الفهرس 
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Abstract
` Avian influenza (H5N1) virus represents one of the greatest concerns for public health that
has emerged from the animal reservoir in recent times and has been shown to be infectious not only
for birds but also for human and mammals. This work was carried out to clarify the potential role of
animals in the epidemiological chain of avian influenza virus. Nasal and throat swabs as well as
blood samples from 169 animals (dogs, cats, donkeys and rodents), 243 tracheal swabs from
different species of birds (chickens, ducks and geese) as well as 32 blood samples from backyard (un
vaccinated) chickens and 72 human samples including 52 throat swabs and 20 blood samples were
collected. Serological test applied on serum samples by using competitive ELISA assay. Of the
examined sera 12.5%, 50% and 56.4% for backyard chickens, dogs and cats respectively were
seropositive while donkeys, rats and human samples showed negative result. On the other hand,
nasal and throat swabs were examined by real-time Reverse-Transcriptase PCR for detection of
H5N1genome. Molecular technique revealed that 9 chickens and 4 ducks were positive while none
of animals and human samples had H5N1 genome. In conclusion, avian influenza H5N1 virus still
holds a significant threat for poultry industry in spite of different vaccination programs while the
wide dissemination of the virus among dogs and cats carrying a potential risk for public health
community.