Wild birds not susceptible to bird flu virus

A recent study funded by the US Poultry & Egg Association found that H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has a low likelihood of becoming established or maintained in wild avian populations. O f all the different species of wild ducks and gulls tested, only wood ducks and laughing gulls were found to be highly susceptible, as evidenced by prolonged viral shedding of moderate titers, as well as high morbidity and mortality. This may explain why the infection was only detected in a limited number of wild birds during the H5N1 HPAI outbreaks in Eurasia in 2005/06. The study concluded that an introduction of the virus into a wild duck population would only affect a limited number of wild avian species and the extent of environmental contamination through faecal shedding would be less than expected. Findings suggest the viruses have lost some capability for transmission within the natural wild bird systems. – Meatingplace.com