Influenza a virus infections in commercial turkeys in north east Italy

Abstract

During 1973–1979 a marked increase in respiratory disease was seen in turkeys in the province of Verona in north east Italy. The disease was associated with virus isolations and serological evidence of influenza A infection. Seven of the influenza A viruses isolated from affected turkeys were of the Hav6 N2 antigenic subtype and one of the Hav2 N2 subtype. Pathogenicity index tests were done for seven of the virus isolates and indicated they were of low virulence.