open access publication

Article, 2022

Pathogenesis and infection dynamics of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N6 (clade 2.3.4.4b) in pheasants and onward transmission to chickens

Virology, ISSN 0042-6822, 1096-0341, Volume 577, Pages 138-148, 10.1016/j.virol.2022.10.009

Contributors

Liang, Yuan 0000-0002-6325-8530 (Corresponding author) [1] Hjulsager, Charlotte Kristiane 0000-0001-7557-8876 [2] Seekings, Amanda H 0000-0001-9045-3553 [3] Warren, Caroline J 0009-0002-4625-3890 [3] Lean, Fabian Z X 0000-0001-7680-5110 [3] Núñez, Alejandro 0000-0001-5926-7541 [3] James, Joe 0000-0002-9673-3684 [3] Thomas, Saumya S 0000-0002-1238-3905 [3] Banyard, Ashley C 0000-0002-1286-9825 [3] Slomka, Marek J 0000-0002-4944-5073 [3] Brown, Ian Hamer 0000-0003-3909-1301 [3] Larsen, Lars Erik 0000-0003-0730-5555 [1]

Affiliations

  1. [1] University of Copenhagen
    2. [NORA names: KU University of Copenhagen; University; Denmark; Europe, EU; Nordic; OECD];
  2. [2] Statens Serum Institut
    3. [NORA names: SSI Statens Serum Institut; Governmental Institutions; Denmark; Europe, EU; Nordic; OECD];
  3. [3] Animal and Plant Health Agency
    4. [NORA names: United Kingdom; Europe, Non-EU; OECD]

Abstract

High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses clade 2.3.4.4 H5 have spread among wild birds worldwide during recent years causing annual die-offs among wild birds and outbreaks in poultry in multiple European countries. The outbreaks significantly impact the poultry and game bird sectors. Infected game birds may act as a bridging species potentially enabling spread of virus into commercial and backyard premises. In this study, the pathogenesis and transmission of a HPAIV clade 2.3.4.4b H5N6 virus was investigated in pheasants and chickens. Efficient virus transmission was detected between pheasants over multiple rounds of naïve pheasant introductions and onwards to chickens. Mortality of up to 100% was observed for both infected pheasants and chickens. Intra-species transmission from chicken to chicken was less efficient. The study confirmed that clade 2.3.4.4b H5N6 HPAIV is highly virulent in pheasants and emphasises the role of pheasants as a bridging host for the infection of commercial poultry.

Keywords

European countries, H5N6 HPAIVs, H5N6 viruses, HPAIV, avian influenza virus, backyard, birds, bridge hosts, bridged species, chicken, chicken to chicken, clade, commercial poultry, countries, die-off, dynamics, efficient virus transmission, game, game birds, host, infected pheasants, infection, infection dynamics, influenza virus, intra-species transmission, introduction, mortality, multiple European countries, multiple rounds, outbreak, pathogenesis, pathogenic avian influenza virus, pathogens, pheasants, poultry, premises, round, sector, species, spread, spread of virus, study, transmission, virus, virus transmission, wild birds, years

Funders

  • Animal and Plant Health Agency
  • Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

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