Britain and outline the importance of this finding with respect to virus transmission and maintenance.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b in Great Skuas: A Species of Conservation Concern in Great Britain

Banyard

Lean

Robinson

et al. 2022

Viruses

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“…Positive samples were then tested by H5-specific RRT-PCR [ 27 ]. Samples testing positive by H5-specific RRT-PCR were further tested by a high pathogenicity H5 detection RRT-PCR [ 28 ] to confirm the presence of HPAIV H5 in these samples.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

High pathogenicity avian influenza: targeted active surveillance of wild birds to enable early detection of emerging disease threats

et al. 2022

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Avian influenza (AI) is an important disease that has significant implications for animal and human health. High pathogenicity AI (HPAI) has emerged in consecutive seasons within the UK to cause the largest outbreaks recorded. Statutory measures to control outbreaks of AI virus (AIV) at poultry farms involve disposal of all birds on infected premises. Understanding of the timing of incursions into the UK could facilitate decisions on improved responses.During the autumnal migration and wintering period (autumn 2019-spring 2020), three active sampling approaches were trialled for wild bird species considered likely to be involved in captive AI outbreaks with retrospective laboratory testing undertaken to define the presence of AIV.Faecal sampling of birds (n=594) caught during routine and responsive mist net sampling failed to detect AIV. Cloacal sampling of hunter-harvested waterfowl (n=146) detected seven positive samples from three species with the earliest detection on the 17 th October 2020.Statutory sampling first detected AIV in wild and captive birds on 3rd November 2020. We conclude that hunter sourced sampling of waterfowl presents an opportunity to detect AI within the UK in advance of outbreaks on poultry farms and allow for early intervention measures to protect the national poultry flock.

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“…RNA was extracted from the environmental samples using the MagMAXTM CORE Nucleic Acid Purification Kit (ThermoFisher Scientific™) as part of the robotic Mechanical Lysis Module (KingFisher Flex system; Life Technologies), according to the manufacturers' instructions. 2 Two µl volumes of extracted RNA were tested by the H5 HPAIV detection RRT-PCR using the primers and probes designed by J. James et al (71). RRT-PCR Ct values < 36.00 were considered as AIV positive, sub-threshold values in the range Ct 36.01-39.99 and Ct 40.00 ("No Ct") were interpreted as negative.…”

Section: Rna Extraction and Aiv Reverse Transcription Real-time Pcr (...mentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of airborne particles in the epidemiology of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus in commercial poultry production units

James

Warren

Silva

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Since October 2021, Europe has experienced the largest avian influenza virus (AIV) epizootic, caused by clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high pathogenicity AIV (HPAIV), with over 320 poultry infected premises (IPs) and 2480 dead H5N1 positive wild birds detected in Great Britain alone. Many IPs have been detected as geographical clusters, raising questions around lateral spread between premises by airborne particles. Airborne transmission over short distances has been observed for some AIVs strains. However, the risk of airborne spread of this strain remains to be elucidated. We conducted extensive sampling from IPs where clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIVs was confirmed during the 2022/23 epizootic, each representing a major poultry species (ducks, turkeys, and chickens). A range of environmental samples were collected inside and outside houses, including deposited dust, feathers, and other potential fomites. Viral RNA (vRNA) and infectious virus were detected in air samples collected from inside and outside, but in close proximity, of infected houses, with vRNA alone being detected greater distances (>10m) outside. Some dust samples collected outside of the affected houses contained infectious virus, while feathers from the affected houses, located up to 60m away, only contained vRNA. Together, these data suggest that airborne particles harbouring infectious HPAIV can be translocated short distances (<10m) through the air, while particles containing vRNA might travel further (<50m). Therefore, the potential for airborne transmission of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV between premises is considered low. Other factors, including indirect contact with wild birds, and the efficiency of biosecurity represent greater importance in disease incursion.

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Rapid and sensitive detection of high pathogenicity Eurasian clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses in wild birds and poultry

Cited by 31 publications

References 17 publications

Detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b in Great Skuas: A Species of Conservation Concern in Great Britain

Detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b in Great Skuas: A Species of Conservation Concern in Great Britain

High pathogenicity avian influenza: targeted active surveillance of wild birds to enable early detection of emerging disease threats

The role of airborne particles in the epidemiology of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus in commercial poultry production units

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