The project brings together leading researchers at top UK scientific organisations to better understand and mitigate the threats of bird flu viruses to the poultry sector.

Challenge       

The UK poultry industry faces substantial socio-economic threats due to the emergence of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses (HPAIVs) H5Nx of clade 2.3.4.4. Widespread detections in avian populations have also led to infections in wild mammalian species, underlining the necessity for vigilant zoonotic risk monitoring. Additionally, these viruses appear to have persisted in wild bird populations in Europe throughout the summer of 2021 and 2022, suggesting a shift toward a potential endemic circulation, and highlighting the environmental impact of the disease. This evolution, which likely impacts their epidemiology, host-range, transmission, and pathogenesis in different avian species, necessitates continual surveillance. The rapid evolution and the overall impact on health and welfare of poultry, wildlife and humans, as well as on global food security, requires a deeper understanding of these viruses and the adaptation of prevention and control measures for HPAI.

Solution      

The project aims to strengthen the resilience of the commercial sector, which has been heavily impacted by these infections. In particular, the project aims to enhance existing mitigation actions, specifically the development and implementation of effective biosecurity measures. It will strive to better understand the factors influencing biosecurity across a diverse range of stakeholders (Work Package 1, WP1). It will also evaluate factors driving the distribution and diversity of these viruses. This evaluation will focus on the intricate networks of interaction between wild bird species and poultry housing. The project will use viral genetic, epidemiological and economic data from the field to refine computational models, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of high-risk activities and improve control and mitigation measures (WP2). The project will also intensify active surveillance of wild bird species through the sampling of wildfowler-shot birds, thereby aiding in the identification of species that can tolerate HPAIV infection without showing clinical symptoms (WP3). Furthermore, the project will delve into the complex virological factors influencing differential disease outcomes. By investigating viral infectivity, host range, and the role of key molecular determinants in viral proteins, we aim to enhance our understanding of virus virulence (WP4). Additionally, the project will examine host factors which may alter susceptibility and disease outcome, as well as how the host responds to infection or vaccination, with particular attention to variability across avian species. The primary goal is to assess the challenges associated with implementing mitigation strategies to safeguard UK flocks, including the potential deployment of vaccination (WP5). Finally, the project will study the evolution of these viruses under immune pressure from previous exposure or vaccination. This investigation seeks to understand the potential long-term effects of vaccination deployment in the UK.

RVC specific lead research activities:

• Scoping review of webpages from government and key organisations offering biosecurity information to poultry farmers
• Investigation of systemic factors enabling biosecurity on farms
• Economic modelling of HPAI disease impact and economic evaluation of control strategies
• Exploration of poultry network data for improvements of outbreak investigation and control
• Spatial associations between wild birds distribution and poultry outbreaks

Impact      

The project is providing a comprehensive strategy to tackle the complex issue of HPAIVs in the UK poultry industry.

Partners      

APHA, The Pirbright Institute, The Roslin Institute, University of Nottingham, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University of Leeds

Publications