Isolation of a highly pathogenic influenza A virus of subtype H7N3 from a peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)

A peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) was presented to the Al Safa Falcon Clinic in Dubai, United Arab Emirates unable to stand. Four hours after hospitalization, the bird died despite supportive care and calcium disodiumedetate treatment. The falcon had been on a hunting trip to Syria with its owner of 2 years, prior to its death. The carcass was submitted to the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory in Dubai where it was subjected to postmortem examination. Investigations resulted in the isolation of an influenza A virus subtype H7N3, which proved to be highly pathogenic for chickens.