Pathology of natural highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 infection in wild tufted ducks (Aythya fuligula)

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) Subtype H5N1 is an infectious systemic viral disease that results in high morbidity and mortality in poultry, and has been reported in a wide range of wild bird species during the last few years. An outbreak of HPAI H5N1 occurred in wild birds in Sweden in 2006 that affected several duck species, geese, swans, gulls, and raptors. Tufted ducks (Aythya fuligula) accounted for the largest number of positive cases and, therefore, were selected for more in-depth histologic and immunohistochemical evaluations. The main histologic lesions associated with the presence of avian influenza antigen were found in the brain, pancreas, and upper respiratory tract. Other tissues in which influenza antigen was variably found included liver, lung, adrenal glands, kidneys, and peripheral nerve ganglia. The current study describes the pathology and viral tissue targeting of H5N1 by using histology, polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry, and highlights the range and variation in the presentation of the natural disease in tufted ducks.

Keywords

Avian; Aythya fuligula; H5N1; influenza; natural; pathology; tufted ducks

Published in

Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation
2009, volume: 21, number: 5, pages: 579-587
Publisher: AMER ASSOC VETERINARY LABORATORY DIAGNOSTICIANS INC

SLU Authors

• Zohari, Siamak

  • National Veterinary Institute (SVA)

• Thorén, Peter

• Berg, Mikael

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Gavier Widén, Dolores

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • National Veterinary Institute (SVA)

UKÄ Subject classification

Animal and Dairy Science
Veterinary Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/104063870902100501

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/61234