USGS ScienceSearch

USGS · 70033512

Influenza A virus infections in land birds, People's Republic of China

Abstract

Water birds are considered the reservoir for avian influenza viruses. We examined this assumption by sampling and real-time reverse transcription-PCR testing of 939 Asian land birds of 153 species. Influenza A infection was found, particularly among migratory species. Surveillance programs for monitoring spread of these viruses need to be redesigned.

Explore related subjects

90° N90° S · 180° W ← longitude → 180° E
Source-reported bounding extent: 18.1977° to 53.4588° latitude; 73.67538° to 135.02631° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

A.T. Peterson, S.E. Bush, Erica Spackman, D.E. Swayne, Hon S. Ip. 2008. Influenza A virus infections in land birds, People's Republic of China. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1410.080169

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related USGS reports

Mortality event in rainbow snakes linked to snake fungal disease, United States

We report mortality in rainbow snakes in Virginia and North Carolina, USA, linked to snake fungal disease caused by Ophidiomyces ophidiicola . During 2013–2023, we observed 46 dead rainbow snakes with lesions indicative of snake fungal disease, noted elevated disease severity compared with other species, and recorded fewer live snakes over time.

North Carolina, Virginia

Safety and immunogenicity of poultry vaccine for protecting critically endangered avian species against highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, United States

In 2023, an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza occurred among critically endangered California condors ( Gymnogyps californianus ), and > 21 died. We evaluated safety, immunogenicity, vaccination strategies, and correlates of antibody response of an influenza vaccine for poultry in black vultures ( Coragyps atratus ) and then California condors. We noted differences in antibody titers between vaccinated and unvaccinated birds (vultures p < 0.004; condors p­ < 0.02) but no adverse effects of vaccination. All vaccinated vultures and 80% of vaccinated condors showed maximum measured antibody response within the published range associated with survival of vaccinated and virally challenged chickens. We noted weak evidence of higher antibody responses for birds given two 0.5-mL vaccines versus those given one 1-mL vaccine but no correlation between antibody titers and sex for either species or between antibody titers and bone lead concentrations in vultures. Our results prompted initiation of a vaccination program for condors that could reduce spread of this disease among highly threatened species.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Exposure of wild mammals inhabiting Alaska to influenza A(H5N1) virus

Serum samples from wild mammals inhabiting Alaska, USA, showed that 4 species, including Ursus arctos bears and Vulpes vulpes foxes, were exposed to influenza A(H5N1) viruses. Results indicated some mammals in Alaska survived H5N1 virus infection. Surveillance efforts may be improved by incorporating information on susceptibility and detectable immune responses among wild mammals.

Alaska