National Institute of Virology-Microbial Containment Complex, 131/1, Sus Road, Pashan, Pune-411021, India.
Abstracts of the papers presented at the International Conference of Indian Virological Society on “Emerging and Re-emerging viral Diseases of the Tropics and Subtropics” at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India, December 11–14, 2007.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus outbreaks in poultry and migratory birds have been reported in over 60 countries all over the world. India also reported two HPAI H5N1 outbreaks in poultry in Maharashtra, Gujarat (Feb. 2006) and in Manipur (July 2007). Role of migratory birds in transmission of H5N1 viruses is unclear. In this scenario AI surveillance in migratory/wild/domestic birds, poultry is required. AI surveillance in migratory, domestic birds was undertaken by NIV jointly with ELA Foundation, Pune during 2006–2007. A total of 1843 fecal specimens were collected from migratory, domestic birds. These specimens were from six districts of Maharashtra, twenty water bodies, from 14 avian families and 37 avian species. Specimens were processed for virus isolation in both in-ovo and in-vitro systems. Screening of these specimens using molecular methods, which included RT-PCR, Real-Time PCR was performed. No fecal specimen was found to be positive for presence of AI viruses.
