Molecular Surveillance of Avian Influenza in Bird Parks of Tehran, Iran

BACKGROUND: Avian influenza (AI) viruses have been isolated from a wide diversity of free-living avian species representing several orders. Since 1998, H9N2 AI outbreaks have been one of the major problems in Iranian poultry industry. In 2006, H5N1 was reported in swans in the north of Iran first , but until now there has been no official report from commercial flocks in Iran. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was Molecular Surveillance of Avian Influenza in Bird Parks of Tehran, Iran. METHODS: In this study, 100 fecal samples from different avian species of Public and Bird Parks (The avian species included Pigeon, Duck, Swan, Parrot, Crow and Sparrow) were collected in Tehran, in the central region of Iran during November and December 2009. RNA extraction and RT-PCR have been done according the WHO Instruction for detection of Influenza Type A. RESULTS: In 14% of samples genetic materials (RNA) were detected. Species including duck and sparrow were positive. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of AIV detection in this these species in Iran. Due to emergence of new H1N1 influenza and bird flu throughout the world and in regional countries, surveillance programs for monitoring the spread of these viruses need to be redesigned. Surveillance activities for AI in wild birds should be continued to provide further virological (subtype) and epidemiological (Phylogenic Study) information about circulating viruses.