Emerging Zoonoses in Israel: Avian Influenza viruses. The Threat is Around the Corner

Influenza A viruses constitute major threat to both human and poultry. These viruses are characterized by their ability to change and mutate frequently, which impact their adaptation potential and virulence. Several factors may congregate and result in emergence of novel strains of avian influenza in Israel: Egypt is considered endemic to both H9N2 and H5N1 and previously was the leading country in human illness resulting from HPAI H5N1. This have resulted from spillover through routine commerce. Another essential public health aspect of Egypt’s endemicity to avian influenza viruses is the genotypic signature of H9N2 isolates which is “mammal”-oriented. Israel is located on the central migratory route of wild birds that serve both as reservoir and spreaders of avian influenza viruses (e.g. H5N8). Being endemic to H9N2, could support a process of reassortment with variety of strains, introduced through various ways. Environmental sentinels should be viewed and surveyed in order to mitigate future emergence of novel strains.