lesser scaup flock

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  • Reference page
    Find links to leading agencies on avian flu and wildlife diseases in Canada.
  • NOVA Science Now Video "Pandemic Flu" that explains the basics of avian flu. © WGBH Educational Foundation
 

Role of migratory birds in the transmission of Avian Flu

Migratory birds like waterfowl are known to carry different subtypes of avian flu. However, the role of migratory birds in the spread of high pathogenic H5N1 avian flu is unknown and is under active investigation in Europe and Asia. Some waterfowl and shorebird species migrate between Alaska and Asia providing a possible transmission route into North America.  This is of special concern to the poultry industry because this strain of avian flu is highly virulent to domestic fowl.  The impact on that industry could be enormous.

There is no evidence to suggest that wild birds easily transmit the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian flu to humans.  Indeed, it is highly unusual for an avian flu to be transmitted directly between different kinds of animals. This strain has been found in pigs, cats and a few other species so this heightens the concern that it may also be transmittable to humans.

In 2005, The Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) and the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre (CCWHC) began monitoring wild waterfowl for avian flu. All viruses detected to date have been low pathogenic North American strains. These strains are very different from the high pathogenic strain of the H5N1 avian flu virus and are not considered a risk to wildlife, poultry or human health.

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Page 3: Monitoring Avian Flu >>

 
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