Egg sampling as a possible alternative to blood sampling when monitoring the exposure of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) to avian influenza viruses

• DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2014.972340
• Publication Date: 2014-10-02T14:23:57Z
• Authors: Abdessalem Hammouda; Jessica Pearce-Duvet; Thierry Boulinier; Slaheddine Selmi
• Keywords: Yolk; Blood sampling

We explored whether antibody detection in egg yolks could serve as an alternative to plasma samples when monitoring yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) for exposure avian influenza viruses (AIVs). tested female and eggs anti-AIV antibodies used the data we obtained check two sample types yielded same status (positive or negative) compare prevalence estimated from blood with that yolk data. Our results showed sampling one per clutch, regardless of egg's position laying sequence, is sufficient provide unbiased estimate across clutches. The also almost 25% clutches laid by positive females contained only antibody-negative eggs, which suggests might underestimate prevalence. However, this result may stem differences methods assess versus status. Further research needed clarify issue; while number false negatives be reduced adapting techniques, it they are unavoidable consequence natural maternal transfer dynamics.