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Rapid Diagnosis of Avian Influenza Virus in Wild Birds: Use of a Portable rRT-PCR and Freeze-dried Reagents in the Field
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Blowflies are potential vector for avian influenza virus at enzootic area in Japan

Ryosuke Fujita1, Takuji Tachi2, Masato Hino3

  • 1Laboratory of Sanitary Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, West-5 543, Motooka 744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan. r-fujita@agr.kyushu-u.ac.jp.

Scientific Reports
|May 4, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Blowflies (Calliphora nigribarbis) may transmit high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) by carrying the virus from infected birds or feces. This finding suggests blowflies should be included in HPAI vector control strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Virology
  • Ecology
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) is a global threat to avian populations.
  • Understanding virus transmission routes is crucial for HPAI outbreak management.
  • Blowflies are attracted to decaying matter and feces, potential sources of HPAI.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential role of blowflies (Calliphora nigribarbis) as vectors for HPAI.
  • To determine the prevalence of influenza viruses in blowfly populations in an HPAI-enzootic area.

Main Methods:

  • Collection of Calliphora nigribarbis flies in a wild bird HPAI-enzootic region in Japan.
  • Influenza virus detection using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
  • Virus subtyping to identify specific influenza strains.

Main Results:

  • In December 2022, 2.2% of 648 collected flies tested positive for influenza virus, with 14.9% prevalence near a crane colony.
  • H5N1 and HxN1 subtypes were detected in positive samples.
  • One HPAI virus-positive specimen was identified in 608 flies collected in December 2023.

Conclusions:

  • Calliphora nigribarbis may acquire HPAI from deceased birds or infected bird feces.
  • Blowflies have the potential to contribute to HPAI transmission dynamics.
  • Blowflies should be considered as a target for HPAI vector control measures.

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