In ovo model predicts pathogenic potential of bird flu virus | Pluimveeweb.nl

Bird flu viruses differ in virulence, or disease-causing ability. Viruses that cause only mild symptoms may go unnoticed, meaning the risk of virus spread may not be optimally managed.

PhD candidate Luca Bordes, together with colleagues from Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR, part of Wageningen University & Research), developed an in ovo model to assess the virulence of bird flu viruses. “Our model can be used to quickly assess the virulence of these viruses, allowing for a more targeted approach for HPAI surveillance,” says Bordes.

Fast detection

To determine the design and reliability of the in ovo model, five contemporary H5 viruses with known virulence characteristics were compared for replication rate, mean time to mortality, and virus spread in the embryo. Notable differences in virulence were observed between H5 viruses and between poultry species. The results of the study demonstrate the potential of in ovo models.

“The in ovo models are not suitable to directly replace the animal research currently used to determine the virulence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses. However, our model can be used to quickly determine the virulence of new HPAI viruses. The model also supports research into potential virulence factors that can help to better manage surveillance in poultry,” says Bordes.

Additional tool

“Since our model can distinguish the small differences in HPAI virulence in both chickens and ducks, we expect that differences in virulence between LPAI and HPAI viruses can also be detected using this model.” The ex vivo models developed in this study have lower costs, do not use adult animals and are less time-consuming than the currently applied models based on animal research.

According to the research team, the results of this study demonstrate that ex vivo models are very valuable tools for the risk assessment of HPAI viruses, allowing for a more targeted approach to HPAI surveillance that will benefit both public and animal health.

More information can be found in the publication ‘In ovo models to predict virulence of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 viruses for chickens and ducks’ in Viruses, reports Wageningen University & Research.