Are migratory birds carrying the virus from one country to another?

Answer:

The role of migratory birds in the transfer of the Asian H5N1 strain is not clear. H5N1 has been identified in an increasing number of wild birds. The pattern and timing of several outbreaks have not coincided with periods of major migratory movements or migratory routes.

However, there are also reports of wild bird mortality that are associated with outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in poultry. It is not known if wild birds were the source of the virus or acquired the virus from poultry; although, once infected they could be a potential source of infection for domestic poultry that are not isolated from wild birds.

Related Bird & Animal Frequent Questions

• Can migratory birds bring highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 to North America?
• Has the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus been detected in migratory birds in the United States?
• What is the Department of the Interior doing to check wild migratory birds for avian influenza?
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Last Updated: 03/21/2007