Experimental infection of mink with influenza A viruses. Brief report

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Animal Health

Background:

• Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are a significant public health concern, with various subtypes known to infect different animal species.
• Understanding the susceptibility of various animal hosts to different IAV strains is crucial for monitoring and controlling potential zoonotic transmissions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the susceptibility of mink (Mustela vison) to intranasal inoculation with diverse influenza A virus subtypes.
• To determine the duration of viral shedding and the host's immune response following inoculation.
• To assess the potential for contact transmission of influenza A virus between mink.

Main Methods:

• Mink were intranasally inoculated with human, swine, equine, and avian influenza A virus strains.
• Viral shedding was monitored by collecting respiratory tract samples post-inoculation (p.i.).
• Antibody responses were assessed using serological assays.
• Contact transmission was evaluated by housing inoculated and naive mink together.

Main Results:

• Mink demonstrated susceptibility to all tested influenza A virus subtypes.
• Influenza A viruses were recoverable from the respiratory tract up to 7 days post-inoculation.
• Inoculated mink developed detectable antibody responses against the respective viruses.
• Contact infection was confirmed using the A/Kumamoto/22/77 (H3N2) strain.

Conclusions:

• Mink are a susceptible host for a range of influenza A virus subtypes, including human, swine, equine, and avian strains.
• The findings highlight the potential for influenza A virus replication and shedding in mink, with implications for inter-species transmission.
• The demonstrated susceptibility and potential for contact transmission underscore the importance of monitoring mink populations for influenza A virus surveillance.