Detection of Influenza A viruses in migratory birds at live bird markets of Iran, 2019

although wild aquatic birds are known to be a significant reservoir for avian influenza viruses (AIV), Live bird markets can become polluted with and become an origin of transmission for avian influenza viruses including the high and low pathogenic strains of avian Influenza (HPAI and LPAI). Many countries affected by the Avian Influenza virus have restricted resources for plans in environmental health, disinfection, and infection control in live bird markets. There are few recently published reports of surveillance directed at this group.  Active surveillance for avian influenza (AI) viruses in wild migratory aquatic birds sold at live bird markets (LBMs) was conducted in Iran from October 2019 to February 2020.

molecular diagnostic tools were employed for high-throughput surveillance of migratory birds that were sold in the live bird markets of Iran. This study included 400 both cloacal (CL) and nasopharyngeal (OP) samples from two bird species belonging to the two ordersCoot (Fulica arta) (100 CL & 100 OP) and Eurasian teal (Anas crecca) (100 CL & 100 OP). The samples were mainly obtained from captured or hunted birds. Every 5 samples were pooled together.

1 CL and 3 OP samples of Coots and 2 CL samples of Eurasian teals were positive for the influenza A virus.

These data are useful for designing new surveillance programs and are particularly relevant due to increased interest in avian influenza in wild aquatic birds, and efforts should be made to promote practices that could limit the maintenance and transmission of avian Influenza viruses in Live Bird market.