Serological survey of high and low pathogenic avian influenza viruses in migratory waterbirds of Neor Lake, Ardabil, northwest of Iran

Avian influenza viruses (AIV) are a highly contagious disease with economic and public health impact that belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family. Wild migratory waterbirds are known as the main reservoirs of AVI which can distribute viruses to poultry and humans. Considering that Neor Lake, located in the southeast of Ardabil, is the habitat of migratory waterbirds from the countries around the region, there is a risk of transmission and distribution of influenza viruses from wild migratory birds. The present study aimed to monitor the seroprevalence of AI virus H۵, H۷, and H۹ subtypes in migratory waterbirds of Neor Lake, Ardabil, northwest of Iran. A total of ۱۰۱ blood samples were randomly collected from seven migratory bird species. HI, test was carried out on sera based on OIE protocol to detect H۵, H۷, and H۹ subtypes. In this study, H۵N۲ and H۷N۱ antigens were used for the detection H۵ and H۷ subtypes, respectively. Suspicious samples on the first test were re-examined with H۵N۱ and H۷N۷ antigens. H۹N۲ antigen was used for the detection H۹. Results of the tests performed on sera were negative for H۵N۱, H۵N۲, H۷N۱ and H۷N۷ viruses. Overall, ۱۱.۸۹ % of birds were seropositive for the H۹N۲ virus. The highest seroprevalence of the H۹N۲ virus was in Mallard (۲۵ %) and the lowest seroprevalence was in Whooper swan (۱۰.۵ %). In this survey, despite seronegative evidence against H۵ and H۷ of subtypes, because of the prevalence of high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses in countries of the region and some areas of Iran, it is recommended to periodically implement surveillance and control programs such as monitoring of circulating AIV in migratory waterbirds of Neor Lake.

Keywords:

HPAI , Migratory waterbirds , Neor Lake Ardabil