Abstract Title
Understanding High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Entry into Alberta’s Poultry Operation
Abstract
This study investigates the introduction of high pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) into commercial poultry flocks. investigating the potential role of wild migratory and non-migratory birds, water, and air as potential source for virus introduction into poultry farms. All the samples were collected from HPAI infected barns in Alberta. Water samples were collected using concentration pumps and filters. These samples were analyzed for virus quantification through molecular assays, sequencing, and virus isolation, in partnership with the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease (NCFAD) in Winnipeg. Preliminary findings revealed viral genome presence in post-venting air samples, with further confirmation using the Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell line to assess active virus propagation in environmental samples. Based on Ct values from qPCR, we categorized infected samples into high, moderate, and low levels for Influenza A and H5 genes, with oropharyngeal, cloacal, and dust swabs showing high positivity. Dead wild birds near the infected farm also tested highly positive. Air samples collected post-venting showed moderate positivity for both Influenza A and H5 genes, whereas pre-venting air samples were positive only for Influenza A. Future analysis will quantify viral load in water samples, and virus propagation data will help confirm active virus presence. Ongoing sequencing of project samples will offer further insights. The HPAI outbreak has significantly impacted the poultry industry, and moderate viral genome levels in post-venting air samples suggest possible airborne transmission to nearby farms.
Co-Author(s)
Muhammad Farooq1, Ahmed Ali1, Awais Ghaffar1, and Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem1
1University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Health Research Innovation Center 2C53, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
Abstract Category
Notable outbreaks, field and molecular epidemiology, and surveillance in poultry