This work package is mainly concerned with presence of avian influenza A virus in tissues of infected poultry and other poultry commodities and litter. Because of concerns with food safety priority will be given to HPAI and LPAI viruses of H5, H7 and H9 subtypes.
In particular selected European and Asian HPAI H5N1 viruses, the Dutch HPAI H7N7 isolate and selected H9N2 isolates will be used for experimental infections of chickens, turkeys and ducks. Because of the increase use of vaccination, its effect on the presence of virus in these products is also investigated.