Infection of Cattle with H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus
Author Information
Author(s): Kalthoff Donata, Hoffmann Bernd, Harder Timm, Durban Markus, Beer Martin
Primary Institution: Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
Hypothesis
Can cattle be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1)?
Conclusion
The study found that HPAIV (H5N1) can infect bovine calves, leading to asymptomatic shedding and seroconversion.
Supporting Evidence
- All calves remained healthy during the study.
- Two of the four inoculated calves showed positive results for HPAIV (H5N1) genome copies.
- Seroconversion was observed in all inoculated calves and one contact calf after three months.
Takeaway
The researchers gave a virus to calves to see if they could get sick, and even though the calves stayed healthy, they still showed signs of infection.
Methodology
Six Holstein-Friesian calves were inoculated with HPAIV (H5N1) and monitored for clinical symptoms, viral excretion, and serologic reactions.
Limitations
The study could not definitively answer whether calf-to-calf transmission occurs.
Participant Demographics
Six Holstein-Friesian calves, 3 months of age.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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