Indian Study In 2013 Showed That H5N1 Virus Can Survive For Long Periods At Various Temperatures. Newer Strains Could Be Even Better!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Apr 23, 2024 1 week, 3 days, 19 hours, 31 minutes ago
H5N1 News: India has been grappling with persistent outbreaks of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus since 2006, particularly in Eastern regions. These outbreaks pose a significant threat not only to the poultry industry but also to public health due to the zoonotic nature of the virus. A 2013 study conducted by researchers from the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Anand Nagar, Bhopal-India that is covered in this
H5N1 News report sheds light on the survivability of the H5N1 virus in poultry feces under varying temperature conditions, offering valuable insights into the persistence and potential transmission of the virus.
H5N1 Virus Can Survive For Long Periods At Various Temperatures.
Newer Strains Could Be Even Better
The Study's Focus: Survivability of H5N1 Virus in Poultry Feces at Different Temperatures
The study primarily aimed to assess how different temperatures affect the survivability of the H5N1 virus in both dry and wet poultry feces. Temperatures of 42°C, 37°C, 24°C, and 4°C were chosen to mimic environmental conditions encountered in various parts of India. The findings provide crucial data regarding the longevity of the virus in fecal matter, which can act as a reservoir for infection and contribute to the spread of avian influenza.
Key Findings: Impact of Temperature on Virus Survival
At 42°C, the virus exhibited a survival time of up to 18 hours in both dry and wet feces. This rapid inactivation at high temperatures suggests that hot climates may aid in controlling the spread of the virus, especially during extended periods of high temperature.
Similarly, at 37°C, the virus's survivability was limited to around 24 hours, emphasizing the role of moderate temperatures in reducing viral persistence. However, it's important to note that even at these temperatures, the virus can remain viable long enough to pose a risk, particularly in areas with favorable environmental conditions for its survival.
At 24°C, representing more moderate climates, the virus persisted for up to 5 days in both dry and wet feces. This extended survival period highlights the potential for the virus to maintain infectivity in environments with moderate temperatures, necessitating stringent biosecurity measures to prevent transmission.
In contrast, at 4°C, which mimics refrigeration conditions, the virus demonstrated remarkable longevity, surviving for up to 8 weeks in both dry and wet feces. This finding underscores the importance of proper waste management and disinfection protocols, especially in settings where low temperatures may prolong the virus's viability.
Urgent Updated Studies Needed On Newer Strains Currently In Circulation.
As seen with the SARS-CoV-2, viruses can also evolve with the manifestations of new mutations and even with conformational structural changes to withstand environmental factor inclu
ding temperatures, humidity, pH, UV exposures, disinfectants etc.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/warning-what-they-are-not-telling-you-sars-cov-2-is-now-possibly-hyperendemic-globally
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-news-sars-cov-2-delta-and-omicron-variants-display-enhanced-resistance-to-uv-light-compared-to-original-wuhan-strain
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/with-sars-cov-2-actually-hyperendemic,-mask-serves-no-purpose-now-rather-a-concerted-clean-air-strategy-and-prophylactics-are-needed-urgently
Hence more updated studies are need on the current H5N1 strains that are in circulation. In fact, it I speculated that the newer H5N1 strains are even better adapted for extreme temperatures and even environmental factors.
Implications for Public Health and Disease Control Strategies
The study's results have significant implications for public health and the development of effective disease control strategies. Understanding the environmental factors that influence virus survivability can aid in:
Risk Assessment: By assessing the survivability of the virus under different temperature conditions, authorities can better evaluate the risk of transmission and implement targeted interventions.
Biosecurity Measures: Insights into the virus's persistence in fecal matter emphasize the importance of stringent biosecurity measures in poultry farms and surrounding areas to prevent outbreaks.
Waste Management: Proper disposal and management of poultry waste, especially in regions with varying temperature profiles, are critical to minimizing environmental contamination and virus spread.
Climate Considerations: The study underscores the role of climate, particularly temperature, in influencing virus survival. This knowledge can inform seasonal risk assessments and preparedness plans for potential outbreaks.
Challenges and Future Directions
While the study provides valuable insights, several challenges and areas for future research emerge:
-Complexity of Factors: The survivability of the H5N1 virus is influenced by various factors beyond temperature, such as humidity, sunlight exposure, and fecal composition. Future studies could explore these interactions in greater detail.
-Environmental Variability: Environmental conditions vary widely across regions, necessitating localized studies to capture nuances in virus persistence and transmission dynamics.
-Zoonotic Potential: Understanding how environmental persistence translates into zoonotic risk is crucial for public health interventions and pandemic preparedness.
-Long-Term Monitoring: Continued surveillance and monitoring of avian influenza viruses in both poultry and wild bird populations are essential for early detection and response to potential outbreaks.
Conclusion: Addressing the Challenge of Avian Influenza in India
The 2013 study on H5N1 virus survivability in poultry feces sheds light on a critical aspect of avian influenza control. By comprehensively assessing the impact of temperature on virus persistence, the study provides a foundation for targeted interventions and informed decision-making in disease management.
As India continues to navigate the threat of avian influenza and zoonotic diseases, ongoing research, collaboration between stakeholders, and proactive measures will be essential in safeguarding both animal and human health. The findings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate epidemiology, virology, environmental science, and public health to effectively combat emerging infectious threats.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed Indian Journal of Virology.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13337-013-0135-2
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