Research Structure Design

"Prevention and Control of Avian Influenza in the U.S." Research Structure

• Introduction
• Accomplishments of AICAP 1
• Research Designs and Methods
• Specific Aims
• Literature Searched

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Due to page constraints the description of the research design and methods are kept to a minimum. The projects included in AICAP 2 were selected by an independent internal review panel. From 33 applications submitted for consideration for AICAP 2, 16 are included in the final proposal following the recommendations of the review panel. Three of the proposals are from investigators that have never received funding from AICAP, and two proposals are 1-year pilot projects with possibility of continuation depending upon initial findings. Additional details about the internal review process are presented in the AICAP management plan. Each of the 16 individual proposals are included in the Appendix.

The majority of influenza viruses that are enzootic in wild aquatic birds are unable to replicate efficiently in chickens. However, multiple subtypes of influenza viruses have been isolated from healthy and diseased chickens (H5N2, H5N1, H7N*, H4N6, H6N*, H9N*, etc.). Occasionally, these viruses have acquired high virulence for chickens. Invariably, it is not known whether the influenza virus was transmitted directly to the chickens from an aquatic bird, or if the virus acquired expanded host-range capabilities by replication in other avian species, prior to infection of the chicken. LBMs have long been the sampling points of convenience for influenza A viruses that replicate efficiently in chickens. Our previous studies have shown a link between quail and the perpetuation of avian influenza in LBMs. By controlling the presence of quail, it has been possible to eradicate avian influenza in these markets. Two of these examples are the banning of quail in LBMs that resulted in the eradication of H5N1in Hong Kong, and more recently the eradication of H6N2 in California. The study of quail as an important intermediary host for influenza is indeed fascinating and it will be continued through an independent research effort with funding from NIAID-NIH. However, quail may represent just another link in the emergence of influenza strains with novel phenotypes and further studies are needed to better understand the dynamics of interspecies transmission. For AICAP 2, the following specific aim is proposed in order to better understand the underlying mechanisms for the expansion of host range of influenza viruses:

> Next
SPECIFIC AIMS