Content of review 1, reviewed on November 25, 2024

The authors presented work regarding the presence of only one subtype of AI virus and maybe most importantly the absence of H5NX viruses in migratory birds sampled in New Zeland across different sites including subantarctic islands. Given the methodology based on transcriptomic analyses and not the usual testing algorithm based on highly sensitive M gene RRT-PCR screening coupled with type specific RRT-PCR, I guess the sensitivity of this surveillance is somehow limited. I suggest that this is discussed as a limitation of the work. Nonetheless it's relevant information and sheds light on the role of minor wild bird species as carriers of avian influenza viruses. These species like other coastal bird species need continued monitoring to be able to early detect 2.3.4.4b clade viruses in this region.

Source

    © 2024 the Reviewer.

References

    J., W. S., R., W. J., Lia, H., A., D. J., Isa, d. V., Jeremy, D., Zoe, R., K., M. A., N., N. C., S., M. D., Rob, S., F., B. P., Michelle, W., Ben, A., Rosalind, C., Jamie, C., Ursula, E., Graeme, E., James, F., H., F. J., Jim, F., Lance, H., David, H., C., K. B., Jenny, L., Robin, L., Thomas, M., Hollie, M., Lou, M., Peter, M., Odin, N., Jake, O., Anne-Sophie, P., A., P. K., Mike, P., Brodie, P., Julia, R., Kalinka, R., C., R. J., Rachael, S., T., R. T., Theo, T., Leith, T., Joris, T., Lydia, U., Arawhetu, W. T., Kath, W., Edin, W., Chrissy, W., J., Y. M., Kate, M., David, W., L., G. J. 2025. Avian Influenza Virus Surveillance Across New Zealand and Its Subantarctic Islands Detects H1N9 in Migratory Shorebirds, but Not 2.3.4.4b HPAI H5N1. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses.