BIOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF H13N2 INFLUENZA TYPE-A VIRUSES ISOLATED FROM TURKEYS AND SURFACE-WATER

The pathogenicity potential of two H13N2 influenza viruses, one isolat ed from turkeys and the other isolated from surface water, was evaluat ed in turkeys, chickens, and mallard ducks (Anas platyrbynchos) after intracranial and oculonasal inoculation. Both isolates replicated in t urkey poults, causing depressed weight gain, morbidity, and mortality; both also caused histopathological lesions, such as mild to severe pa ncreatitis, hepatitis, and nephritis in turkeys. These isolates replic ated in mallard ducklings but not in chickens. There was depressed wei ght gain in ducklings given the H13N2 isolate from water. Neither isol ate caused morbidity or mortality in ducklings or chicks after inocula tion.