Avian influenza - summary results and outcomes in the framework of IPA project Hungary-Serbia (BirdPROTECT)

Abstract

Avian influenza viruses type A (AIV) have zoonotic potential with the negative impact on birds and human health worldwide. Based on their molecular characterization and upon the severity of clinical signs in poultry, avian influenza viruses are classified into: highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses. Wild birds are the natural reservoirs of LPAI in nature, primarily aquatic birds. AIV often mutates in nature causing new flu A subtype. New viruses can endanger not only wild birds but also represent the risk for human population. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of AIV in various wild birds in the water habitats in Serbia and Hungary and their importance in virus dissemination in the region. In total, 1347 samples from wild birds were collected in both countries. Out of this number, 600 samples belonging to 55 species originated from Serbia, while 747 specimens were obtained from 58 different kind of birds in Hungary. InVojvodina Province, in 15 out of 600 samples (2.5percent, 15/600) was detected the presence of AIV RNA. The AIV genome was identified in two waterfowl bird species collected from 9 different locations. No positive AIV specimen was detected in Hungary. Based on the obtained results, Risk assessment and Feasibility study will be created to estimate the risk for human health. This research was conducted within the project “Protect wild birds = protect habitats = protect humans” (BirdPROTECT) of cross-border cooperation IPA program Hungary-Serbia.