Avian Influenza Flashcards
Virus/Bacteria/Fungus/Parasite
Virus
What family is it in?
Orthomyxoviridae
What is it’s structure?
Enveloped, negative sense ssRNA
Types of Avian Influenza
A(H5N1), AA(H5N2),
A(H5N3), A(H5N4), A(H5N5),
A(H5N6), A(H5N7), A(H5N8),
and A(H5N9)
H stands for
hemagglutinin
N stands for
neuroaminidase
Can the virus persist in environments for a long time?
yes
Most common species
humans, horses, pigs, canids, felids, some mustelids, and a wide variety of birds
Most common birds
waterfowl
Transmission Cycle
Bird->Bird directly through airborne and indirectly through fecal contamination of material(water and soil), feathers, or feed
Fomite
an object that can harbor a pathogen
Pathogenesis
types classified as low and high pathogenic
-Virus inhaled/ingested-> binds to receptors in respiratory tract or intestinal cells-> varied time between infection and presentation-> incites inflammatory process of immune system-> can lead to respiratory failure and death
Incubation period
1-7, up to 14 for entire flock
Time leading to viral shedding
4.5-18.5 days
Does is do better in drier or wetter environments?
wetter, it is infectious in water for about 32 days
Clinical Signs in Birds
lethargy, inappetence, ataxia, purple discoloration/swelling in multiple parts of body, diarrhea, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, reduced production or abnormal eggs
Wild birds are often asymptomatic
true in well established versions, new versions can cause quick and rampant death
Clinical signs in mammals
many similar to avian but also vomiting, difficulty breathing, and muscle aches
Pathologic lesions
splenic and pancreatic necrosis, hemorrhage or petechiation of GI tissues and muscles(proventriculus and abdominal body wall areas), ascites in domesticated fowl, cyanosis of comb and/or feet
Testing
Agar gel immunodiffusion(AGID): influenza A matrix or nucleoprotein antigens
ELISA: reaction with antibodies of H and N proteins
Treatment
Supportive care, antibodies for secondary infections
Management
lethal removal of wildlife in NOT recommended-> domesticated flocks will often be culled
-Still standing water: drain any that pools on property, avoid driving through puddles, avoid use of surface water in poultry care, ensure ponds cleaned and has wild fowl deterrents
-Cover waste
-secure buildings
-keep food sources locked away
-proper PPE when handling domestic fowl
