Protection and virus shedding of falcons vaccinated against highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus (H5N1).

Because fatal infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) virus subtype H5N1 have been reported in birds of prey, we sought to determine detailed information about the birds' susceptibility and protection after vaccination. Ten falcons vaccinated with an inactivated influenza virus (H5N2) vaccine seroconverted. We then challenged 5 vaccinated and 5 nonvaccinated falcons with HPAI (H5N1).

Avipoxvirus infection in a collection of captive stone curlews (Burhinus oedicnemus).

A natural outbreak of avipoxvirus occurred in recently purchased stone curlews (Burhinus oedicnemus) at a breeding farm and subsequently spread to other stone curlews residing at the farm. The initial outbreak was characterized by mild vesicular skin lesions on the legs, which then developed crusts and bled. The overall morbidity rate was 100%, but none of the birds died, and all recovered without complication.

Investigation into the seroprevalence of falcon herpesvirus antibodies in raptors in the UK using virus neutralization tests and different herpesvirus isolates.

Increasing numbers of reports of clinical falcon herpesvirus infection (Falconid herpesvirus-1; FHV-1) have been seen in the UK since 1996. The aim of this epidemiological study was to investigate the seroprevalence of FHV-1 and owl herpesvirus (Strigid herpesvirus-1; StHV-1) infection in the UK, using virus neutralization tests, and to evaluate the prevalence of herpesvirus infection in captive and wild raptor populations. The results, using the English FHV-1 CVL 32/93 isolate, revealed a seroprevalence of 3.

Antibodies to adenoviruses in free-living common buzzards from Germany.

One hundred sixty-seven plasma samples of free-living birds of prey from Berlin and Brandenburg State (Germany) were tested for antibodies against avian adenovirus (FAV, group I) using agar gel precipitation test. Antibodies to FAV were detected in seven (4%) of 167 total samples. The positive samples originated only from common buzzards (Buteo buteo; seven [12%] of 59).