Bagaza Virus in Wild Birds, Portugal, 2021.

Bagaza virus emerged in Spain in 2010 and was not reported in other countries in Europe until 2021, when the virus was detected by molecular methods in a corn bunting and several red-legged partridges in Portugal. Sequencing revealed high similarity between the 2021 strains from Portugal and the 2010 strains from Spain.

Description of the first isolates of guinea fowl corona and picornaviruses obtained from a case of guinea fowl fulminating enteritis.

Guinea fowl fulminating enteritis has been reported in France since the 1970s. In 2014, a coronavirus was identified and appeared as a possible viral pathogen involved in the disease. In the present study, intestinal content from a guinea fowl involved in a new case of the disease in 2017 was analysed by deep sequencing, revealing the presence of a guinea fowl coronavirus (GfCoV) and a picornavirus (GfPic). Serial passage assays into the intra-amniotic cavity of 13-day-old specific pathogen-free chicken eggs and 20-day-old conventional guinea fowl eggs were attempted. In chicken eggs, isolation assays failed, but in guinea fowl eggs, both viruses were successfully obtained. Furthermore, two GfCoV and two GfPic isolates were obtained from the same bird but from different sections of its intestines. This shows that using eggs of the same species, in which the virus has been detected, can be the key for successful isolation. The consensus sequence of the full-length genomes of both GfCoV isolates was highly similar, and correlated to those previously described in terms of genome organization, ORF length and phylogenetic clustering. According to full-length genome analysis and the structure of the Internal Ribosome Entry Site, both GfPic isolates belong to the Anativirus genus and specifically the species Anativirus B. The availability of the first isolates of GfCoV and GfPic will now provide a means of assessing their pathogenicity in guinea fowl in controlled experimental conditions and to assess whether they are primary viral pathogens of the disease "guinea fowl fulminating enteritis".RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSFirst isolation of guinea fowl coronaviruses and picornaviruses.Eggs homologous to the infected species are key for isolation.Isolates available to precisely evaluate the virus roles in fulminating enteritis.First full-length genome sequences of guinea fowl picornaviruses.

Diversity of Coronaviruses in Wild Representatives of the Aves Class in Poland.

The revealed prevalence of coronaviruses in wild bird populations in Poland was 4.15% and the main reservoirs were birds from orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes, with a prevalence of 3.51% and 5.59%, respectively. Gammacoronaviruses were detected more often than deltacoronaviruses, with detection rates of 3.5% and 0.7%, respectively. Gammacoronaviruses were detected in birds belonging to six orders, including Anseriformes, Charadriiformes, Columbiformes, Galliformes, Gruiformes, and Passeriformes, indicating a relatively wide host range. Interestingly, this was the only coronavirus detected in Anseriformes (3.51%), while in Charadriiformes, the prevalence was 3.1%. The identified gammacoronaviruses belonged to the Igacovirus and Brangacovirus subgeneras. Most of these were igacoviruses and formed a common phylogenetic group with a Duck Coronavirus 2714 and two with an Avian Coronavirus/Avian Coronavirus9203, while the viruses from the pigeons formed a distinct "pigeon-like" group, not yet officially represented. The presence of deltacoronaviruses was detected in birds belonging to three orders, Charadriiformes, Galliformes, and Suliformes indicating a narrower host range. Most identified deltacoronaviruses belonged to the Buldecovirus subgenus, while only one belonged to Herdecovirus. Interestingly, the majority of buldecoviruses were identified in gulls, and they formed a distinct phylogenetic lineage not represented by any officially ratified virus species. Another separate group of buldecoviruses, also not represented by the official species, was formed by a virus identified in a common snipe. Only one identified buldecovirus (from common pheasant) formed a group with the ratified species Coronavirus HKU15. The results obtained indicate the high diversity of detected coronaviruses, and thus also the need to update their taxonomy (establishing new representative virus species). The serological studies performed revealed antibodies against an infectious bronchitis virus in the sera of white storks and mallards.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in Visibly Affected Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, USA.

Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) infects many avian species but has rarely been described in Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus). Between September and December 2019, 40 Ruffed Grouse, most in poor physical condition, were submitted to the Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota (US) Departments of Natural Resources; eight were positive for EEEV.

Polyostotic osteosarcoma associated with avian leukosis virus infection in a captive bare-faced curassow (Crax fasciolata).

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal bone tumor. Although it is a common tumor in the appendicular skeleton of dogs and cats, it is rarely reported in birds. Retroviruses are usually associated with solid tumor development in different avian species. CASE PRESENTATION: This report aims to describe a case of osteosarcoma associated with the avian leukosis virus in a captive bare-faced curassow (Crax fasciolata). A captive adult female bare-faced curassow presented with lameness, hyporexia, and a non-ulcerative and firm tumor in the right femur. The bird was euthanized due to the poor prognosis. Histopathology revealed an infiltrative mesenchymal neoplasm consisting of spindle cells with moderate cell pleomorphism, organized in bundles and interspersed by marked deposition of the osteoid matrix, which was compatible with osteosarcoma affecting both femur and tibiotarsus, with renal metastasis. Immunohistochemistry of the primary and metastatic tumor demonstrated vimentin expression by neoplastic cells. Samples of the neoplasm, bone marrow, and spleen were processed for PCR, which enabled the demonstration of proviral avian leukosis virus (ALV) DNA. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an osteosarcoma in a bare-faced curassow with an unusual polyostotic manifestation and associated with ALV infection.

Isolation and molecular characterization of Fowl adenovirus strains in Black grouse: First reported case in Poland.

This article describes the isolation, molecular characterization, and genotyping of two fowl adenovirus (FAdVs) strains with GenBank Accession numbers (MT478054, JSN-G033-18-L and MT478055, JSN-G033-18-B) obtained from the internal organs of black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix). This study also reveals the first confirmation of fowl adenovirus in Poland, supporting one of the hypotheses about the probability of fowl adenovirus interspecies transmission. The adenovirus strain sequences were investigated via phylogenetic analysis and were found to have an overall mean pairwise distance of 2.189. The heterogeneity, Relative Synonymous Codon Usage (RSCU), codon composition, and nucleotide frequencies were examined. Statistical analyses and Tajima's test for the examined sequences were carried out. The Maximum Likelihood for the examined sequences substitutions was performed. The results of the sequence analysis identified MT478054, JSN-G033-18-L and MT478055, JSN-G033-18-B as strains of fowl adenovirus 2/11/D, with the Fowl adenovirus D complete sequence showing a 93% match. Wild birds may act as a natural reservoir for FAdVs and likely play an important role in the spreading of these viruses in the environment. The findings reported here suggest horizontal transmission within and between avian species.

Regional Transmission and Reassortment of 2.3.4.4b Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Viruses in Bulgarian Poultry 2017/18.

Between 2017 and 2018, several farms across Bulgaria reported outbreaks of H5 highly-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses. In this study we used genomic and traditional epidemiological analyses to trace the origin and subsequent spread of these outbreaks within Bulgaria. Both methods indicate two separate incursions, one restricted to the northeastern region of Dobrich, and another largely restricted to Central and Eastern Bulgaria including places such as Plovdiv, Sliven and Stara Zagora, as well as one virus from the Western region of Vidin. Both outbreaks likely originate from different European 2.3.4.4b virus ancestors circulating in 2017. The viruses were likely introduced by wild birds or poultry trade links in 2017 and have continued to circulate, but due to lack of contemporaneous sampling and sequences from wild bird viruses in Bulgaria, the precise route and timing of introduction cannot be determined. Analysis of whole genomes indicates a complete lack of reassortment in all segments but the matrix protein gene (MP), which presents as multiple smaller clusters associated with different European 2.3.4.4b viruses. Ancestral reconstruction of host states of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of viruses involved in the outbreaks suggests that transmission is driven by domestic ducks into galliform poultry. Thus, according to present evidence, we suggest the surveillance of domestic ducks as they are an epidemiologically relevant species for subclinical infection. Monitoring the spread due to movement between farms within regions and links to poultry production systems in European countries can help to predict and prevent future outbreaks. The 2.3.4.4b lineage which caused the largest recorded poultry epidemic in Europe continues to circulate, and the risk of further transmission by wild birds during migration remains.

Antiviral Activity and Adaptive Evolution of Avian Tetherins.

Tetherin/BST-2 is an antiviral protein that blocks the release of enveloped viral particles by linking them to the membrane of producing cells. At first, BST-2 genes were described only in humans and other mammals. Recent work identified BST-2 orthologs in nonmammalian vertebrates, including birds. Here, we identify the BST-2 sequence in domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) for the first time and demonstrate its activity against avian sarcoma and leukosis virus (ASLV). We generated a BST-2 knockout in chicken cells and showed that BST-2 is a major determinant of an interferon-induced block of ASLV release. Ectopic expression of chicken BST-2 blocks the release of ASLV in chicken cells and of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in human cells. Using metabolic labeling and pulse-chase analysis of HIV-1 Gag proteins, we verified that chicken BST-2 blocks the virus at the release stage. Furthermore, we describe BST-2 orthologs in multiple avian species from 12 avian orders. Previously, some of these species were reported to lack BST-2, highlighting the difficulty of identifying sequences of this extremely variable gene. We analyzed BST-2 genes in the avian orders Galliformes and Passeriformes and showed that they evolve under positive selection. This indicates that avian BST-2 is involved in host-virus evolutionary arms races and suggests that BST-2 antagonists exist in some avian viruses. In summary, we show that chicken BST-2 has the potential to act as a restriction factor against ASLV. Characterizing the interaction of avian BST-2 with avian viruses is important in understanding innate antiviral defenses in birds.IMPORTANCE Birds are important hosts of viruses that have the potential to cause zoonotic infections in humans. However, only a few antiviral genes (called viral restriction factors) have been described in birds, mostly because birds lack counterparts of highly studied mammalian restriction factors. Tetherin/BST-2 is a restriction factor, originally described in humans, that blocks the release of newly formed virus particles from infected cells. Recent work identified BST-2 in nonmammalian vertebrate species, including birds. Here, we report the BST-2 sequence in domestic chicken and describe its antiviral activity against a prototypical avian retrovirus, avian sarcoma and leukosis virus (ASLV). We also identify BST-2 genes in multiple avian species and show that they evolve rapidly in birds, which is an important indication of their relevance for antiviral defense. Analysis of avian BST-2 genes will shed light on defense mechanisms against avian viral pathogens.

Genomic and transcriptional analyses of novel parvoviruses identified from dead peafowl.

To identify potential pathogens responsible for a disease outbreak of cultured peafowls in China in 2013, metagenomic sequencing was conducted. The genomes of two closely related parvoviruses, namely peafowl parvovirus 1 (PePV1) and PePV2, were identified with size of 4428 bp and 4348 bp, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that both viruses are novel parvoviruses, belonging to the proposed genus Chapparvovirus of Parvoviridae. The transcriptional profile of PePV1 was analyzed by transfecting a nearly complete PePV1 genome into HEK-293T cells. Results revealed that PePV1 employs one promoter and two polyadenylation sites to start and terminate its transcriptions, with one donor site and two acceptor sites for pre-mRNA splicing. PePV1 DNA and structural protein were detected in several tissues of a dead peafowl, which appeared to have suffered enteritis, pneumonia and viremia. These results provide novel information of chapparvoviruses, and call for attention to the potential pathogens.

Guinea Fowl Coronavirus Diversity Has Phenotypic Consequences for Glycan and Tissue Binding.

Guinea fowl coronavirus (GfCoV) causes fulminating enteritis that can result in a daily death rate of 20% in guinea fowl flocks. Here, we studied GfCoV diversity and evaluated its phenotypic consequences. Over the period of 2014 to 2016, affected guinea fowl flocks were sampled in France, and avian coronavirus presence was confirmed by PCR on intestinal content and immunohistochemistry of intestinal tissue. Sequencing revealed 89% amino acid identity between the viral attachment protein S1 of GfCoV/2014 and that of the previously identified GfCoV/2011. To study the receptor interactions as a determinant for tropism and pathogenicity, recombinant S1 proteins were produced and analyzed by glycan and tissue arrays. Glycan array analysis revealed that, in addition to the previously elucidated biantennary di-N-acetyllactosamine (diLacNAc) receptor, viral attachment S1 proteins from GfCoV/2014 and GfCoV/2011 can bind to glycans capped with alpha-2,6-linked sialic acids. Interestingly, recombinant GfCoV/2014 S1 has an increased affinity for these glycans compared to that of GfCoV/2011 S1, which was in agreement with the increased avidity of GfCoV/2014 S1 for gastrointestinal tract tissues. Enzymatic removal of receptors from tissues before application of spike proteins confirmed the specificity of S1 tissue binding. Overall, we demonstrate that diversity in GfCoV S1 proteins results in differences in glycan and tissue binding properties.IMPORTANCE Avian coronaviruses cause major global problems in the poultry industry. As causative agents of huge economic losses, the detection and understanding of the molecular determinants of viral tropism are of ultimate importance. Here, we set out to study those parameters and obtained in-depth insight into the virus-host interactions of guinea fowl coronavirus (GfCoV). Our data indicate that diversity in GfCoV viral attachment proteins results in differences in degrees of affinity for glycan receptors, as well as altered avidity for intestinal tract tissues, which might have consequences for GfCoV tissue tropism and pathogenesis in guinea fowls.

Fatal necrotic tracheitis by Aviadenovirus in captive Alagoas curassows (Pauxi mitu) extinct from the wild.

Extinct from nature, captive young Alagoas curassows (Pauxi mitu) were found agonizing or dead with respiratory disease. Intranuclear inclusion bodies were found in the epithelia of the trachea, associated with marked necrotic tracheitis. An Aviadenovirus was isolated in chicken eggs and characterized genetically with 99% identity to the fowl Aviadenovirus A, as based on the hexon protein gene. This is the first report of respiratory disease caused by Aviadenovirus in any cracid species in Brazil, recommending for stricter biosecurity in the conservation premises. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Fatal tracheitis in curassows extinct from nature was associated with Aviadenovirus A. Seven-month-old Alagoas curassows (Aves: Cracidae) died with haemorrhagic tracheitis. Aviadenovirus A with 99% identity to fowl adenovirus 1 was detected in dead curassows. Fatal tracheitis by Aviadenovirus was described in Pauxi mitu (Aves: Cracidae).

Molecular characterization of avipoxviruses circulating in Mozambique, 2016-2018.

Samples from 45 chickens, two turkeys, one peacock and one quail with symptoms of fowlpox were collected in Mozambique between November 2016 and January 2018. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the samples contained avipoxviruses belonging to both clade A1 and clade A2. In addition, all of the Clade A1 viruses were positive by PCR for the integration of reticuloendotheliosis virus, while the clade A2 avipoxvirus samples were negative. This study confirms the circulation of clade A1 avipoxviruses in Mozambique in addition to identifying clade A2 for the first time in the country.

Absence of protection from West Nile virus disease and adverse effects in red legged partridges after non-structural NS1 protein administration.

The red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) is a competent host for West Nile virus (WNV) replication and highly susceptible to WNV disease. With the aim to assess in this species whether the inoculation of non-structural protein NS1 from WNV elicits a protective immune response against WNV infection, groups of partridges were inoculated with recombinant NS1 (NS1 group) or an unrelated recombinant protein (mock group), and challenged with infectious WNV. A third group received no inoculation prior to challenge (challenge group). The NS1 group failed to elicit detectable antibodies to NS1 while in the mock group a specific antibody response was observed. Moreover, no protection against WNV disease was observed in the NS1 group, but rather, it showed significantly higher viral RNA load and delayed neutralizing antibody response, and suffered a more severe clinical disease, which resulted in higher mortality. This adverse effect has not been observed before and warrants further investigations.

Prevalence of avian influenza (H9N2) in commercial quail, partridge, and turkey farms in Iran, 2014-2015.

Avian influenza virus (AIV) H9N2 subtype is endemic in Iran and causes substantial economic loss to the growing poultry industry within the country. In this study, a cross-sectional analysis was carried out to determine the sero-prevalence of H9N2 in several commercial farms between the years 2014 and 2015. The comparison of the mean of serum titers and the ratio of sero-positive birds between all units were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test. In 2014, a total of 77 farms (58 turkey farms, 14 quail farms, and 5 partridge farms) and 894 birds (682 turkeys, 154 quails, and 58 partridges) were sampled while in 2015, a total of 69 farms (54 turkey farms, 8 quail farms, and 7 partridge farms) and 856 birds (675 turkeys, 105 quails, and 76 partridges) were sampled. Of that, 52 of 77 sampled farms (67.5%) and 437 of 894 samples (48.9%) were positive for H9N2 in 2014 while. Forty-one of 69 farms (59.4%) and 307 of 856 sera (35.9%) were positive in 2015. Furthermore, the mean titer of partridge farms was significantly lower than that of turkey farms (p < 0.01) and the mean percentage of sero-positive turkey farms was significantly higher than partridge farms (p < 0.01) in 2014. In 2015, no significant difference was observed between the mean sera titer amongst farms and percentage of sero-positive birds (p > 0.05). Our results indicated that H9N2 is circulating in these farms. Since many more such farms are being established for operations, in addition to the threat of emergence and continuous reemergence of the disease in these farms, enhanced veterinary biosecurity measures on farms are required for mitigation.

Wild Birds, a Source of Reticuloendotheliosis Virus Infection for the Endangered Attwater's Prairie-Chicken ( Tympanuchus cupido attwateri)?

Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) infects a wide range of avian species. Since 1998, when it was first reported in a captive flock of the endangered Attwater's Prairie-chicken ( Tympanuchus cupido attwateri; APC), REV has plagued APC recovery efforts. While REV frequently occurs in captive bird flocks throughout the world, including commercial poultry, the reservoir for initial infection of flocks is poorly understood. From 2008-16, 412 blood samples and 216 liver samples collected from 32 species of birds on or near Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado County, Texas, US, and 89 blood samples obtained from a Texas game farm that provides thousands of Northern Bobwhites ( Colinus virginianus ) and Ring-necked Pheasants ( Phasianus colchicus ) for hunting throughout Texas, were tested for REV by real-time PCR. Of the 717 samples, one liver sample from a Savannah Sparrow ( Passerculus sandwichensis ) and three blood samples from game farm Ring-necked Pheasants tested positive for REV. These data, although limited, indicate a low prevalence of REV in birds sharing or in close proximity to APC habitat. More-extensive surveillance testing is warranted to determine the spatial and temporal dynamics of REV in wild bird populations and the relative role these birds may play as potential reservoirs for maintaining REV infections in both the wild and captive setting.

A Serosurvey of Greater Sage-Grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus ) in Nevada, USA.

To better understand the potential avian diseases in Greater Sage-grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus ) in the Great Basin in Nevada, US, we collected 31 blood samples March-April 2014 and tested for antibodies to eight viruses and two bacteria. Specifically, sera were tested for antibodies to avian leukosis virus type A, B, and J (ALV-A, ALV-B, and ALV-J, respectively), infectious bursal disease virus, infectious bronchitis virus, reticuloendothelial virus, avian influenza virus (AIV), West Nile virus, Pasteurella multocida (PM), and Salmonella enterica serovar Pullorum. Serum antibodies against ALV-A and -B (1/31, 3%), ALV-J (5/31, 16%), PM (1/31, 3%), and AIV (2/31, 6%) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). While ELISA tests used have only been validated in domestic poultry, the serologic data should be used as a potential indicator of the range of bacterial and viral infectious agents that can infect the Greater Sage-grouse.

Pathologic Findings and Viral Antigen Distribution During Natural Infection of Ring-Necked Pheasants With H5N2 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus A.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a major viral disease of poultry characterized by acute onset, systemic infection, and rapid death. In January 2015, H5N2 HPAI was identified by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and gene sequencing as the cause of rapid death in 40 of 390 ring-necked pheasants (approximately 10% mortality), raised in a game bird farm in Washington State. We report clinicopathologic findings and viral antigen distribution in pheasants that died during the outbreak. Affected birds were depressed with reluctance to move, ruffled feathers, and drooping heads. Congestion of the cerebellar meningeal blood vessels was the only consistent gross pathologic finding. Meningoencephalitis with vasculitis and necrosis in the spleen and heart were the major microscopic lesions in the birds. Viral antigen was consistently detected in the brain, heart, and ovary with variable presence in other organs.

Visceral Marek's disease in white-peafowl (Pavo cristatus) / Doença de Marek visceral em pavão-branco (Pavo cristatus)

Marek's disease (MD) is a lymphoproliferative disorder caused by Gallid herpesvirus 2 (MDV) that infects mainly domestic gallinaceous birds although wild birds may occasionally be affected. The current report describes the anatomopathological and molecular findings of a case of MD in a white-peafowl (Pavo cristatus). The signs included apathy, hyporexia, and diarrhea. Grossly, 0.5 to 1.5cm in diameter, yellow, soft nodules were observed in the skeletal muscle, lung, kidney, air sacs, small intestine, heart, ovary, ventriculus, and proventriculus. Microscopically, numerous atypical round neoplastic cells were noted. The molecular detection of MDV DNA was implemented to amplify part of the meq gene and products were sequenced for the phylogenetic analysis. Template DNA was obtained from tissues of the affected bird and from blood of all the gallinaceous birds of the Zoo. The expected amplicon for the partial amplification of MDV meq gene was obtained and the amplicons were sequenced. Sequences obtained enabled grouping the strain (accession no. KT768121) with MDV serotype 1 strains from the GenBank. Based on the anatomopathological and molecular findings, the diagnosis of MD in a white-peafowl was reached, and to the authors' knowledge, no previous report regarding MD was published in Pavo cristatus.(AU)

Doença de Marek (MD) é uma desordem linfoproliferativa causada pelo Gallid herpesvirus 2 (MDV), que infecta principalmente galináceos domésticos, porém aves silvestres podem ser ocasionalmente afetadas. O presente relato descreve os achados anatomopatológicos e moleculares de um caso de MD em um pavão-branco (Pavo cristatus). Os sinais clínicos incluíram apatia, hiporexia e diarreia. Macroscopicamente, foram observados nódulos macios, de 0,5 a 1,5cm de diâmetro, no músculo esquelético, no pulmão, nos rins, nos sacos aéreos, no intestino delgado, no coração, no ovário, no ventrículo e no proventrículo. Microscopicamente, numerosas células redondas neoplásicas atípicas foram notadas. A detecção molecular do DNA do MDV foi implementada para amplificar parte do gene meq, e os produtos foram sequenciados para análise filogenética. DNA foi obtido de tecidos de aves afetadas e do sangue de todos os galináceos do zoológico. A esperada amplificação de parte do gene meq de MDV amplificado foi ampliada e sequenciada. As sequências obtidas permitiram o agrupamento da cepa (acesso KT768121) com cepas do sorotipo 1 de MDV do GenBank.. O diagnóstico de MD em pavão-branco foi obtido com base nos achados anatomopatológicos e moleculares e, pelo conhecimento dos autores, não há relatos anteriores publicados de MD em Pavo cristatus.(AU)

Molecular characterization, isolation, pathology and pathotyping of peafowl (Pavo cristatus) origin Newcastle disease virus isolates recovered from disease outbreaks in three states of India.

Disease outbreak investigations were carried out in three states of Northern India namely Haryana (Rewari), Uttar Pradesh (Noida) and Delhi, where a total of 110 Indian peafowls (Pavo cristatus) showed sudden onset of nervous signs and died within a period of two weeks during June, 2012. The F (fusion) gene-based RT-PCR detection of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in affected tissues confirmed the presence of the virus. Three NDV isolates were selected (one from each area under investigation) and further characterized. They were found to be of virulent pathotype (velogenic NDV) based on both pathogenicity assays (MDT, ICPI and IVPI) and partial F gene sequence analysis. Additionally, the phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolates belonged to the genotype VIIi and XIII of class II avian Paramyxovirus serotype1 (APMV-1) and related closely to new emerging sub-genotypes. This is the first report regarding the presence of the fifth panzootic vNDV genotype VIIi from India. In this scenario, extensive epidemiological studies are suggested for surveillance of NDV genotypes in wild birds and poultry flocks of the country along with adopting suitable prevention and control measures.

Protection Afforded by a Recombinant Turkey Herpesvirus-H5 Vaccine Against the 2014 European Highly Pathogenic H5N8 Avian Influenza Strain.

A highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 (clade 2.3.4.4) virus, circulating in Asia (South Korea, Japan, and southern China) since the beginning of 2014, reached the European continent in November 2014. Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Hungary confirmed H5N8 infection of poultry farms of different species and of several wild bird species. Unlike the Asian highly pathogenic (HP) H5N1, this HP H5N8 also went transatlantic and reached the American West Coast by the end of 2014, affecting wild birds as well as backyard and commercial poultry. This strain induces high mortality and morbidity in Galliformes, whereas wild birds seem only moderately affected. A recombinant turkey herpesvirus (rHVT) vector vaccine expressing the H5 gene of a clade 2.2 H5N1 strain (rHVT-H5) previously demonstrated a highly efficient clinical protection and reduced viral excretion against challenge with Asian HP H5N1 strains of various clades (2.2, 2.2.1, 2.2.1.1, 2.1.3, 2.1.3.2, and 2.3.2.1) and was made commercially available in various countries where the disease is endemic. To evaluate the protective efficacy of the rHVT-H5 vaccine against the first German H5N8 turkey isolate (H5N8 GE), a challenge experiment was set up in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens, and the clinical and excretional protection was evaluated. SPF chickens were vaccinated subcutaneously at 1 day old and challenged oculonasally at 4 wk of age with two viral dosages, 10(5) and 10(6) 50% egg infective doses. Morbidity and mortality were monitored daily in unvaccinated and vaccinated groups, whereas viral shedding by oropharyngeal and cloacal routes was evaluated at 2, 5, 9, and 14 days postinoculation (dpi). Serologic monitoring after vaccination and challenge was also carried out. Despite its high antigenic divergence of the challenge H5N8 strain, a single rHVT-H5 vaccine administration at 1 day old resulted in a full clinical protection against challenge and a significant reduction of viral shedding in the vaccinated birds.