The refuge assisted The Institute for Bird Populations (IBP) and the Center for Tropical Research at UCLA in collecting samples from birds during the 2007 MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) season to detect and identify transmission paths of avian influenza.  Claocal swabs were taken of random birds that were captured during banding efforts during the 2007 MAPS season at Leslie Canyon NWR.  In addition to the swabs, retrices were pulled, two from each bird, for an isotope study that is being conducted to determine where the birds are wintering.  Forty-four birds were sampled this year with a variety of species being sampled.

This is the second year that the refuge has assisted IBP and UCLA in gathering this data.  Results from last years data showed no instances of avian flu in Southeastern Arizona.  The refuge hopes to once again be able to assist with this project in 2008.