Influenza A virus subtype H7N3

Influenza A virus subtype H7N3 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus that can cause illness in humans and many other animal species. A bird-adapted strain of H7N3 is endemic in domestic poultry in North America. This is of particular concern because H7, along with H5, is a subtype that has caused human pandemics in the past.

History

The H7N3 subtype was first isolated in turkeys in England in 1963. Since then, outbreaks have been reported in various parts of the world, including Canada, the United States, Italy, and Mexico. The most notable outbreak occurred in British Columbia, Canada in 2004, where it resulted in the culling of 17 million birds.

Transmission

H7N3 is primarily spread through direct contact with fecal matter from infected birds, or through contact with surfaces contaminated with this fecal matter. Human infections are rare, but have been associated with exposure to infected poultry or contaminated environments.

Symptoms

In birds, symptoms of H7N3 infection can range from mild illness to severe disease, which can result in death. In humans, symptoms can include conjunctivitis and mild upper respiratory symptoms, with potential complications such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control measures for H7N3 include surveillance, rapid diagnosis, culling of infected birds, and vaccination of poultry. In humans, antiviral drugs can be used for treatment and prophylaxis.

See Also

• Influenza A virus
• Influenza pandemic
• Avian influenza