Host response differences among 5 avian species to an influenzavirus--A-turkey-Ontario-7732-66 (Hav5N?).

Experiments were carried out to determine how turkeys, ducks, quails, pheasants, and pigeons respond to the same avian influenzavirus (A/turkey/Ontario/7732/66). The factors considered were the antibody response, virus shedding, and overt signs of disease. While no signs of disease were observed among the pheasants and ducks, turkeys had severe disease that terminated fatally. There was a marked antibody response in the pheasants and quail and a poor response in ducks. The ease and regularity of virus recovery varied considerably. The marked differences between species in the response to infection with avian influenzaviruses should be taken into account in the design and interpretation of studies of the role of avian species in the natural history of influenza.