Could chickens infected with low pathogenicity avian influenza serve as the source for a poultry flock with highly pathogenic avian influenza?

Could chickens infected with low pathogenicity avian influenza serve as the source for a poultry flock with highly pathogenic avian influenza?

• A. No
• B. Yes
• C. Not enough information
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that a low pathogenic avian influenza virus carried by chickens can act as a starting point for an outbreak of highly pathogenic influenza in a flock. In poultry, certain LPAI subtypes, especially H5 and H7, have the potential to mutate within the host population by acquiring a polybasic cleavage site in the hemagglutinin protein. This mutation enables the virus to replicate systemically, leading to high mortality and an HPAI presentation. Transmission within a flock or introduction from outside (through contaminated equipment, workers, or contact with wild birds) can seed an HPAI outbreak starting from an LPAI-infected flock. Therefore, it is correct that chickens infected with LPAI can serve as the source for a poultry flock with HPAI. While not every LPAI infection becomes HPAI and not every LPAI strain has this potential, the possibility exists and is a major reason why surveillance and biosecurity for LPAI are emphasized.

The key idea is that a low pathogenic avian influenza virus carried by chickens can act as a starting point for an outbreak of highly pathogenic influenza in a flock. In poultry, certain LPAI subtypes, especially H5 and H7, have the potential to mutate within the host population by acquiring a polybasic cleavage site in the hemagglutinin protein. This mutation enables the virus to replicate systemically, leading to high mortality and an HPAI presentation. Transmission within a flock or introduction from outside (through contaminated equipment, workers, or contact with wild birds) can seed an HPAI outbreak starting from an LPAI-infected flock. Therefore, it is correct that chickens infected with LPAI can serve as the source for a poultry flock with HPAI. While not every LPAI infection becomes HPAI and not every LPAI strain has this potential, the possibility exists and is a major reason why surveillance and biosecurity for LPAI are emphasized.