Natural infection of common cranes (<i>Grus grus</i>) with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in Serbia.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The late autumn epizootic of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N1 in Serbia in 2023 caused massive mortality in the migratory population of common cranes (Grus Grus). This is the first time HPAIV has been identified in the common crane in Serbia, leading to mass mortality of this bird species.

Methods

To understand the pathological impact of HPAIV in cranes, we evaluated the pathological changes in the tissues of common cranes. Additionally, we report genomic characterization of HPAI/H5N1. In total, 14 juvenile common crane carcasses were examined.

Results

Infected birds primarily exhibited neurologic signs, including ataxia and incoordination. Grossly, necrotizing pancreatitis was the most common finding, while microsco

SUBMITTER: Djurdjevic B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11664861 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature