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Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 infection in skua and gulls in the United Kingdom, 2022

Lean, FZX; Falchieri, M; Furman, N; Tyler, G; Robinson, C; Holmes, P; Reid, SM; Banyard, AC; Brown, IH; Man, C; Núñez, A

Authors

FZX Lean

M Falchieri

N Furman

G Tyler

C Robinson

P Holmes

SM Reid

AC Banyard

IH Brown

C Man

A Núñez



Abstract

The reemergence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N1 in the United Kingdom in 2021-2022 has caused unprecedented epizootic events in wild birds and poultry. During the summer of 2022, there was a shift in virus transmission dynamics resulting in increased HPAIV infection in seabirds, and consequently, a profound impact on seabird populations. To understand the pathological impact of HPAIV in seabirds, we evaluated the virus antigen distribution and associated pathological changes in the tissues of great skua (Stercorarius skua, n = 8), long-tailed skua (Stercorarius longicaudus, n = 1), European herring gull (Larus argentatus, n = 5), and black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus, n = 4), which succumbed to natural infection of HPAIV during the summer of 2022. Cases were collected from Shetland, including Scatness (mainland), No Ness (mainland), Clumlie (mainland), Hermaness (island), Fair Isle (island), Noss (island), and the West Midlands, South East, and South West of England. Grossly, gizzard ulceration was observed in one great skua and pancreatic necrosis was observed in 4 herring gulls, with intralesional viral antigen detected subsequently. Microscopical analysis revealed neuro-, pneumo-, lymphoid-, and cardiomyotropism of HPAIV H5N1, with the most common virus-associated pathological changes being pancreatic and splenic necrosis. Examination of the reproductive tract of the great skua revealed HPAIV-associated oophoritis and salpingitis, and virus replication within the oviductal epithelium. The emergence of HPAIV in seabirds Stercorariidae and Laridae, particularly during summer 2022, has challenged the dogma of HPAIV dynamics, posing a significant threat to wild bird life with potential implications for the reproductive performance of seabirds of conservation importance.

Citation

Lean, F., Falchieri, M., Furman, N., Tyler, G., Robinson, C., Holmes, P., Reid, S., Banyard, A., Brown, I., Man, C., & Núñez, A. (2023). Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 infection in skua and gulls in the United Kingdom, 2022. Veterinary Pathology, https://doi.org/10.1177/03009858231217224

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Dec 9, 2023
Online Publication Date Dec 23, 2023
Publication Date 2023
Deposit Date Jan 26, 2024
Publicly Available Date Jan 31, 2024
Print ISSN 0300-9858
Electronic ISSN 1544-2217
Publisher American College of Veterinary Pathologists
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/03009858231217224
Keywords highly pathogenic avian influenza virus; multisystemic tropism; pancreatic necrosis; splenic necrosis; reproductive pathology; BLACK-HEADED GULLS; A(H5N8) VIRUS; A VIRUS; STERCORARIUS-SKUA; WILD BIRDS; TRANSMISSION; EPIDEMIOLOGY; NETHERLANDS; PATHOLOGY; D

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