Freshwater Clams As Bioconcentrators of Avian Influenza Virus in Water

Authors

Kathryn P. Huyvaert, National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Jenny S. Carlson, USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research Center
Kevin T. Bentler, National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Kacy R. Cobble, National Wildlife Research Center
Dale L. Nolte, USDA-APHIS-Wildlife ServicesFollow
Alan B. Franklin, National Wildlife Research CenterFollow

Date of this Version

2012

Citation

VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES Volume 12, Number 10, 2012

Abstract

We report experimental evidence for bioconcentration of a low-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (H6N8) in the tissue of freshwater clams. Our results support the concept that freshwater clams may provide an effective tool for use in the early detection of influenza A viruses in aquatic environments.