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The avian immune system is the system of biological structures and cellular processes that protects birds from disease. The avian immune system resembles that of mammals since both evolved from a common reptilian ancestor and have inherited many commonalities. [1] They have also developed a number of different strategies that are unique to birds.
In birds, the bursa of Fabricius (Latin: bursa cloacalis or bursa Fabricii) is the site of hematopoiesis.It is a specialized organ that, as first demonstrated by Bruce Glick and later by Max Dale Cooper and Robert Good, is necessary for B cell (part of the immune system) development in birds.
Bird anatomy, or the physiological structure of birds' bodies, shows many unique adaptations, mostly aiding flight.Birds have a light skeletal system and light but powerful musculature which, along with circulatory and respiratory systems capable of very high metabolic rates and oxygen supply, permit the bird to fly.
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In chickens, immunoglobulin Y is the functional equivalent to Immunoglobulin G (IgG). Like IgG, it is composed of two light and two heavy chains. Structurally, these two types of immunoglobulin differ primarily in the heavy chains, which in IgY have a molecular mass of about 65,100 atomic mass units (amu), and are thus larger than in IgG.
The digestive system of birds is unique, with a crop for storage and a gizzard that contains swallowed stones for grinding food to compensate for the lack of teeth. [149] Some species such as pigeons and some psittacine species do not have a gallbladder. [150] Most birds are highly adapted for rapid digestion to aid with flight. [151]
Infected birds pass on H5N1 through their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Other birds may pick up the virus through direct contact with these excretions or when they have contact with surfaces contaminated with this material. Because migratory birds are among the carriers of the H5N1 virus it may spread to all parts of the world.
The virus can spread rapidly through poultry flocks and among wild birds. [4] An estimated half a billion farmed birds have been slaughtered in efforts to contain the virus. [2] Symptoms of A/H5N1 influenza vary according to both the strain of virus underlying the infection and on the species of bird or mammal affected.