Study finds some seabirds showing signs of immunity to bird flu

As part of a major research alliance announced in June, top British scientists have discovered that some seabirds show immunity to bird flu.

The eight-member FluMap consortium, led by the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) world-leading research team, developed laboratory tools for the project that can analyze the immune response of birds exposed to avian influenza viruses during influenza. their whole lives.

teacher Zhang JianqiuThe PhD, from the University of Nottingham’s School of Medicine and Veterinary Sciences, explained: “As a key member of the research consortium, our aim is to understand the host cell responses to avian influenza in different types of birds, which could explain the differences in disease between bird species. susceptibility.”

Preliminary studies of small samples of some seabird species, including gannets and cormorants, suggest H5N1 specific immunity, showing the exposure and recovery of some of the birds. However, avian influenza viruses change easily, so antibody levels may decline over time, and there is no guarantee that next year’s offspring will be immune, suggesting there is no big benefit to the population yet.

Scientists hope that by observing the impact of antibodies on infection, they can better predict the emergence of new viruses with different protein combinations in the future, giving experts a step ahead in protecting animal and human health. 60% of new human diseases originate from animals.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (avian influenza) poses a significant burden to global animal health and threatens human health, with more than 350 infected sites identified in the UK between 2020 and 2023. Wild bird populations also suffered severe mortality of multiple species and birds. wild mammals People who have eaten the carcasses of dead birds have also become infected.

The consortium also identified genetic features that may explain the current ability of the H5N1 virus to spread rapidly and infect a wider range of species. Research has found that multiple viral genes have changed and evolved to work together to improve their adaptability for infection, transmission and persistence in birds, but are still not adaptable to humans.

The consortium mapped the spread of infection over time and made important findings about the airborne spread of the virus, determining that the infectious virus can only travel short distances (less than 10 meters) and is unlikely to spread between farms. .

An additional £3.3 million has been awarded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Infection Control Program and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to better understand this terrible disease, including studying immunity in a variety of wild birds.

A further £3.2m has been allocated to a sister consortium focusing on the potential for interpersonal communication.The partners of both consortiums will work closely together a healthy. The joint One Health approach aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and the environment.This research will give us a better understanding of Possible effects of interactions between animals, humans and the environment on avian influenza. Community collaboration between governments is key to effectively responding to and responding to evolving threats such as avian influenza.

teacher Ian Brown“APHA has led this consortium of the brightest minds from eight world-leading UK institutions to address gaps in our understanding of avian influenza, and I am delighted that we have achieved Made some important discoveries, especially about the genetic makeup of avian influenza viruses. “

“I’m delighted that, with further funding, this work can continue to help us control the spread of disease, while advancing UK animal health science and ensuring we maintain our reputation as a world leader in our field.”

The new funding will address the changing nature of avian influenza and expand understanding of: transmission and infection in different bird populations (including how the virus spreads from wild birds to poultry); biosecurity breaches that allow the virus to enter facilities and how Addressing these vulnerabilities; the role of wild bird immunity in virus evolution; and how vaccination rollout affects outbreaks.

APHA has an international reference laboratory that analyzes global samples, provides expert advice and quickly shares the latest information on the outbreak internationally. The knowledge gathered will also be shared with international partners to assist their efforts to tackle the disease and deliver global risk mitigation benefits.