Isolation of avian influenza virus (H10N7) from an emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) with conjunctivitis and respiratory disease

Avian influenza virus was isolated from the conjunctiva of a male emu chick. Clinical observations included ocular discharge, dyspnea, and mild respiratory signs. Lesions included conjunctivitis, tracheitis, bronchopneumonia, and airsacculitis. Escherichia coli was isolated from the conjunctiva and the sinus, and Staphylococcus sp. was isolated from the conjunctiva. Influenza A viral nucleoprotein was detected immunohistochemically in epithelial cells of the bronchi, lung parenchyma and tracheal mucosa, and mononuclear inflammatory cells within the exudate of the bronchial lumen; conjunctiva, air sacs, kidney, intestine, and liver were negative for the viral nucleoprotein. The isolated influenza virus was typed as H10N7 and was determined to be nonpathogenic for chickens.