Characterisation, whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of three H3N2 avian influenza viruses isolated from domestic ducks at live poultry markets of Iran, 2017: First report.

Background: Avian influenza type A viruses (AIV) can infect a broad range of hosts including human and birds, making them an important viral pathogen with zoonotic potential. Ducks are a known reservoir for many avian viruses including the AIV.

Objectives: To sequence the entire genome of duck-derived H3N2 and ran comprehensive phylogenetic analysis on them to study their origin.

Phylogenetic analyses on Marek's disease virus circulating in Iranian backyard and commercial poultry indicate viruses of different origin.

As neoplastic viruses have been affecting Iranian chicken farms more frequently in recent years, the first step in prevention may therefore be to genetically characterize and systematically identify their source and origin. Recently, we published a phylogenetic analysis based on the meq gene of Gallid alphaherpesvirus 2, commonly known as serotype 1 Marek's disease virus (MDV-1), that circulated in Iranian backyard and commercial chickens. In the current study, we are reporting for the first time the identification of a 298 aa meq protein containing only two PPPP motifs from an MDV-1-infected unvaccinated backyard turkey.

Predominance of Fourth Panzootic Newcastle Disease Virus Subgenotype VII.1.1 in Iran and Its Relation to the Genotypes Circulating in the Region.

Following recent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) outbreaks in Iranian poultry farms which were mostly associated with lesions of the avian gastrointestinal tract, it was speculated that the scale of the outbreaks could be attributed in part to co-circulating infectious agents or a new NDV genotype/subgenotype. This speculation was due to the isolation of a few 5 panzootic subgenotype VII.2 viruses from Iranian poultry farms in 2017.

Circulation of at Least Six Distinct Groups of Pigeon-Derived Newcastle Disease Virus in Iran Between 1996 and 2019.

According to the latest Newcastle disease virus (NDV) classification system, Iranian PPMV-1 isolates were classified as either XXI.1.1 or XXI.