Isolation of avian influenza virus (H9N2) from emu in china

• Main Authors: Kang Wenhua, Pang Wanyong, Hao Junfeng, Zhao Deming
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2006-03-01
• Series: Irish Veterinary Journal
• Subjects: Emu; Avian influenza virus; H9N2
• Online Access: http://www.irishvetjournal.org/content/59/3/148

<p>Abstract</p> <p>This is the first reported isolation of avian influenza virus (AIV) from emu in China. An outbreak of AIV infection occurred at an emu farm that housed 40 four-month-old birds. Various degrees of haemorrhage were discovered in the tissues of affected emus. Cell degeneration and necrosis were observed microscopically. Electron microscopy revealed round or oval virions with a diameter of 80 nm to 120 nm, surrounded by an envelope with spikes. The virus was classified as low pathogenic AIV (LPAIV), according to OIE standards. It was named A/Emu/HeNen/14/2004(H9N2)(Emu/HN/2004). The HA gene (1683bp) was amplified by RT-PCR and it was compared with other animal H9N2 AIV sequences in GenBank, the US National Institutes of Health genetic sequence database. The results suggested that Emu/HN/2004 may have come from an avian influenza virus (H9N2) from Southern China.</p>