Pigeons are resistant to bird flu
Scientists studying the response to mild and severe avian influenza strains in different species have found that immune processes and key genes play a crucial role in how species respond to infection.
A research team from The Roslin Institute, Edinburgh, attempted to identify the biological differences between a range of bird species that influence the outcome of infection. A wide range of bird species were infected with the severe avian influenza strain. The results showed:
Pigeons had low levels of the virus in their bodies and showed a low immune response after being exposed to avian influenza infection, suggesting that they have an inherent ability to prevent viruses from entering cells or spreading – making them highly resistant to the disease.
Duer betragtes som “blindgydeværter”, hvilket betyder, at virussen ikke replikerer eller spreder sig i dem, og de bliver ikke en smittekilde for andre fugle.
Minimal risiko for mennesker: risikoen for at mennesker får fugleinfluenza fra duer er lig nul.
The researchers also believe they have demonstrated that pigeons have a built-in protection by having high levels of what are known as interferon-stimulated genes. These genes are important in how humans and animals respond to infections.
Interferons are a group of various proteins that act as signaling substances between cells and that increase the body's resistance to viral infections. Together, they are highly effective in resisting and controlling pathogens – the microorganisms that cause infections.
It is largely in flocks of birds that are raised for slaughter and consumption, or otherwise included in human flocks, that the most serious cases are found. When many birds are crowded together under unnatural conditions, the possibilities for infection are obviously great.
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