Unexpected heat resistance of Italian low-pathogenicity and high-pathogenicity avian influenza A viruses of H7 subtype to prolonged exposure at 37 degrees C

The increased attention of the international community to the occurrence of repeated outbreaks of avian influenza infections worldwide has highlighted several knowledge gaps in the field. Among these, within the scope of the European Union-funded project Fluresist, we addressed the resistance of selected H7 subtype strains at 37 degrees C. In general terms, resistance was high, although some strains were more resistant than others, remaining viable after 15 days at 37 degrees C. These results should be considered when designing guidelines for outbreak management.