Pathogenicity of H9N2 low pathogenic avian influenza viruses of different lineages isolated from live bird markets tested in three animal models: SPF chickens, Korean native chickens, and ducks

Since its first appearance in 1996, H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) of the Y439 lineage persisted in Korean live bird markets (LBMs) until the last documented occurrence in 2018. However, in June 2020, the avian influenza surveillance program detected a novel H9N2 AIV belonging to the Y280 lineage, which has zoonotic potential, in a Korean native chicken (KNC) from a LBM. In this study, we infected KNCs and ducks (the 2 major species held at LBMs), as well as SPF chickens, with Y280-lineage H9N2 AIV LBM261/20 and Y439-equivalent LBM294/18 to compare pathogenicity and transmissibility. In SPF chickens, LBM261/20 replicated mostly in the respiratory tract and spread rapidly among birds. By contrast, LBM294/18 replicated preferentially in the gastrointestinal tract and transmitted more slowly than LBM261/20. LBM261/20 replicated for a longer time in KNCs than in SPF chickens, and only in the respiratory tract; by contrast, LBM294/18 was detected in the oropharynx and cloaca. Ducks did not shed either virus or seroconvert. Taken together, the data suggest that the scheme used to monitor the newly introduced H9N2 AIV of the Y280 lineage needs to be modified to place emphasis on oropharyngeal sampling. Such changes will facilitate better disease control and protect public health.