H5N1 Infection in Red Foxes from Ingesting Infected Bird Carcasses
Author Information
Author(s): Reperant Leslie A., van Amerongen Geert, van de Bildt Marco W.G., Rimmelzwaan Guus F., Dobson Andrew P., Osterhaus Albert D.M.E., Kuiken Thijs
Primary Institution: Princeton University, Erasmus Medical Centre
Hypothesis
Are red foxes susceptible to infection with a wild bird isolate of HPAI virus (H5N1) from clade 2.2?
Conclusion
Red foxes can excrete the HPAI virus (H5N1) for up to 5 days after eating infected bird carcasses without showing severe disease.
Supporting Evidence
- Foxes fed infected bird carcasses excreted the virus for 3–5 days.
- Two of the three foxes infected intratracheally showed severe pneumonia.
- Foxes did not exhibit visible clinical signs despite severe lesions.
Takeaway
Red foxes can get sick from eating infected birds, but they might not show any signs of being sick even though they can spread the virus.
Methodology
The study involved infecting red foxes intratracheally and feeding others infected bird carcasses to assess infection and virus excretion.
Potential Biases
The foxes were sourced from a control program, which may not reflect the general population's health status.
Limitations
The study was conducted under controlled conditions, which may not fully represent natural infection scenarios.
Participant Demographics
Eight juvenile red foxes aged 6–10 months were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.54
Statistical Significance
p = 0.54
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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