Context
High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) from clade 2.3.4.4b within the goose/Guangdong/1996 (Gs/GD) H5 lineage are well-known for causing severe issues in commercial ducks, affecting both the poultry industry and wild bird populations. Ducks can transmit the virus before showing symptoms, necessitating effective control strategies. Despite recent research showing HPAIV replication in feather follicles, the role of feathers in viral shedding and environmental spread remains uncertain.
Poultry house dust consists of diverse particles, with feathers constituting roughly 10% of it. It can contribute to viral transmission through inhalable particles (<100 µm). While dust is a known source of pathogens, the exact role of feathers in viral shedding and spread remains unclear.
This application note focuses on the role of aerosols containing poultry house dust and feather epithelium in the dissemination of clade 2.3.4.4b H5 HPAIVs. It underscores the importance of a comprehensive examination of dust morphology and immunofluorescent analysis as a complementary approach to better understand the impact of aerosol dispersions in the spread of HPAIVs.
