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The results of the scientific expedition to Tere Khol and Uvs Nuur Lakes in the Republic of Tyva with the purpose of active monitoring of highly dangerous diseases in wild migratory waterfowl and epidemic analysis of these biotope water areas are presented in the paper. The Uvs Nuur Lake is a kind of an indicator for avian influenza introduction to the Russian Federation, because this is the resting and nesting area for many migratory wild birds during the period of mass migrations from Central and South-East Asian countries. In the process of active monitoring the complete autopsy of bird carcasses with description of organs and systems and sampling for laboratory diagnostics were performed. Droppings (pooled samples), parts of internal organs from dead and shot birds, blood (if possible) served as biological and pathological material for testing. While sampling, species were identified using an ornithological guide. The autopsy of dead waterfowl and birds shot for diagnostic purposes demonstrated a high worm burden of nematodes and cestodes. Two samples from European herring gulls were positive for avian influenza type A virus genome and subtype H13N6 was identified in one of them. Avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (APMV-1), the agent of Newcastle disease, was found in one sample from gulls. The lakes of the Republic of Tyva are the most significant sites for sampling of biological material from wild birds, as the primary detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in this territory is a serious signal of potential further virus spread and a precursor to a probable epizooty. Notwithstanding the absence of AIV very virulent isolate detections in wild bird populations the middle term prognosis for 2020 can be designated as cautious, as the avian influenza epidemic situation is deteriorating globally, especially in the European countries, and the threat of the virus introduction to the Russian territory with migratory birds still exists.

The paper presents the results of analysis of epidemic situation on infectious animal diseases subject to compulsory OIE notification: FMD, African swine fever, classical swine fever, lumpy skin disease, sheep and goat pox, and highly pathogenic avian influenza. The paper presents data on the specified diseases situation in the Russian Federation, broken down by Subjects, and also provides a comparative description of the data for 2017 and 2018. Besides, attention is focused on some features of the epidemic process, depending on the season. For a long time the Russian Federation has been infected with several highly dangerous animal diseases, such as African and classical swine fever, FMD, lumpy skin disease, sheep and goat pox, and highly dangerous avian influenza. The specified above infections cause great damage to animal husbandry in the country which has a negative impact on its export potential. Analysis of the ASF epidemic situation demonstrates that the Russian Federation has been permanently infected and there is a trend for the geographic spread of the epidemic. Despite the fact that the number of ASF outbreaks newly detected in 2018 is almost half that of 2017, the situation remains tense. The forecast is still unfavorable. Lumpy skin disease has been reported in the Russian Federation for four years already. Herewith, from year to year the disease has been invading new territories. The HPAI epidemic situation is of great concern as in 2018 82 outbreaks were reported in poultry population which is 2.3 times more than in 2017. Besides, there is a trend for the epidemic extension. Thus, in 2018 avian influenza was reported in previously disease free Subjects of the Russian Federation. In 2018 the Russian Federation remained permanently infected with FMD, sheep and goat pox, and classical swine fever.

The paper demonstrates data on global and national spread of subtype H9 low pathogenic avian influenza in poultry. Due to no need of the mandatory disease notification to the OIE, published data are used for the analysis of the infection spread. Cases of combined low pathogenic avian influenza clinical manifestation in poultry population are described. Challenges of the infection eradication are addressed. Global spread of А/Н9 virus in poultry, its rapid evolution and zoonotic potential require close attention. Since the disease signs and clinical course are similar to the ones of other avian infectious diseases (Newcastle disease, infectious laryngotracheitis, infectious bronchitis, metapneumovirus infection, mycoplasmosis, infectious coryza, etc.), the routine laboratory diagnosis should include tests for low pathogenic avian influenza thus facilitating the rapid response to the threat. Н9 virus circulation is reflected not only in the physical condition of birds and their productivity, but it also affects the live vaccines’ efficacy during scheduled immunizations through the reduction of their protective effect and increase of post-vaccination reactions. In spite of the availability of specific prevention, the opinions of the researchers divided between its opponents and proponents. On the one hand, the vaccination eliminates the economic loses and the virus escape into the environment, but on the other hand, it can aid to “silent” spread of the virus and its established variation that is typical in case of low strength of the poultry population immunity.

Analysis of literature on avian influenza (AI) virus transmission through incubation eggs and qualitative assessment of risk of incubation egg import to the Russian Federation in the contest of veterinary and sanitary measures against avian influenza currently in place for imported products are presented. Probability of low-pathogenic AI virus transmission through poultry incubation eggs due to possible contamination of the egg and package surfaces with the said agents is indicated. Probability of AI virus transmission through commercial eggs derived from quails, turkeys, geese, chickens is shown to be high. Evidence of actual vertical transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus is limited, however, it is recognized that the infection manifests by systemic lesions in the organs (bursa, thymus, spleen, heart, pancreas, kidneys, brain, trachea, lungs, adrenals and skeletal muscles). It is noted that the virus can persist on bird feathers and in bird meat for a long period. In addition, high humidity, neutral pH level and low temperature are shown to be favourable conditions for the virus survival in the ambient environment. Incubation egg movement restrictive measures are considered the most adequate for prevention of the disease spread between holdings. It is underlined that no country can guarantee the absence of the risk of avian influenza occurrence in avifauna. Anti-AI measures for incubation egg importation recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health are considered adequate for prevention of international disease spread regardless of the virus pathogenicity.