Surveillance for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds in the Lombardy Region (Italy) in the Period 2022-2024.

ABSTRACT: Influenza A virus (AIV) circulation was investigated in the Lombardy region, during 2022-2024, in wild ducks (through hunting and sampling of faecal samples within natural parks) and wild birds found dead. Samples were analysed through real-time RT-PCRs for Influenza A virus, H5 and H7. Whole genome sequencing was performed on AIV-positive samples. Screening of 3497 hunted Anatidae revealed a total of 184 positive samples. Complete sequencing of 136 samples highlighted the presence of 21 different subtypes ranging from H1N1 to H12N5. The H5N1 HPAIV (high pathogenic AIV) subtype, clade 2.3.4.4b, was the most common during the 2022-2023 winter season (31.8%), while H5 LPAI (low pathogenic AIV) strains were the most prevalent (28.6%) in the 2023-2024 season. The molecular survey on wild birds

SUBMITTER: Trogu T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11598995 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature