Detection of genus A avian influenza viruses in the wild pigeons around Ahwaz, southwest of Iran, by RT- PCR

Avian influenza disease (AI) is an acute infectious disease with world-wide significance causing extensive economic losses in poultry industry. Avian influenza (AI) virus is classified in the genus influenza virus A within the family Orthomyxoviridae. AI viruses have been isolated from more than 90 species of free-living birds. The pigeon is from the family of Columbiforms, which are found in wild and domestic species of different races and With regard to free flying, they are associated with migratory birds, indigenous and industrial chickens, so it may help the transmission of AIV and its survival in nature.This study was conducted to investigate the role of wild pigeons in the spread of avian influenza viruses in the Ahvaz region, by RT-PCR.The tracheal and intestine samples were taken from the one hundred wild pigeon caught around Ahvaz in different months of the year. After extraction of RNA and cDNA production, detection of M gene of influenza A virus was performed using specific primers of M gene. In total, of these hundred pigeons examined, no positive finding was found in the M gene of 450 bp. It was concluded that pigeon approximately not play a role in spreading avian influenza viruses.