Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Detecting H7N3 Avian Flu in Commercial Game Bird Flocks
By Jerry, C F et al.·Published in Avian diseases·2023·University of California, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Diagnostic Detection of H7N3 Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in a Commercial Game Bird Flock.
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
A flock of Japanese quail was brought in after their egg production dropped and they started having watery droppings. The birds appeared lethargic, had ruffled feathers, and were struggling to breathe. Despite initial tests for avian influenza being negative, the situation worsened with increased mortality, leading to further testing that confirmed the presence of low pathogenicity avian influenza (H7N3). The affected birds showed signs of poor health, including dehydration and abnormal egg production. Unfortunately, the diagnosis indicated a serious viral infection, and treatment options for avian influenza in birds are limited, often focusing on supportive care.
Abstract
Low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) H7N3 was diagnosed in a flock of commercially raised Japanese quail () breeder hens. The birds were submitted with an initial complaint of a drop in egg production and watery droppings. Initial PCR testing of the flock for avian influenza (AI) was negative; however, mortality started increasing drastically, prompting further examination and the submission of more birds to the diagnostic laboratory. On antemortem examination, the birds appeared lethargic, with ruffled feathers, and had labored breathing. Gross examination revealed poor body condition, moderate dehydration, splenomegaly, ovarian regression, and airsacculitis. Several hens produced thin-shelled and shell-less eggs. Microscopically, lymphoplasmacytic encephalitis with neuronal cell necrosis, fibrinoheterophilic pneumonia, and splenic lymphoid depletion with amyloid deposition were seen. AI virus was detected in a follow-up submission and characterized as LPAI H7N3. Quail are a species of interest in the pathobiology of avian influenza viruses, underlined by the ability to serve as an amplification host.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39126417/