Isolation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Virus from Saker Falcons (Falco cherrug) in the Middle East

Henju Marjuki,Patrick Seiler,David Walker,Robert G Webster,Scott Krauss,Ulrich Wernery,John Franks,Hui-Ling Yen

doi:10.1155/2009/294520

Abstract

There is accumulating evidence that birds of prey are susceptible to fatal infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. We studied the antigenic, molecular, phylogenetic, and pathogenic properties of 2 HPAI H5N1 viruses isolated from dead falcons in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in 2005 and 2007, respectively. Phylogenetic and antigenic analyses grouped both isolates in clade 2.2 (Qinghai-like viruses). However, the viruses appeared to have spread westward via different flyways. It remains unknown how these viruses spread so rapidly from Qinghai after the 2005 outbreak and how they were introduced into falcons in these two countries. The H5N1 outbreaks in the Middle East are believed by some to be mediated by wild migratory birds. However, sporting falcons may be at additional risk from the illegal import of live quail to feed them.

Highlights

Infection of birds of prey with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been reported only in isolated cases
We assessed the relation of the falcon H5N1 influenza viruses to other H5N1 viruses by hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assay with a panel of reference
The Fa/KW/07 virus was not highly reactive with antisera generated against Fa/SA/05, suggesting that the two isolates differ antigenically despite their common origin

Summary

Introduction

Infection of birds of prey with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been reported only in isolated cases. In 2000, Manvel et al reported the discovery of HPAI H7N3 isolated from a peregrine falcon [1]. Another HPAI virus of the H7 subtype was found in a Saker falcon during an outbreak in poultry in Italy in 2000 [2]. Hong Kong has had a series of cases. In January 2004, Hong Kong authorities confirmed that a peregrine falcon had died of H5N1 infection [3, 4]. In Belgium, 2 crested hawk eagles (Spizaetus nipalensis) smuggled from Thailand for a commercial raptor breeding farm were discovered to be infected with HPAI H5N1 virus and were killed by authorities [7].

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Results

Conclusion