PHO Rounds: A Collaborative Approach to Developing Chronic Disease Prevention Program Outcome

Swab samples from free-ranging waterfowl were collected in parallel with wetland water samples using the torpedo. In total, 200 swab samples and 72 torpedo sorbent material samples placed in 28 torpedoes were collected from six Ontario wetlands. AIV Viralribonucleic Acid (RNA) was detected in 32 swab samples and 16 sorbent materials from five torpedoes. Whole genome viral sequences were obtained from both swab and torpedo samples, and seven unique subtypes were detected. The torpedo sampling method is therefore capable of detecting AIV in a field setting.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe basic avian influenza virus biology and its viral ecology
• Interpret the results of the study on the efficacy of a novel surveillance method for AIVs and the impact it can have on surveillance efforts in Ontario
• Identify risk factors for AIV infection in humans

Presenter(s): Dr. Samira Mubareka, Dr. Claire Jardine, Juliette Blais-Savoie

The presentation can be found here: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en...