Wild aquatic birds, predominantly duck, geese and shorebirds, are natural reservoir of all subtypes of influenza A viruses. Avian influenza viruses are classified into two pathogenic types: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus and...
moreWild aquatic birds, predominantly duck, geese and shorebirds, are natural reservoir of all subtypes of influenza A viruses. Avian influenza viruses are classified into two pathogenic types: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. To date, LPAI has been isolated from migratory waterfowls, and the adaption of these viruses to land fowls might lead to the generation of HPAI which is a public health concern. The avian influenza virus is shed in large amounts in the feces, and can spread between birds by the fecaloral route and cause asymptomatic or low pathogenic infection. Alabama and Georgia are located in the flyways of wild migrating birds during the winter season, AIV surveillance of the samples from these states will be of great interest for the study of the epidemiology of LPAI virus. In the present study we analyzed the prevalence of AIV circulating in Alabama and Georgia, Real time RT-PCR was performed on 360 fecal samples. An overall AIV prevalence of 5% was detected with a peak during the spring and winter; resulting PCR product was further confirmed by sequencing, in which H1N1 subtype was identified. Our results support fecal sampling as an appropriate method for large-scale LPAI virus surveillance programs.
