Detection of influenza A viruses in eggs laid by infected turkeys.
Studies are limited on evaluating the potential of influenza viruses for egg-borne dissemination. In our previous studies, experimental infection of breeder turkeys with A/turkey/Ohio/313053/04 resulted in drastic declines in egg production, and we confirmed high levels of virus replication and an abundant distribution of avian-specific alpha2,3 sialic acid-gal receptors in the oviduct of these turkeys. In the present study, following experimental inoculation of A/turkey/Ohio/313053/04 in breeder turkeys, we detected these viruses in the albumin of eggs using real-time RT-PCR (RRT-PCR) and virus isolation in embryonated chicken eggs. Swabs from egg shells were also found positive by RRT-PCR. This is the first report of the detection of low pathogenic influenza viruses from internal egg contents following experimental infection. The possibility of hatchery contamination by egg-borne influenza viruses, and the spread of virus during movement of contaminated cracked eggs and egg flats, pose concerns regarding viral dissemination of influenza.
Pillai
S P S
SP
Food Animal Health Research Program, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691, USA.
Saif
Y M
YM
Lee
C W
CW
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000662:veterinary; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D010063:Ovum / Q000821:virology*; D014422:Turkeys