Abstract Title
Genomic Analysis of Avian Influenza in Chile: Identifying Pathways of Transmission and Distribution into and within the Country
Abstract
Genomic surveillance has shown significant potential for enhancing rapid decision-making in public policy, where pathogen genome information aids preparedness and response at various levels. Avian influenza (AI), particularly H5N1, poses a substantial threat to agriculture, leading to seasonal outbreaks linked to farm animals, with zoonotic potential that could trigger a human pandemic. In Chile, where agriculture accounts for approximately 4.7% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is the second-largest export industry after copper, robust protection systems against agricultural threats are crucial.
In response, the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) has employed next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques on AI samples from multiple regions during the 2022-2023 outbreak to conduct genomic surveillance.
Our findings reveal two main variant flows in Chile: one linking northern Chilean variants with those from Peru and another connecting southern Chilean variants with Argentina. Additionally, a distinct distribution pattern of AI variants was identified, separating strains from northern and southern regions. Understanding the flow of variants from neighboring countries and within Chile is vital for optimizing disease management.
This work demonstrates the capability to detect and classify novel AI variants relevant to agriculture, establishing a foundation for a genomic surveillance system targeting pathogens of agricultural significance in Chile.
In response, the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) has employed next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques on AI samples from multiple regions during the 2022-2023 outbreak to conduct genomic surveillance.
Our findings reveal two main variant flows in Chile: one linking northern Chilean variants with those from Peru and another connecting southern Chilean variants with Argentina. Additionally, a distinct distribution pattern of AI variants was identified, separating strains from northern and southern regions. Understanding the flow of variants from neighboring countries and within Chile is vital for optimizing disease management.
This work demonstrates the capability to detect and classify novel AI variants relevant to agriculture, establishing a foundation for a genomic surveillance system targeting pathogens of agricultural significance in Chile.
Co-Author(s)
(1) Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Agricultural and Livestock Quarantine Laboratories and Stations, Servicio AgrÃcola y Ganadero, SAG, Chile.
(2) Livestock Virology Laboratory, Department of Agricultural and Livestock Quarantine Laboratories and Stations, Servicio AgrÃcola y Ganadero, SAG, Chile.
Abstract Category
Transmission pathways, pathobiology, immune responses