Characterisation of a novel #chicken-derived #H3N3 avian #influenza virus detected in #China in 2023: Pathogenicity and immunogenicity
Abstract The poultry industry faces a constant threat from the mutation and transmission of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). While waterfowl and wild birds are natural hosts of H3N3 AIV , reports of H3N3 infections in chickens are limited. However, in 2023, a decline in egg production among laying hens in the Yancheng Region of Jiangsu Province prompted a study. This research aimed to diagnose the aetiology in laying hens through molecular virological methods and characterise the biological properties of the causative pathogens. An H3N3 AIV subtype strain, A/chicken/China/YC01/2023(H3N3), was isolated from chickens exhibiting lesions. Genome sequencing and analysis revealed a novel genetic makeup : the HA gene originated from an H3N8 AIV, the NA gene from an H10N3 AIV, and the internal genes from an H9N2 AIV, all circulating in China. Chickens experimentally infected with the isolate showed signs of Harderian gland haemorrhage, nasal mucus, tracheal circumferential bleeding , and ...