HPAI Virus Persistence Study

The objectives of the study are: a) to assess biosecurity measures taken to impede the introduction of pathogens, such as AI, to poultry premises by a survey which focuses on management of feces and bedding as well as on footbath maintenance and preparation; b) to determine and compare the full genome of HPAI (H5N8) and LPAI (H6N2) before and after being mixed with organic materials such as feces or bedding material and footbath contents looking for mutations in the viral gene suggestive of adaptation to poultry and persistence in the environment; and c) to assess the persistence of the virus, in terms of viability, in bedding material or feces and footbaths maintained using different procedures.

Results from this study are expected to help better understanding the causing agent in terms of its genotype and behavior in the environment and to allow for correlating this information with the current biosecurity practices.

Scientists working on this project include: Dr. Rodrigo Gallardo, assistant professor in poultry medicine at the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Huaijun Zhou, associate professor of Animal Science, University of California, Beate Crossley, associate professor, California Animal Heath and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California; Dr. Rüdiger Hauck, poultry medicine laboratory post doctoral scholar, University of California; and Maurice Pitesky, assistant specialist with the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine.