Avian Influenza Virus Subtype H5N1 in Pigeons: A Conventional Serological Detection

Abstract

Prior to the novel coronavirus, the subtype H5N1 that emerged in Asia in 2003 and hit Indonesia from 2005 to 2010 has created fears with the public. Attention has not only been detections of domestic fowls but pigeons as well. This study aimed to detect the specific antibody to the avian influenza virus of the H5N1 subtype in pigeons. We collected 20 serum samples of unvaccinated pigeons and tested them using the haemagglutination inhibition test (HI-test). This conventional test is considered as a gold standard, with a specific antigen of the avian influenza virus and a one percent solution of chicken red blood cells as a pre-treatment. The results reported of 20 samples have no specific antibody to the H5N1 subtype of avian influenza. Therefore, It can be concluded that none of the pigeons was infected by the H5N1 subtype of avian influenza virus.