Investigation of seroepidemiology of H9N2 influenza in native poultry of different regions of Khuzestan province

Bird flu is one of the most critical and dangerous viral diseases that have been reported all over the world. Although H9N2 viruses are considered a threat by themselves, they are known to be very zoonotic as donors of gene segments to other viruses, so to prevent the emergence of new zoonotic viruses, better control of viruses should be done and H9N2 should be noted.  The current cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2017 to June 2018. In total, 480 birds, including 222 chickens and roosters, 84 turkeys, 120 ducks, and 54 pigeons, were randomly sampled from 16 villages. Then, the ELISA screening test was performed first, followed by the HA and HI tests. Out of the 480 samples collected, 461 (96.04%) were positive for ELISA and 451 (93.95%) were positive for serum titers. Since the H9N2 influenza viruses are not acute viruses and the conflict with them does not lead to the bird’s death, much effort is not made to eradicate them. This issue leads to the widespread circulation of this virus in poultry flocks. It is especially endemic to poultry and gives this group of viruses a chance to become acute viruses due to the accumulation of point mutations. It is considering that there is no extermination policy regarding H9N2 influenza in Iran. Effective vaccines can reduce the infection of local and rural poultry with this virus.