Susceptibility of openbill storks (Anastomius oscitans) to highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1.
This investigation detailed the clinical disease, gross and histologic lesions in juvenile openbill storks (Anastomus oscitans) intranasally inoculated with an avian influenza virus, A/chicken/Thailand/vsmu-3 (H5N1), which is highly pathogenic for chickens. High morbidity and mortality were observed in openbill storks inoculated with HPAI H5N1 virus. Gross lesions from infected birds were congestion and brain hemorrhage (10/20), pericardial effusions, pericarditis and focal necrosis of the cardiac muscle (2/20), pulmonary edema and pulmonary necrosis, serosanguineous fluid in the bronchis (16/20), liver congestion (6/20), bursitis (5/20), subcutaneous hemorrhages (2/20) and pinpoint proventiculus hemorrhage (2/20). Real time RT-PCR demonstrated the presence of viral RNA in organs associated with the lesions: brain, trachea, lungs, liver, spleen and intestines. Similar to viral genome detection, virus was also isolated from these vital organs. Antibodies to influenza virus detected with a hemagglutination inhibition test, were found only in the openbill storks who died 8 days post-inoculation.
Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom.
Kridsada
K
Chaichoun
Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom.
Withawat
W
Wiriyarat
Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom.
Rassmeepen
R
Phonaknguen
Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom.
Ladawan
L
Sariya
Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom.
Nam-aoy
NA
Taowan
Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom.
Warunya
W
Chakritbudsabong
Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom.
Natnapat
N
Chaisilp
Department of National Parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Bangkok, Thailand.
Krirat
K
Eiam-ampai
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok.
Pilaipan
P
Phuttavatana
Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom.
Parntep
P
Ratanakorn
D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D006386:Hemagglutination Tests; D006801:Humans; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012367:RNA, Viral; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
D012367:RNA, Viral