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Ortho- and paramyxoviruses in the migratory waterfowl of Michigan
Abstract:
Four hemagglutinating agents were isolated from 100 cloacal samples collected from migratory water foul during the 1977 hunting season in Michigan. Three of the isolates are paramyxoviruses and they show no reactivity with antisera to Newcastle disease virus. The fourth isolate is an orthomyxovirus, A/Duck/Michigan/77 (Hsw1 Nav2). Under experimental conditions two of the paramyxoviruses were recovered from the intestinal tract of chicks, and the third paramyxovirus was recovered from both the respiratory and intestinal tract of chicks. One paramyxovirus was pathogenic for chicks. The type A influenza virus was recovered from both the respiratory and intestinal tracts of chicks and caused subclinical infections.
Insights
Researchers identified four avian viruses, including three paramyxoviruses and one influenza A virus, from migratory waterfowl in Michigan. One paramyxovirus showed pathogenicity in chicks, while the influenza virus caused subclinical infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Avian Health
- Wildlife Disease Surveillance
Background:
- Migratory waterfowl serve as natural reservoirs for various avian viruses.
- Understanding viral shedding and pathogenicity is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize hemagglutinating agents from migratory waterfowl.
- To assess the pathogenicity and host range of isolated viruses in avian species.
Main Methods:
- Collection of cloacal samples from migratory waterfowl.
- Isolation and identification of viral agents using serological and biological assays.
- Experimental inoculation of chicks to determine viral recovery and pathogenicity.
Main Results:
- Four hemagglutinating agents were isolated: three paramyxoviruses and one orthomyxovirus (A/Duck/Michigan/77).
- Paramyxoviruses were recovered from the intestinal and/or respiratory tracts of experimentally infected chicks.
- One paramyxovirus was pathogenic in chicks; the influenza A virus caused subclinical infections.
Conclusions:
- Migratory waterfowl can harbor and shed diverse avian viruses, including novel paramyxoviruses.
- Avian influenza and paramyxoviruses possess the potential to infect and cause disease in domestic poultry.
- This study highlights the importance of monitoring wildlife populations for potential zoonotic and epizootic threats.