Avian Influenza Virus Prevalence in Migratory Waterfowl in the Central Flyway, 2007–2009

Authors

Scott R. Groepper, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Scott E. Hygnstrom, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Mark P. Vrtiska, Nebraska Game and Parks CommissionFollow
Thomas J. Deliberto, USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research CenterFollow

Date of this Version

2012

Citation

Proceedings of the 14th Wildlife Damage Management Conference (2012), S. N. Frey, editor, p. 80.

Comments

Abstract only.

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) poses risks to wild birds, poultry, and humans. Personnel with the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, state game agencies, and tribal cooperators collected >36,000 migratory birds from 2007–2009 to test for HPAI virus. Species from the dabbling duck, diving duck, and geese and swans functional groups were collected in all 10 states of the Central Flyway. Numerous combinations of the 16 hemaglutinin (H) and 9 neuraminidase (N) subtypes were discovered, but no HPAI H5N1 was found. The dabbling duck functional group had significantly higher (p < 0.001) prevalence of AIV than other functional groups and should be the focus of future surveillance.