Contagion Engineered, Wildlife, and Emerging Zoonotic Viruses

Emerging and reemerging infectious diseases pose a global threat to public health, animal health, and biodiversity. In this study, we characterized Avian Influenza Viruses (AIVs), Paramyxoviruses, and Coronaviruses circulating in wild birds and bats in Egypt, based on collected samples. Bats and wild birds are known reservoirs for several high-risk viruses that impact public health. Wild birds, in particular, are significant hosts and carriers, playing a major role in the spread, spillover, and evolution of AIVs due to their seasonal migration. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA and M genes of avian influenza viruses circulating in poultry and those detected in wild birds revealed a close relationship, suggesting transmission from wild birds. The isolated H5N8 strains are identified as Egyptian strains. Similarly, phylogenetic relatedness was observed in Paramyxoviruses (NDV) isolated from both poultry and wild birds, further supporting the role of wildlife in virus transmission.

Autorentext
Mohammed Hasan Mohammed Obaid is currently a faculty member at Al-Dour Technical Institute, part of the Northern Technical University in Iraq.