Poultry, Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences
Open Access

Abstract

Surveillance on Avian Influenza H5N1 and H9N2 Subtypes In Egypt 2012-2013

Shakal MA, Youssef YI, El Zeedy SA, Ibrahim SM and Al Baroudi BM

Surveillance on Avian Influenza Virus in Egypt during 2012 - 2013 was undertaken to update the epidemiology of avian influenza virus infections among poultry flocks in Egypt. A total of 148 commercial chicken farms were tested by single-plex RT-PCR for direct detection of avian influenza viruses using type A specific nucleoprotein (NP) gene primer sets. The results revealed 5 positive chicken flocks infected with type-A AIV. These viruses were successfully isolated and propagated in SPF eggs. H5N1/HI test was positive only for three chicken flocks. Subtype specific (RTPCR) revealed 3 positive H5 chicken flocks (2%) and 2 positive H9 chicken flocks (1.35%). All examined chicken flocks were negative for H7 subtype. Multiplex RT-PCR using H5, H7 and H9 subtypes specific primers confirmed these results. This shows the continuous co-circulation of the AIV H5 and H9 in commercial chicken flocks in Egypt complicating the respiratory problems in affected flocks.