Emerging Microbes and Infections (Dec 2023)

The feather epithelium contributes to the dissemination and ecology of clade 2.3.4.4b H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses in ducks

  • Nicolas Gaide,
  • Fabien Filaire,
  • Kateri Bertran,
  • Manuela Crispo,
  • Malorie Dirat,
  • Aurélie Secula,
  • Charlotte Foret-Lucas,
  • Bruno Payré,
  • Albert Perlas,
  • Guillermo Cantero,
  • Natàlia Majó,
  • Sébastien Soubies,
  • Jean-Luc Guérin

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/22221751.2023.2272644
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 2

Abstract

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Immature feathers are known replication sites for high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) in poultry. However, it is unclear whether feathers play an active role in viral transmission. This study aims to investigate the contribution of the feather epithelium to the dissemination of clade 2.3.4.4b goose/Guangdong/1996 lineage H5 HPAIVs in the environment, based on natural and experimental infections of domestic mule and Muscovy ducks. During the 2016–2022 outbreaks, H5 HPAIVs exhibited persistent and marked feather epitheliotropism in naturally infected commercial ducks. Infection of the feather epithelium resulted in epithelial necrosis and disruption, as well as the production and environmental shedding of infectious virions. Viral and feather antigens colocalized in dust samples obtained from poultry barns housing naturally infected birds. In summary, the feather epithelium contributes to viral replication, and it is a likely source of environmental infectious material. This underestimated excretion route could greatly impact the ecology of HPAIVs, facilitating airborne and preening-related infections within a flock, and promoting prolonged viral infectivity and long-distance viral transmission between poultry farms.

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