H6N2 is an avian influenzavirus with two forms: one has a low and the other a high pathogenicity. It can cause a serious problem for poultry, and also infects ducks as well.[1] H6N2 subtype is considered to be a non-pathogenic chicken virus, the host still unknown, but could strain from feral animals, and/or aquatic bird reservoirs.[2] H6N2 along with H6N6 are viruses that are found to replicate in mice without preadaptation, and some have acquired the ability to bind to human-like receptors.[3] Genetic markers for H6N2 include 22-amino acid stalk deletion in neuraminidase (NA) protein gene, increased N-glycosylation, and a D144 mutation of the Haemagglutinin (HA) protein gene.[4] Transmission of avian influenza viruses from wild aquatic birds to domestic birds usually cause subclinical infections, and occasionally, respiratory disease and drops in egg production.[5] Some histological features presented in chicken infected with H6N2 are fibrinous yolk peritonitis, salpingitis, oophoritis, nephritis, along with swollen kidneys as well.[6]
Signs and symptoms
sneezing and lacrimation
prostration
anorexia and fever
sometimes swelling of the infraorbital sinuses with nasal mucous [7]
References
^Jackwood, MW; Suarez, DL; Pantin-Jackwood, MJ; Spackman, E; Woolcock, P; Cardona, C. (2010). "Biologic characterization of chicken-derived H6N2 low pathogenic avian influenza viruses in chickens and ducks". Avian Dis. 54 (1): 120–125. doi:10.1637/8987-070909-resnote.1. PMID20408410. S2CID6853288.