Novel route of exposure through reproductive tract insemination infects turkeys with pandemic-H1N1 virus

Authors: Pantin Jackwood, Mary; Swayne, David; Wasilenko, Jamie; Cagle, Caran; Spackman, Erica; Suarez, David

Submitted to: American Society for Virology Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/7/2010
Publication Date: 7/21/2010
Citation: Pantin Jackwood, M.J., Swayne, D.E., Wasilenko, J.L., Cagle, C.A., Spackman, E., Suarez, D.L. 2010. Novel route of exposure through reproductive tract insemination infects turkeys with pandemic-H1N1 virus [abstract]. American Society for Virology 29th Annual Meeting, July 17-21, 2010, Bozeman, Montana. p. 279.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Because of the known susceptibility of turkeys to type A influenza viruses and the history of infection with triple reassortant viruses, when the pandemic influenza A H1N1 2009 (pH1N1) emerged, the possibility of turkeys becoming infected with the novel virus was investigated. Several studies showed that turkeys were resistant to infection when the virus was given through the intranasal route, which is considered the natural route of infection. However, outbreaks of pH1N1 have been reported in turkey breeder farms in Chile, Canada, Pennsylvania, and California, all presenting drops in egg production. In this study we inoculated laying turkey hens by the intranasal, intracloacal, and intrauterine route with the A/Chile/3536/2009 (pH1N1) virus and demonstrated that the virus can infect turkeys by the intracloacal and intrauterine route, but not the intranasal route. Replication of the virus in the reproductive tract of turkey hens after intrauterine inoculation caused decreased egg production but no clinical signs. Such a route of exposure is realistic in modern turkey production when turkey hens are handled for intrauterine insemination in order to produce fertile eggs.