Avian influenza in ostriches (Struthio camelus)

This review discusses avian influenza (Al) in ostriches and its influence on the biology and trade of ostrich products. All avian influenza viruses (AIV) belong to the Influenza virus A genus of the Orthomyxoviridae family and are negative-strand, segmented RNA viruses. AN isolated from ostriches include the H5N2, H5N9, H6N8, H7N1, H9N2 and H10N1 subtypes. The clinical signs of AN infection in ostriches are described. Al outbreaks in ostrich flocks in the years 2004-2006 caused market disturbances worldwide and the economical losses in the ostrich production sector, particularly in South Africa which exports approximately 90% of its ostrich meat and leather. Since the production cycle in the ostrich business is around one year, any negative events and actions undertaken have long-term consequences. Therefore prevention of infection is of the utmost importance.