Detection of Avian DNA in Flies: Role of Flies in the Transmission of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza

Abstract

High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) has spread among wild birds and spilled into poultry farms. HPAI viruses can be transmitted by various routes such as rodents or wild birds, and blowflies are also considered potential vectors for HPAI. Necrophagous flies can acquire various pathogens by ingesting contaminated carcasses or feces. We aimed to demonstrate that flies often feed on wild bird carcasses or feces by detecting avian DNA in blowflies collected around an HPAI-enzootic area. As a result, avian DNA was detected in 67 flies of 1,151 collected flies, representing nine bird species. This suggests that blowflies ingest various kinds of bird-derived material. In addition, avian DNA was detected in multiple species of blowflies. We conclude that blowflies could ingest viruses from infected bird carcasses or feces and consequently spread them elsewhere.