Modern epizootic situation on avian influenza in the world and Ukraine (development of domestic means of monitoring and diagnostics)

Abstract

The purpose. To analyze modern epizootic situation in the world and Ukraine on highly pathogenic avian influenza, to monitor and develop domestic diagnostics test-system for serological diagnosis of avian influenza at house and wild bird. Methods. Statistical, virologic, immunological, molecular-genetic. Results. Today the majority of countries face the problem of highly pathogenic avian influenza. 30 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza with different intensity were registered all over the world since 1955. One of the biggest epizootic outbreaks of H5N1 highly pathogenic influenza virus (from 1996 until now) covered almost whole Eurasia, part of Africa and was registered in 63 countries of the world. Now there is difficult epizootic situation concerning viruses of influenza of such subtypes: H5N1, H5N2, H5N5, H5N6, H5N8, and H7N9. Now in Ukraine epizootic situation on highly pathogenic avian influenza is stable and safe. But in 2005–2008 two waves of highly pathogenic avian influenza were registered in Ukraine, which were caused by virus with antigenic formula H5N1. The third wave was been registered in 2016-2017. During all that time scientists of NSC «IECVM» actively participate in diagnosing and anti-epizootic work in close cooperation with State veterinary service of Ukraine. Scientists of NSC «IECVM» in 2005–2008 and 2016–2017 isolated viruses of highly pathogenic avian influenza of subtypes H5N1 and H5N8, studied their biological properties and antigenic characteristics, carried out sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, which allowed determining origin of these viruses and identifying possible ways of pathogen’s penetration with wild birds. Conclusions. It is determined that avian influenza and its highly pathogenic alternatives are of real threat for industrial and home poultry and may cause serious economic aftereffects. The first part in system of forestalling this disease is monitoring and duly diagnostics. Therefore development of domestic diagnostic preparations is of utmost importance.