Isolation of avian influenza virus (H10N7) from an emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) with conjunctivitis and respiratory disease

Avian influenza virus was isolated from the: conjunctiva of a male emu chic k. Clinical observations included ocular discharge, dyspnea, and mild respi ratory signs. Lesions included conjunctivitis, tracheitis, bronchopneumonia , and airsacculitis. Escherichia coli was isolated from the conjunctiva and the sinus, and Staphylococcus sp. was isolated from the conjunctiva. Influ enza A viral nucleoprotein was detected immunohistochemically in epithelial cells of the bronchi, lung parenchyma and tracheal mucosa, and mononuclear inflammatory cells within the exudate of the bronchial lumen; conjunctiva, air sacs, kidney, intestine, and liver were negative for the viral nucleop rotein. The isolated influenza virus was typed as H10N7 and was determined to be nonpathogenic for chickens.