Wild Ducks as Long-Distance Vectors of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (H5N1)

• Main Authors: Juthatip Keawcharoen, Debby van Riel, Geert van Amerongen, Theo M. Bestebroer, Walter E. Beyer, Rob van Lavieren, Albert D.M.E. Osterhaus, Ron A.M. Fouchier, Thijs Kuiken
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2008-04-01
• Series: Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Subjects: disease vectors; ducks; epidemiology; immunohistochemistry; influenza A virus; H5N1 subtype
• Online Access: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/14/4/07-1016_article
• ISSN: 1080-6040; 1080-6059

Wild birds have been implicated in the expansion of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) outbreaks across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa (in addition to traditional transmission by infected poultry, contaminated equipment, and people). Such a role would require wild birds to excrete virus in the absence of debilitating disease. By experimentally infecting wild ducks, we found that tufted ducks, Eurasian pochards, and mallards excreted significantly more virus than common teals, Eurasian wigeons, and gadwalls; yet only tufted ducks and, to a lesser degree, pochards became ill or died. These findings suggest that some wild duck species, particularly mallards, can potentially be long-distance vectors of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) and that others, particularly tufted ducks, are more likely to act as sentinels.