An H5N1 influenza A virus was isolated from duck meat processed for human consumption, imported to Japan from Shandong Province, China in 2003. This virus was antigenically different from other H5 viruses, including the Hong Kong H5N1 viruses isolated from humans in 1997 and 2003. Sequence analysis revealed that six genes (PB1, PA, HA, NA, M, and NS) of this virus showed >97% nucleotide identit...

BACKGROUND Wild raccoons have been shown to be naturally exposed to avian influenza viruses (AIV). However, the mechanisms associated with these natural exposures are not well-understood. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We experimentally tested three alternative routes (water, eggs, and scavenged waterfowl carcasses) of AIV transmission that may explain how raccoons in the wild are exposed to ...

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) are two of the most important viruses affecting poultry worldwide and produce co-infections especially in areas of the world where both viruses are endemic; but little is known about the interactions between these two viruses. The objective of this study was to determine if co-infection with NDV affects HPAIV repl...

PURPOSE The avian origin canine influenza virus H3N2 has been recently isolated and found to be currently in dog population in South Korea and China. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between immunosuppressive glucocorticoids used in veterinary clinical practice and viral shedding pattern of influenza in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight conventional beagle dogs were d...

BACKGROUND Striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) are susceptible to infection with some influenza A viruses. However, the viral shedding capability of this peri-domestic mammal and its potential role in influenza A virus ecology are largely undetermined. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Striped skunks were experimentally infected with a low pathogenic (LP) H4N6 avian influenza virus (AIV) and moni...

In late 2014, a H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, clade 2.3.4.4, spread by migratory waterfowl into North America reassorting with low pathogenicity AI viruses to produce a H5N2 HPAI virus. Since domestic waterfowl are common backyard poultry frequently in contact with wild waterfowl, the infectivity, transmissibility, and pathogenicity of the United States H5 HPAI index viru...

The use of different types of Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine in different vaccination schemes has decreased the incidence of velogenic Newcastle disease (VND) in commercial poultry worldwide. In under-developed countries like Pakistan, these vaccination schemes are not successful due to free-range and backyard poultry production. This trial was conducted in 90 experimental chickens to develop a...

BACKGROUND Cottontails (Sylvilagus spp.) are common mammals throughout much of the U.S. and are often found in peridomestic settings, potentially interacting with livestock and poultry operations. If these animals are susceptible to avian influenza virus (AIV) infections and shed the virus in sufficient quantities they may pose a risk for movement of avian influenza viruses between wildlife and...

Current vaccination strategies for commercial poultry using live attenuated and inactivated Newcastle disease (ND) vaccines have some limitation and difficulties, and new vaccines with distinct features are needed. Recently, in ovo vaccination technology is concerned as a safe, efficacious, and convenient method. Common ND vaccines used in chickens cannot be employed in ovo due to embryo toxici...