Susceptibility of rock doves to low-pathogenic avian influenza A viruses

Arch Virol. 2016 Mar;161(3):715-20. doi: 10.1007/s00705-015-2685-7. Epub 2015 Dec 21.

Abstract

Following a 2008 outbreak of North American low-pathogenic H5N8 influenza A virus at an upland gamebird farm, we sero-sampled rock doves (pigeons, Columba livia) at the outbreak site and conducted experimental inoculations of wild-caught pigeons using the H5N8 virus and another low-pathogenic virus (H4N6). While 13% of pigeons at the outbreak site were seropositive, none were positive for exposure to H5, and one was positive for N8. Challenged pigeons exhibited low susceptibility and limited viral RNA excretion for both viruses tested, but at least one individual had RNA loads indicative of the potential for viral transmission to other birds.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Columbidae / virology*
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Influenza A virus / growth & development*
  • Influenza A virus / isolation & purification*
  • Influenza in Birds / epidemiology
  • Influenza in Birds / virology*
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral