Special Issue "Advances in Avian Diseases Research"

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Poultry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2021.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mahmoud M. Naguib
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, 75236 Uppsala, Sweden
Interests: emerging viruses; avian diseases; influenza; genetics; virus-host interaction; transcriptomics; single cell genome; diagnostics; epidemiology
Dr. Ahmed Samy Ibrahim
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Immunogenetics, The Pirbright Institute, Woking GU24 0NF, UK
Interests: avian virology; avian viral and/or bacterial mixed infection; avian immune response; control measures; avian vaccine development and evaluation; Wild bird associated pathogens

Special Issue Information

Birds represent a natural reservoir of different viral and bacterial diseases. Migratory birds, together with the expanding livestock trade, play a role in the dispersion and emergence of new diseases. Avian diseases, which are associated with a high morbidity rate, a high mortality rate, and epizootic spread, have a devastating impact on poultry production worldwide, causing economic losses and a shortage of poultry proteins for human nutrition, particularly in developing countries. Human health may also be threatened by the zoonotic transmission of viral (e.g., avian influenza virus) or bacterial (e.g., Campylobacter) avian diseases and direct or indirect contact with infected birds/bird-products, whose consumption can, in addition, help to disseminate antibiotic-resistant bacteria of avian origin.

This Special Issue aims to provide an overview of our current knowledge of different pathogens circulating among different avian species, ranging from their epidemiology and molecular biology to their clinical features, and control and protection strategies for these pathogens. We invite scientists to submit original research manuscripts, literature reviews, and communications on topics including (but not limited to): advances in avian disease diagnosis, characterization, and epidemiology; the management of avian diseases; avian welfare; zoonotic avian diseases; pathogen evolution; and the prevention and control of avian diseases.

Dr. Mahmoud M. Naguib
Dr. Ahmed Samy Ibrahim
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • avian diseases
  • diagnostics
  • prevention and control
  • zoonoses
  • genetic evolution

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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Article
Epidemiology, Genetic Characterization, and Pathogenesis of Avian Influenza H5N8 Viruses Circulating in Northern and Southern Parts of Egypt, 2017–2019
Animals 2021, 11(8), 2208; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082208 - 26 Jul 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 755
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of subtype H5N8 continue to circulate, causing huge economic losses and serious impact on poultry production worldwide. Recently, HPAIV H5N8 has been spreading rapidly, and a large number of HPAI H5N8 outbreaks have been reported in Eurasia [...] Read more.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of subtype H5N8 continue to circulate, causing huge economic losses and serious impact on poultry production worldwide. Recently, HPAIV H5N8 has been spreading rapidly, and a large number of HPAI H5N8 outbreaks have been reported in Eurasia 2020–2021. In this study, we conducted an epidemiological survey of HPAI H5N8 virus at different geographical locations in Egypt from 2017 to 2019. This was followed by genetic and pathogenic studies. Our findings highlight the wide spread of HPAI H5N8 viruses in Egypt, including in 22 governorates. The genetic analyses of the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) gene segments emphasized a phylogenetic relatedness between the Egyptian HPAI H5N8 viruses and viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b recently isolated in Europe. These findings suggest that a potential back transmission of Egyptian HPAI H5N8 virus has occurred from domestic poultry in Egypt to migratory wild birds, followed by further spread to different countries. This highlights the importance of continuous epidemiological and genetic studies of AIVs at the domestic–wild bird interface. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Avian Diseases Research)
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Article
Supplementing Garlic Nanohydrogel Optimized Growth, Gastrointestinal Integrity and Economics and Ameliorated Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens Using a Clostridium perfringens Challenge Model
Animals 2021, 11(7), 2027; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11072027 - 07 Jul 2021
Viewed by 1007
Abstract
Necrotic enteritis (NE) caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) results in impaired bird growth performance and increased production costs. Nanotechnology application in the poultry industry to control NE outbreaks is still not completely clarified. Therefore, the efficacy of dietary garlic nano-hydrogel [...] Read more.
Necrotic enteritis (NE) caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) results in impaired bird growth performance and increased production costs. Nanotechnology application in the poultry industry to control NE outbreaks is still not completely clarified. Therefore, the efficacy of dietary garlic nano-hydrogel (G-NHG) on broilers growth performance, intestinal integrity, economic returns and its potency to alleviate C. perfringens levels using NE challenge model were addressed. A total of 1200 male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were assigned into six groups; four supplemented with 100, 200, 300 or 400 mg of G-NHG/kg diet and co-challenged with C. perfringens at 21, 22 and 23 d of age and two control groups fed basal diet with or without C. perfringens challenge. Over the total growing period, the 400 mg/kg G-NHG group had the most improved body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency regardless of challenge. Parallel with these results, the mRNA expression of genes encoding digestive enzymes (alpha 2A amylase (AMY2A), pancreatic lipase (PNLIP) and cholecystokinin (CCK)) and intestinal barriers (junctional adhesion molecule-2 (JAM-2), occludin and mucin-2 (Muc-2)) were increased in groups fed G-NHG at higher levels to be nearly similar to those in the unchallenged group. At 14 d post challenge, real-time PCR results revealed that inclusion of G-NHG led to a dose-dependently decrease in the C. perfringens population, thereby decreasing the birds’ intestinal lesion score and mortality rates. Using 400 mg/kg of G-NHG remarkably ameliorated the adverse effects of NE caused by C. perfringens challenge, which contributed to better growth performance of challenged birds with rational economic benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Avian Diseases Research)
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Article
Anti-Coccidial Effect of Rumex Nervosus Leaf Powder on Broiler Chickens Infected with Eimeria Tenella Oocyst
Animals 2021, 11(1), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010167 - 12 Jan 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 643
Abstract
Coccidiosis a huge economic burden in poultry farms where the pathogen Eimeria harms animal well-being and survival. Besides synthetic anti-coccidial drugs, natural herbs appear to be an alternative way to prevent avian coccidiosis. Rumex nervosus (RN), a phytogenic shrub, has received considerable attention [...] Read more.
Coccidiosis a huge economic burden in poultry farms where the pathogen Eimeria harms animal well-being and survival. Besides synthetic anti-coccidial drugs, natural herbs appear to be an alternative way to prevent avian coccidiosis. Rumex nervosus (RN), a phytogenic shrub, has received considerable attention in recent years due to its significant anti-microbial effects; however, limited knowledge exists about its potential anti-coccidial functions. This study was conducted to evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic activities of RN leaf powder in broilers infected with Eimeria tenella. Infected chickens received a commercial diet containing 1, 3, or 5 g RN powder/kg diet compared to infected broilers that treated with Sacox (PC) or compared to uninfected broilers that received a commercial diet alone (NC). Results showed that RN powder significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the lesion scores and suppressed the output of oocysts per gram (OPG) in chickens’ feces. Although RN was unable to minimize the weight gain loss due to emeriosis, RN at level 1 g improved the feed conversion ratio. Therefore, RN powder, at 5 g, possesses moderate anti-coccidial effects and hence could be used to treat avian coccidiosis in field conditions; however, further studies are required to investigate, in vitro or in vivo, the anti-coccidial potential of active ingredients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Avian Diseases Research)
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Article
Detection of Novel Goose Parvovirus Disease Associated with Short Beak and Dwarfism Syndrome in Commercial Ducks
Animals 2020, 10(10), 1833; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101833 - 08 Oct 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 835
Abstract
Derzsy’s disease causes disastrous losses in domestic waterfowl farms. A genetically variant strain of Muscovy duck parvovirus (MDPV) and goose parvovirus (GPV) was named novel goose parvovirus (NGPV), which causes characteristic syndrome in young ducklings. The syndrome was clinically characterized by deformity in [...] Read more.
Derzsy’s disease causes disastrous losses in domestic waterfowl farms. A genetically variant strain of Muscovy duck parvovirus (MDPV) and goose parvovirus (GPV) was named novel goose parvovirus (NGPV), which causes characteristic syndrome in young ducklings. The syndrome was clinically characterized by deformity in beaks and retarded growth, called short beaks and dwarfism syndrome (SBDS). Ten mule and pekin duck farms were investigated for parvovirus in three Egyptian provinces. Despite low recorded mortality rate (20%), morbidity rate was high (70%), but the economic losses were remarkable as a result of retarded growth and low performance. Isolation of NGPV was successful on primary cell culture of embryonated duck liver cells with a clear cytopathic effect. Partial gene sequence of the VP1 gene showed high amino acids identity among isolated strains and close identity with Chinese strains of NGPV, and low identity with classic GPV and MDPV strains. To the best of our knowledge, this can be considered the first record of NGPV infections in Egypt. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Avian Diseases Research)
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Review

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Review
Poult Enteritis and Mortality Syndrome in Turkey Poults: Causes, Diagnosis and Preventive Measures
Animals 2021, 11(7), 2063; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11072063 - 10 Jul 2021
Viewed by 1013
Abstract
Poult enteritis and mortality syndrome (PEMS) is one of the most significant problem affecting turkeys and continues to cause severe economic losses worldwide. Although the specific causes of PEMS remains unknown, this syndrome might involve an interaction between several causative agents such as [...] Read more.
Poult enteritis and mortality syndrome (PEMS) is one of the most significant problem affecting turkeys and continues to cause severe economic losses worldwide. Although the specific causes of PEMS remains unknown, this syndrome might involve an interaction between several causative agents such as enteropathogenic viruses (coronaviruses, rotavirus, astroviruses and adenoviruses) and bacteria and protozoa. Non-infectious causes such as feed and management are also interconnected factors. However, it is difficult to determine the specific cause of enteric disorders under field conditions. Additionally, similarities of clinical signs and lesions hamper the accurate diagnosis. The purpose of the present review is to discuss in detail the main viral possible causative agents of PEMS and challenges in diagnosis and control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Avian Diseases Research)
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Review
Live Attenuated Infectious Bronchitis Virus Vaccines in Poultry: Modifying Local Viral Populations Dynamics
Animals 2020, 10(11), 2058; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112058 - 07 Nov 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 676
Abstract
Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) remains one of the most important diseases impacting poultry today. Its high adaptive capacity, attributable to the high mutation rate associated with its ssRNA(+), is one of its more important features. While biosecurity procedures and barriers have been shown [...] Read more.
Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) remains one of the most important diseases impacting poultry today. Its high adaptive capacity, attributable to the high mutation rate associated with its ssRNA(+), is one of its more important features. While biosecurity procedures and barriers have been shown to be preponderant factors in minimizing the impact of infectious bronchitis (IB), the environment and procedures associated with intensive poultry systems greatly influence the viral population dynamics. High-density poultry flocks facilitate recombination between different viruses, and even with live attenuated vaccines, which can change the dominant circulating field strains. Furthermore, the remaining issue of reversion to virulence gives rise to significant problems when vaccinal strains are introduced in places where their pathogenic variants have not been reported. Under specific conditions, live attenuated vaccines could also change the frequency of circulating viruses and enable replacement between different field strains. In summary, under a comprehensive approach, while vaccination is one of the most essential tools for controlling IB, the veterinarians, farmers, and official services role in its usage is central to minimizing alteration in a malleable viral population. Otherwise, vaccination is ultimately counterproductive. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Avian Diseases Research)
Review
Avian Viruses that Impact Table Egg Production
Animals 2020, 10(10), 1747; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101747 - 25 Sep 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 701
Abstract
Eggs are a common source of protein and other nutrient components for people worldwide. Commercial egg-laying birds encounter several challenges during the long production cycle. An efficient egg production process requires a healthy bird with a competent reproductive system. Several viral pathogens that [...] Read more.
Eggs are a common source of protein and other nutrient components for people worldwide. Commercial egg-laying birds encounter several challenges during the long production cycle. An efficient egg production process requires a healthy bird with a competent reproductive system. Several viral pathogens that can impact the bird’s health or induce reversible or irreversible lesions in the female reproductive organs adversely interfere with the egg industry. The negative effects exerted by viral diseases create a temporary or permanent decrease in egg production, in addition to the production of low-quality eggs. Several factors including, but not limited to, the age of the bird, and the infecting viral strain and part of reproductive system involved contribute to the form of reproductive disease encountered. Advanced methodologies have successfully elucidated some of the virus–host interactions relevant to the hen’s reproductive performance, however, this branch needs further research. This review discusses the major avian viral infections that have been reported to adversely affect egg productivity and quality and aims to summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the observed negative effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Avian Diseases Research)

Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: 1. Research Advances of H9N2 Avian influenza virus in China
Authors: jidangchen
Affiliation: China
Abstract: In this topic, I am going to talk about the history of H9N2 avian influenza virus in china, the current circulating situation, the evolution information, the research advances of virus mechanisms of transmission, pathogenicity and immunize evasion et al. Also the development of H9N2 AIV vaccines will be discussed.

Title: 2. A new potential risk of Waterfowl industry: the Waterfowl Circovirus
Authors: Jidang Chen
Affiliation: China
Abstract: In this topic, I am going to share my knowledge on the history of Circovirus on waterfowl (duck and goose), the current circulating situation, especially the situations that circovirus co-infecting waterfowl with other viruses or bacterias. Of course, the research advances of waterfowl circovirus evolutionary, immunize inhibition induced by circovirus and the future of vaccine development will be discussed.

Title: Avian Viruses That Impact Table Egg Production
Authors: Mohamed S. H. Hassan; Faizal Careem
Affiliation: University of Calgary
Abstract: Eggs are a common source of protein and other nutrient components for people worldwide. Commercial egg-laying birds encounter several challenges during the long production cycle. Efficient egg production process requires healthy bird with competent reproductive system. Several viral pathogens, that can impact the bird’s health or induce reversible or irreversible lesions in the female reproductive organs, adversely interfere with the egg industry. Negative effects exerted by the viral diseases involve temporary or permanent fall in egg production in addition to production of low-quality eggs. Several factors include, but not limited to, age of the bird; infecting viral strain and part of reproductive system involved, contribute to the form of the reproductive disease encountered. This review discusses the major avian viral infections that have been reported to adversely affect egg productivity and quality.

Title: Live attenuated Infectious Bronchitis Virus vaccines in poultry: Modeling local viral populations.
Authors: Miguel Guzmán; Héctor Hidalgo
Affiliation: Laboratory of Avian Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile
Abstract: Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) remains one of the most important diseases impacting poultry today. Its high adaptive capacity, attributable to the high mutation rate associated with its ssRNA(+), is one of its more important features. While biosecurity procedures and barriers have been shown to be preponderant factors in minimizing the impact of Infectious Bronchitis (IB), the environment and procedures associated with intensive poultry systems greatly influence the viral population dynamics. High-density poultry flocks facilitate recombination between different viruses, and even with live attenuated vaccines, which can change the circulating field strains. Furthermore, the remaining issue of reversion to virulence gives rise to significant problems when vaccinal strains are introduced in places where their pathogenic variants have not been reported. Under specific conditions, live attenuated vaccines could also change the frequency of circulating viruses and enable replacement between different field strains. In summary, under a comprehensive approach, while vaccination is one of the most essential tools for controlling IB, the anthropogenic role in its usage is central to minimizing alteration in a malleable viral population. Otherwise, vaccination is ultimately counterproductive.

Title: Detection of Novel goose parvovirus disease associated with short beak and dwarfism syndrome in commercial ducks
Authors: Mohamed A. Soliman; Ahmed M. Erfan; Mohamed Samy; Osama Mahana; Soad A. Nasef
Affiliation: Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, (RLQP). Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12618, Egypt.
Abstract: Derzsy’s disease cause disastrous losses in domestic waterfowl farms. A genetically variant strain of goose parvovirus (GPV) and Muscovy duck parvovirus (MDPV) was named novel goose parvovirus (NGPV) that cause characteristic syndrome in young ducklings. The syndrome was clinically characterized with deformity in beaks and retarded growth called short beaks and dwarfism syndrome (SBDS). Ten mule and pekin duck farms were investigated for parvovirus in three provinces in Egypt. Despite low mortality rate (20%), morbidity rate was almost high (70%), but the economic losses were remarkable as a result of retarded growth and low performance. Isolation of NGPV was successful on primary cell culture of embryonated duck liver cells with clear cytopathic effect. Partial gene sequence of VP2 gene showed high amino acids identity among isolated strains and close identity with Chinese strains of NGPV, low identity with classic GPV and MDPV strains.

Title: Pathogenicity of three genetically distinct Egyptian H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in chickens
Authors: Ahmed Ibrahim
Affiliation: UK
Abstract: The manuscript entitled "Pathogenicity of three genetically distinct Egyptian H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in chickens" that addresses the pathogenicity of different H5N8 viruses introduced to Egypt during the first wave of infection in chickens, one of them become the predominant strain and shares in developing new reassortant viruses.

Title: Live Bird Market Surveillance Revealed Co-circulation of Multiple Subtypes of Avian Influenza in Nigeria poultry
Authors: Clement Meseko, Ismail Shittu, Lanre Suleiman, Agnes Laleye, Bitrus Inuwa, Chinyere Chinoyerem, Nicodemus Mkpuma, Abraham Olawuyi, Dorcas Gado, Judith Bakam, Joshua Oyetunde, Vakuru Columba and Tony J
Affiliation: Regional Laboratory for Animal Influenza &Transboundary Animal Diseases National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom Nigeria
Abstract: Live Bird Market Surveillance Revealed Co-circulation of Multiple Subtypes of Avian Influenza in Nigeria poultry

Title: Insights into Genetic Evolution of Duck Hepatitis A virus in Egypt
Authors: Mohammed A. Rohaim; Rania F. El Naggar; Mohammed A. AbdelSabour; Basem A. Ahmed; Mohamed M. Hamoud; Kawkab A. Ahmed; Osama K Zahran; Muhammad Munir
Affiliation: Division of Biomedical and Life Science, Lancaster University, LA1 4YG Lancaster, Lancashire, UK
Abstract: Keywords: Duck hepatitis virus; Ducklings; Genotype I; Natural selection; Vaccines.

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