Biosurveillance of avian influenza and Newcastle disease viruses in the Barda region of Azerbaijan using real time RT-PCR and hemagglutination inhibition

摘要: The Azerbaijan State Veterinary Control Service (SVCS) has conducted active serological surveillance for avian influenza (AI) in poultry since 2006, when the first outbreak of AI H5N1 occurred Azerbaijan. Samples are collected from September to May annually and tested using a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay detect antibodies against H5 viruses. HI testing is also performed Newcastle disease virus (NDV) upon request, but this method cannot distinguish between natural infections immune responses vaccination, all positive results require follow-up epidemiological investigations. Furthermore, blood collection program time-intensive can be stressful birds. In order improve national program, alternative sampling methodologies were applied among population birds Barda region compared with program. Tracheal cloacal swabs instead blood. Rather than individual samples, RNA was pooled conserve resources time, pools by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Environmental at live bird market introduced as another mechanism. A total 1,030 collected, comprising tracheal, samples 441 148 environmental surface farms or market. During same 3,890 nationally program; 400 these originated region. Birds sampled rRT-PCR likely different those part surveillance. All swab negative both NDV. HI, while 6.2% 5% exposure Follow-up investigations found that vaccinated previous month. This study demonstrated taking quicker less invasive collection. Results similar ruled out infection type viruses not just H5. addition, able rule