This web application uses cookies and other tracking technologies to ensure you get the best experience.
SC/69B/E/23
Download this file168 KB |
Download |
View directly in browser168 KB |
View in browser |
Resource ID
22084
Access
Open
Document Number
SC/69B/E/23
Full Title
Surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus in marine mammals in South Korea
Author
Hyunjun Cho, Kyunglee Lee
Authors Summary
Since HPAI was first reported in Colombia in October 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus spread rapidly in wildlife populations across central and South America. It is estimated that the mass mortality of seabirds due to the outbreak of HPAI in South America led to the inflow of viruses into marine ecosystems with their carcasses leading to infection of marine mammals. In South Korea, HPAI virus outbreaks have occurred in wild birds and poultry farms since 2003.
In Korean waters, more than 35 marine mammal species consisted of 8 baleen whales, 27 toothed whales and 3 pinnipeds are known to exist. However, no HPAI surveillance on marine mammals were conducted in South Korea. This study is the first surveillance to confirm the detection of HPAI virus in marine mammals living in the coastal areas in South Korea. We tested whether HPAI virus were detected in samples collected from organs within the necropsies on eight cetacean species of 34 individuals. Which were stored at the Korea Cetacean Research Institute (CRI, NIFS) after death until the necropsy. Tested specimens include the tissues of ling, liver, brain, kidney, mesenteric lymph nodes and direct swab of trachea.
After analyzing 215 samples collected from organs, M gene was detected in 27 samples of 18 individuals (M gene means the existence of other type Avian influenza virus not high pathogenic). However, HPAI virus was not isolated and confirmed negative. This might be because of the degradation of viral RNA by long time storage of the carcasses or the low quantity infection. Up to now, there was no report of marine mammals? case with influenza related symptom in Korea. Based on this monitoring surveillance, we will check the existence of the Influenza virus within marine ecosystem and its character.
Publisher
IWC
Publication Year
2024
Abstract
Korean government surveyed HPAI virus prevalence within marine mammals found in Korean waters in 2023. In total, 8 species, 34 individuals 215 specimens were tested and there was no positive specimens in PCR and incubation on egg. Bit 27 specimens of 34 individuals were positive with M gene, which means it may have other Avian influenza virus or infected with very low titers.