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At the 2024 Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (MTGA)Summer Summit, Dr. Jill Nezworski unveiled critical insights from the "Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) Surveillance" project, a research initiative funded by the Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council (MTRPC). This project, a collaborative effort with Stacy Pollock and Ashley Kohls, aimed to track the prevalence of aMPV among commercial turkey growers in Minnesota.
Research Objectives and Protocol
The aMPV Surveillance project was proposed to the MTRPC Research Committee to investigate the presence of all aMPV subtypes in commercial turkey farms. The Minnesota Poultry Testing Lab (MPTL) conducted pre-market testing of turkey samples from April through May, with each farm submitting ten samples. Positive results were further tested via PCR to identify specific subtypes.
Key Findings
Dr. Nezworski shared compelling data showing a rapid increase in aMPV positivity across the state. "When we first started this testing in April, most of the results were negative," Dr. Nezworski explained. "However, by May, the number of positive cases had surged dramatically. We went from nearly 100% negative to 100% positive within 90days."
The comprehensive testing approach used ELISA tests for initial screening, followed by PCR tests for confirmation. The ELISA test detected all three subtypes of aMPV (A, B, and C) but did not differentiate between them. The PCR tests, however, provided detailed information on each subtype.
Implications and Future Research
The project highlighted the highly transmissible nature of aMPV. "It's incredible how quickly this virus has spread throughout the state," Dr. Nezworski noted. "Given the 100% positivity rate, there search committee decided to pause the project, as continued testing would offer limited additional value."
The presentation also addressed questions from the audience about the seasonality and long-term presence of the virus. "It's too early to determine if the virus is seasonal," Dr. Nezworski responded to an inquiry. "We might see a pattern where new flocks become negative in the summer, only to become positive again in the fall due to environmental factors and bird migration."
Collaborative Insights
The discussion extended to experiences from other regions, with insights from Jeff and Ben on the virus's behavior on the East Coast and in Europe. "In North Carolina, the virus has reached an endemic status, acting almost like a natural vaccination," Ben shared. "We observe peaks in the spring and fall, influenced by ventilation challenges and migration."
Conclusion
Dr. Nezworski concluded by emphasizing the value of the project despite its early termination. "This project provided us with crucial information about the spread of aMPV in Minnesota," she said. "It was a cost-effective investment that highlighted the need for ongoing vigilance and potential future research to understand the virus's dynamics better."
