Abstract Title
Epidemiological Investigation of H9N2 Avian Influenza A Virus in Poultry Production in Ghana.
Abstract
Respiratory diseases have significant health and economic impacts for poultry production worldwide. More specifically, the circulation of H9N2 avian influenza viruses in West Africa is critical as this subtype of LPAIV has been reported in Ghanaian poultry flocks since November 2017. H9N2 infection in poultry flocks can lead to clinical signs and mortality, which can be enhanced by coinfection with other viruses or bacteria.
Recently, on August 26, 2024, Ghana's International Health authorities notified WHO of a confirmed human infection with avian influenza virus A (H9N2). This is the first human infection with a zoonotic influenza virus reported in Ghana. Furthermore, poultry carrying H9N2 AIVs are considered genetic incubators for new avian influenza viruses that infect humans.
In this study, we included 11 flocks of layers as of the 29th of February 2024, based on acute respiratory signs. These flocks were PCR-screened for Newcastle disease virus, avian bronchitis virus and avian influenza virus. A serological survey of antibodies to H9 AIV was also conducted. PCR positive samples for M gene were subsequently processed for sequencing of HA gene and a phylogenetic analysis was performed.
Our molecular and serological results suggest a significant circulation of H9N2 viruses in layer farms in Ghana and provide new insights into the widespread circulation of H9N2 in West Africa. This situation requires the implementation of an effective and global strategy of control through vaccination or implementation of other preventive measures.
Recently, on August 26, 2024, Ghana's International Health authorities notified WHO of a confirmed human infection with avian influenza virus A (H9N2). This is the first human infection with a zoonotic influenza virus reported in Ghana. Furthermore, poultry carrying H9N2 AIVs are considered genetic incubators for new avian influenza viruses that infect humans.
In this study, we included 11 flocks of layers as of the 29th of February 2024, based on acute respiratory signs. These flocks were PCR-screened for Newcastle disease virus, avian bronchitis virus and avian influenza virus. A serological survey of antibodies to H9 AIV was also conducted. PCR positive samples for M gene were subsequently processed for sequencing of HA gene and a phylogenetic analysis was performed.
Our molecular and serological results suggest a significant circulation of H9N2 viruses in layer farms in Ghana and provide new insights into the widespread circulation of H9N2 in West Africa. This situation requires the implementation of an effective and global strategy of control through vaccination or implementation of other preventive measures.
Co-Author(s)
Patrick Mensah Amponsah 1, Marie-Elodie Le Guen 2, Lilou Bortot 3, Pierre-Marie Borne 2, Steve Wilson 4, Jean-Luc Guérin 3, Guillaume Croville 31 Kumasi Veterinary Laboratory, Amakom, Kumasi, Ghana2 Ceva Santé Animale S.A., Libourne, France.3 IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France.4 GALVmed, Doherty Building, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom.
Abstract Category
Notable outbreaks, field and molecular epidemiology, and surveillance in poultry