Spatial, Temporal, and Species Variation in Prevalence of Influenza A Viruses in Wild Migratory Birds

Although extensive data exist on avian influenza in wild birds in North America, limited information is available from elsewhere, including Europe. Here, molecular diagnostic tools were employed for high-throughput surveillance of migratory birds, as an alternative to classical labor-intensive methods of virus isolation in eggs. This study included 36,809 samples from 323 bird species belonging to 18 orders, of which only 25 species of three orders were positive for influenza A virus. Information on species, locations, and timing is provided for all samples tested. Seven previously unknown host species for avian influenza virus were identified: barnacle goose, bean goose, brent goose, pink-footed goose,…

• EC
  European Commission
• RG
  Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
• NO
  Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
• V
  Vetenskapsrådet
• KN
  Koninklijk Nederlands Instituut voor Onderzoek der Zee