Contacts
Bruce Woods 907-786-3695
In 2007, Alaska Department of the Interior agencies and their partners were again tasked with testing migratory birds for the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus known as H5N1. Results from the 2007 field season have recently been published and are available to the public at http://alaska.fws.gov/media/avian_influenza/index.htm. The detailed report summarizes the 2007 sampling program conducted in Alaska by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and their partners. It provides in-depth information on sampling methods used, species sampled, number of samples obtained per geographic area, and influenza test results for all samples analyzed by the U.S. Geological Survey's National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin (http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov).
Almost 9,000 Alaska samples from 73 species were collected from May to November, 2007; less than 1% tested positive for any form of avian influenza. This result is not surprising, since there are 144 separate forms of "bird flu," many of which are known to be present in American bird species, pose no threat to domestic poultry or humans, and may not even produce noticeable symptoms in wild birds. No evidence of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza was detected, nor was any other highly pathogenic avian influenza strain found in Alaska. ("Highly pathogenic" is a term that refers to a virus' ability to cause death in poultry.)
Results from the 2007 Alaska surveillance program indicate a lower overall prevalence of avian influenza viruses in wild birds than in 2006 (1.6%). According to the United Nations-Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), as of January 2008, this trend was consistent with a global pattern of fewer HPAI outbreaks and fewer countries documenting infected birds in 2007 when compared to the same period in 2006. However, HPAI outbreaks continue to occur in new geographic locations, and the virus has become endemic in many areas of Africa and Asia. Thus, it is important to maintain vigilance in testing migratory birds in Alaska for the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
For additional information on avian influenza surveillance
in Alaska, including links to photographs for media use and
a wide range of other helpful websites, go to:
http://alaska.fws.gov/media/avian_influenza/index.htm ,
http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/biology/avian_influenza/index.html,
or http://www.avianflu.alaska.gov/.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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