Article
Immunology
Pengxiang Chang, Jean-Remy Sadeyen, Sushant Bhat, Rebecca Daines, Altaf Hussain, Huseyin Yilmaz, Munir Iqbal
Summary: Since 2013, the H7N9 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have caused over 1500 human infections and a mortality rate of approximately 40%. Despite vaccination efforts, the viruses continue to evolve rapidly in poultry and some strains have the ability to escape vaccine-induced immunity. Recent analysis showed that the H7N9 AIVs from the early epidemic waves had dual receptor binding characteristics, but more recent strains lost or retained weak human receptor binding. The viruses also demonstrated increased acid stability but reduced thermal stability compared to earlier strains, and showed poor cross-reactivity with human monoclonal antibodies and ferret antisera.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Suman Das Gupta, Brishti Barua, Guillaume Fournie, Md Ahasanul Hoque, Joerg Henning
Summary: This study explored the risk factors associated with avian influenza H5 and H9 seropositivity in backyard chicken farms in Bangladesh. It found that crow abundance in garbage dumping places, presence of migratory wild birds within villages, garbage around poultry houses, specific trading practices, and contact of backyard chickens with other animals were all associated with higher odds of H5 or H9 seropositivity. The findings suggest that small-scale poultry farmers can address these risk factors without requiring large investments, thereby reducing the likelihood of avian influenza outbreaks.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mamoona Chaudhry, Hamad Bin Rashid, Michael Thrusfield, Mark C. Eisler, Susan C. Welburn
Summary: In rural areas of Pakistan, there is a high seroprevalence of avian influenzas in backyard poultry, with most poultry being raised for egg/meat production and primarily in a semi-caged system. Continuous surveillance of backyard poultry is necessary to reduce the risk of avian influenza in the country.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Varsha Potdar, Megha Brijwal, Rakesh Lodha, Pragya Yadav, Santosh Jadhav, Manohar Lal Choudhary, Aashish Choudhary, Veena Vipat, Nivedita Gupta, Ashok Kumar Deorari, Lalit Dar, Priya Abraham
Summary: An 11-year-old boy with acute myeloid leukemia in New Delhi, India, was treated for severe acute respiratory infection caused by avian influenza A(H5N1). The strain belonged to hemagglutinin gene clade 2.3.2.1a and was found to be susceptible to amantadine and neuraminidase inhibitors.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Alison Simancas-Racines, Santiago Cadena-Ullauri, Patricia Guevara-Ramirez, Ana Karina Zambrano, Daniel Simancas-Racines
Summary: Avian influenza is a contagious disease that causes high avian mortality, leading to economic losses and increased costs for disease control. It is caused by an RNA virus and only Influenzavirus A can infect birds. The pathogenicity of avian influenza is based on the lethality, signs, and molecular characteristics of the virus. Low pathogenic avian influenza has a low mortality rate, while highly pathogenic avian influenza can cross barriers and damage all tissues with a high mortality rate. The zoonotic potential of avian influenza has made it a global public health concern.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mohsen Bashashati, David H. Chung, Mohammad Hossein Fallah Mehrabadi, Dong-Hun Lee
Summary: The evolutionary history of H9N2 avian influenza viruses in Iran shows that only the Iran 4 subgroup has survived and currently circulates in the country; the viruses possess molecular markers associated with mammalian adaption; continued surveillance of H9N2 viruses is needed to monitor their evolution and potential threat to public health.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariana Leguia, Alejandra Garcia-Glaessner, Breno Munoz-Saavedra, Diana Juarez, Patricia Barrera, Carlos Calvo-Mac, Javier Jara, Walter Silva, Karl Ploog, Lady Amaro, Paulo Colchao-Claux, Christine K. Johnson, Marcela M. Uhart, Martha I. Nelson, Jesus Lescano
Summary: Highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 viruses have invaded the Americas and pose a threat to wildlife, poultry, and humans. The HPAI/H5N1 viruses in Peru have genetic reassortment between Eurasian and American lineages, emphasizing the need for surveillance and control measures.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Isha Berry, Mahbubur Rahman, Meerjady Sabrina Flora, Tahmina Shirin, A. S. M. Alamgir, Manjur Hossain Khan, Rubaid Anwar, Mona Lisa, Fahmida Chowdhury, Md Ariful Islam, Muzzafar G. Osmani, Stacie Dunkle, Eric Brum, Amy L. Greer, Shaun K. Morris, Punam Mangtani, David N. Fisman
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the seasonality and epidemiology of influenza in Bangladesh. The results showed a distinct influenza season in Bangladesh, with peak transmission occurring annually from June to July, although the timing varied by region. Additionally, avian influenza displayed weaker seasonality and had a different peak period compared to human influenza.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Wenwen Liang, Siqiong Jie, Yiqin Wang, Xiaowei Wen, Yanling Xiong, Xiaoxi Lin, Zhengrong Lv
Summary: This study examined the effect of risk perceptions on preventive behavior among vendors in the live poultry wholesale market and the live poultry retail market in Guangdong Province using the health belief model and structural equation modeling. The results showed that perceived severity and perceived benefits positively influenced vendors' self-efficacy in the wholesale market, while perceived barriers negatively affected self-efficacy in both the wholesale and retail markets. Moreover, cues to action mediated the relationship between perceived severity, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy, and also mediated the effect of perceived susceptibility among wholesale market vendors.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Samira Yousefinaghani, Rozita Dara, Zvonimir Poljak, Fei Song, Shayan Sharif
Summary: The study proposed a framework for predicting the occurrence and spread of avian influenza events in a geographical area by combining historical data sources to build datasets and discovering patterns explaining the risk of avian influenza.
Review
Microbiology
Holly Everest, Elizabeth Billington, Rebecca Daines, Alice Burman, Munir Iqbal
Summary: Avian influenza viruses, especially H10Nx strains, pose a continuous threat to both poultry and human health, with significant impact on mortality. Despite gaps in understanding, enhanced surveillance and knowledge of their distribution and infection capabilities are crucial in addressing the ongoing pandemic threat.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Soawapak Hinjoy, Pornchai Thumrin, Jitphanu Sridet, Chat Chaiyaso, Punnarai Smithsuwan, Janjao Rodchangphuen, Yupawat Thukngamdee, Weerachai Suddee
Summary: This study aimed to assess the risk perceptions of poultry farmers and traders in three border provinces of Thailand adjacent to Laos. The results showed that individuals with more years of experience in poultry farming had a higher perception of the risk of avian influenza. It is suggested that regular training on avian influenza should be provided to farmers by national, provincial, or local officials to improve their risk perception.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Xuan-Vy Nguyen, Thi Thuy Hang Phan, Van-Luong Cao, Nhu-Thuy Nguyen Nhat, Trung-Hieu Nguyen, Xuan-Thuy Nguyen, Va-Khin Lau, Cong-Tin Hoang, My-Ngan Nguyen-Thi, Hung Manh Nguyen, Viet-Ha Dao, Mirta Teichberg, Jutta Papenbrock
Summary: This review highlights the current advances in seagrass research in Vietnam, emphasizing the value of seagrass meadows and the need for science-based conservation strategies. The study finds a decline in seagrass area in almost all parts of Vietnam, and highlights the importance of investigating protected and difficult-to-reach areas for conservation efforts. The review also discusses the potential role of seagrasses in phytoremediation processes and the challenges in taxonomy and management. Interdisciplinary cooperation is essential for the conservation of this valuable ecosystem.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Richard J. Maude, Thang Duc Ngo, Duong Thanh Tran, Binh Thi Huong Nguyen, Dung Viet Dang, Long Khanh Tran, Michael Gregory, Rapeephan R. Maude, Ipsita Sinha, Kulchada Pongsoipetch, Nicholas J. Martin
Summary: The study in central Viet Nam identified risk factors for malaria transmission, including being a forest worker, recent forest visitation, longer duration of illness, recorded fever, number of malaria infections in the past year, prior malaria treatment, and previous clinic visit. The research also highlighted the benefits of matched controls in surveillance studies and the importance of collaboration between academia and government for collecting high quality data for malaria elimination planning.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
L. Carnegie, J. Raghwani, G. Fournie, S. C. Hill
Summary: This review summarizes how phylodynamic methods have and could contribute to the study of avian influenza viruses. It assesses how phylodynamics can be used to examine viral spread within and between bird populations, identify factors associated with virus dispersal, and determine the order and timing of virus lineage movement between regions or poultry production systems. Factors that can complicate the interpretation of phylodynamic results are discussed, and future methodological developments are identified to improve virus control.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Suman Das Gupta, Md. Ahasanul Hoque, Guillaume Fournie, Joerg Henning
Summary: The study in Bangladesh examined the infection patterns of H5N1 and H9N2 avian influenza viruses in different chicken farming systems. While H5 antibodies were detected in unvaccinated birds in all farming systems, H5 and H9 virus circulation was found to be low among healthy chickens. The results can inform risk-based surveillance and mathematical models to understand the dynamics of HPAI infection in poultry.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Suman Das Gupta, Guillaume Fournie, Md. Ahasanul Hoque, Joerg Henning
Summary: The study found that farmers from different chicken production systems have different decision-making processes regarding the adoption of HPAI prevention and control measures. Commercial farmers are more influenced by the benefits of measures, while backyard farmers are more influenced by perceived barriers. Information provided through media, meetings or information campaigns plays an important role in influencing farmers' decision-making in all production systems.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Md Emran Hossain, Md Ahasanul Hoque, Emanuele Giorgi, Guillaume Fournie, Goutam Buddha Das, Joerg Henning
Summary: The study shows that improving duck rearing can increase duck consumption and sales, promote household dietary diversity, and provide a sustainable option for maintaining and improving dietary diversity in flood-prone areas.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
C. Turni, J. Meers, K. Parke, R. Singh, S. Yee, J. Templeton, N. K. Mone, P. J. Blackall, T. S. Barnes
Summary: This study analyzed lung samples from 46 batches of pigs representing 46 farms in Queensland, Australia, and found that pathogens such as Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Streptococcus suis, and Porcine Circovirus type 2 were prevalent. The high percentage of batches infected with these pathogens suggests synergistic interactions may have resulted in pleurisy.
AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
R. E. Tarlinton, J. Fabijan, F. Hemmatzadeh, J. Meers, H. Owen, N. Sarker, J. M. Seddon, G. Simmons, N. Speight, D. J. Trott, L. Woolford, R. D. Emes
Summary: Genetic analysis revealed significant differences in gene expression and SNP frequency between northern and southern Australian koalas, highlighting potential genetic basis for common disorders in the latter population. Further research into these genetic differences is needed to better understand and manage the health of southern koalas.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gayle K. McEwen, David E. Alquezar-Planas, Anisha Dayaram, Amber Gillett, Rachael Tarlinton, Nigel Mongan, Keith J. Chappell, Joerg Henning, Milton Tan, Peter Timms, Paul R. Young, Alfred L. Roca, Alex D. Greenwood
Summary: The study reveals that the integration sites of Koala retrovirus cluster near known cancer genes and show a high mutational load associated with the virus's germline invasion.
Koalas are prone to neoplasms when infected, with a high mutational load during virus germline invasion.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Ravi Bandara Dissanayake, Emanuele Giorgi, Mark Stevenson, Rachel Allavena, Joerg Henning
Summary: The study focuses on estimating the population of koalas in South-East Queensland using self-exciting spatio-temporal point process model based on public reported sightings. It revealed spatial variation in koala density in the region. This approach could be extended to model the density of other wildlife species where data is collected in a similar manner.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Flavia Santamaria, Rupert Palme, Rolf Schlagloth, Edith Klobetz-Rassam, Joerg Henning
Summary: This study investigated measuring stress levels in koalas and established physiological baseline levels for male and female koalas during breeding and non-breeding seasons, serving as a reference for future studies. The research found significant differences in faecal cortisol metabolite values between males and females, breeding and non-breeding seasons, and morning and evening samples, using an enzyme immunoassay with high biological sensitivity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Flavia Santamaria, Christopher K. Barlow, Rolf Schlagloth, Ralf B. Schittenhelm, Rupert Palme, Joerg Henning
Summary: The koala is an arboreal folivorous marsupial endemic to Australia. Due to threats from anthropogenic activities and climate change, a non-invasive method was used in this study to objectively measure stress in koalas, revealing tetrahydrocortisol as the main faecal cortisol metabolite.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ka Y. Yuen, Natalie S. Fraser, Joerg Henning, Kim Halpin, Justine S. Gibson, Lily Betzien, Allison J. Stewart
Summary: Hendra virus (HeV) remains a serious public health concern, with symptoms including frothy nasal discharge and ataxia. The Equivac (R) HeV vaccine is the most effective preventive measure, protecting horses and humans from infection.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Flavia Santamaria, Rolf Schlagloth, Rupert Palme, Joerg Henning
Summary: This study highlights the importance of considering the suitability of faecal field samples for FCM analysis, with water loss being the main driver of FCM changes. Freshly defecated koala pellets are recommended for collection despite potential challenges in obtaining them, as environmental conditions can impact FCM stability.
Article
Virology
Ka Y. Yuen, Joerg Henning, Melodie D. Eng, Althea S. W. Wang, Martin F. Lenz, Karen M. Caldwell, Mitchell P. Coyle, Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
Summary: The seroprevalence of common mosquito-borne virus infections in horses in Australia, as well as the impact of climate change on the epidemiology of these diseases, was investigated in this study. It was found that Ross River virus is the most common arbovirus infection in horses, followed by Barmah Forest virus. The potential use of horses as sentinels for arbovirus monitoring and the cross-reactivity of antibodies between different viruses should be further studied.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Lee McMichael, Jennefer Mclean, Jim Taylor, Yissu Martinez, Joanne Meers
Summary: This study investigates the occurrence and causes of cleft palate syndrome in the endangered spectacled flying fox population over the past two decades, revealing that this syndrome leads to the death or abandonment of neonates. It provides an opportunity to further study the etiology of cleft palate in wildlife and has the potential to contribute to biodiversity conservation and comparative veterinary and biomedical outcomes.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Flavia Santamaria, Rolf Schlagloth, Ludovica Valenza, Rupert Palme, Deidre de Villiers, Joerg Henning
Summary: Habitat loss, urbanisation and climate change can cause stress in koalas. Non-invasive monitoring of faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) can be used to evaluate the impact of stress. The effectiveness of two enzyme immunoassays (EIAs), 50c and cortisol, in measuring FCM values in wild, stressed koalas was tested. Diseased and injured koalas had significantly higher FCM values than clinically healthy control animals as measured by the 50c EIA. Only the 50c EIA detected higher absolute values in males, and also found that females showed a more elevated response to stress manifested by injury and disease. The cortisol EIA was also found unreliable in detecting stress in rehabilitated koalas treated with synthetic glucocorticoids as it cross-reacts with these chemicals.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ludovica Valenza, Rachel Allavena, Mark Haworth, Jonathon Cochrane, Joerg Henning
Summary: Australia has some of the most venomous snakes in the world, and domestic dogs are commonly envenomated by them. However, clinical signs, diagnostic procedures, and treatments of snake envenomations are poorly described. Based on data from veterinary clinics in Queensland, it was found that veterinarians heavily relied on medical history, clinical signs, and diagnostic tests other than snake venom detection kits in order to diagnose and treat snake envenomation cases in dogs.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2021)