[A case of influenza infection of zoo touracos]

A respiratory disease occurred in a colony of 14 touracos in a zoological garden. Birds developed signs of disease during a period of 2 weeks and three died. Gross lesions consisted of hyperaemia of lungs, liver and kidney. An avian orthomyxovirus serotype Hav3 (or H11) was isolated. Five and 11 months after the outbreak antibodies against this serotype were present in the previously affected birds. Disease signs were not observed in another group of 14 touracos housed at the exit to the Zoo, and these birds did not contract the disease when they were moved into the building where the outbreak had taken place 4 1/2 months before. Antibodies against influenza virus were not found in these birds. It is concluded that the disease was caused by the influenza virus isolated.