Which routes can transmit HPAI and END?

Which routes can transmit HPAI and END?

• A. Feces and respiratory secretions
• B. Biological vectors
• C. Contaminated fomites
• D. Both feces/respiratory secretions and contaminated fomites

Answer: (D)

Transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza and similar emerging diseases mainly occurs through two practical pathways: contact with infected secretions and feces, and transfer via objects or surfaces that have become contaminated by those materials. Birds shed the virus abundantly in respiratory secretions and feces, so direct contact with these materials can spread infection. The virus also sticks to and survives on equipment, cages, clothing, boots, waterers, and other fomites, allowing indirect transmission when someone or something touches contaminated surfaces and then enters mucous membranes or handles contaminated materials. Biological vectors (insects or ticks) are not a usual route for influenza viruses; they don’t typically transmit HPAI in natural settings, so this pathway isn’t considered a primary route of transmission. So the most accurate route set includes both feces/respiratory secretions and contaminated fomites.

Transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza and similar emerging diseases mainly occurs through two practical pathways: contact with infected secretions and feces, and transfer via objects or surfaces that have become contaminated by those materials. Birds shed the virus abundantly in respiratory secretions and feces, so direct contact with these materials can spread infection. The virus also sticks to and survives on equipment, cages, clothing, boots, waterers, and other fomites, allowing indirect transmission when someone or something touches contaminated surfaces and then enters mucous membranes or handles contaminated materials.

Biological vectors (insects or ticks) are not a usual route for influenza viruses; they don’t typically transmit HPAI in natural settings, so this pathway isn’t considered a primary route of transmission.

So the most accurate route set includes both feces/respiratory secretions and contaminated fomites.