Project Number: 6612-32000-048-14
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Oct 01, 2005
End Date: Dec 31, 2008

Objective:
1. Determine the transmission potential and infective dose needed for transmission of H5N1 HPAI virus to chickens and other agricultural animals through infected chicken meat. 2. Assess the suitability of ferrets and other animal models for human transmission of H5N1 HPAI virus through consumption of infected chicken meat. 3. Determine the transmission potential and infective dose needed for transmission of H5N1 HPAI virus through infected chicken meat to an animal model for human infection. 4. Determine if 4 additional HPAI viruses can be transmitted through infected chicken meat to chickens, ducks and an animal model for human infection. 5. Determine the transmission potential and infective dose needed for transmission of H5N1 HPAI virus to a mammalian model through aerosol exposure.

Approach:
Five pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAI) will be examined for potential to produce systemic infection in chickens and ducks following intranasal inoculation. Meat from infected birds will be fed to naive chickens and ducks to determine the potential for transmission and infection. Various laboratory mammals will be studied to determine the most appropriate model for human H5N1 HPAI virus infections. This model will then be used to determine potential transmission through oral exposure by feeding infected poultry meat. Various laboratory mammals will be studied to determine the most appropriate model for human H5N1 HPAI virus infections. This model will then be used to determine potential transmission through aerosol exposure.