Caution is Advised Regarding the Following “Super Spreader” Bird Species Amid an Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Which types of birds are the most likely to spread avian influenza? Recent studies conducted at Tufts University provide additional information.
Researchers from Tufts University have just determined which species has the most rapid rate of population growth. When it comes to avian influenza, also referred to as the “bird flu,” not all birds are affected in the same way. Jonathan Runstadler, professor and chair of the Department of Infectious Disease & Global Health at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, notes that although the scientific community has become accustomed to discussing influenza viruses in birds as a group, birds are an incredibly diverse taxon of animals with different natural histories, physiologies, and anatomy.
This is despite the fact that the scientific community has become accustomed to discussing birds as a group. Today, May 19, 2022, a brand-new study was published in the journal PLOS Pathogens. Runstadler is one of the authors of this study, which was released today. In recent months, a highly contagious subtype of avian influenza has been going around in North America. When the geese versus domestic poultry wild birds will be done.
We will try to shortly cover some cases of virus-spreader birds in our article.
Partnership with a Clinic
Since 2005, when the H5N1 strain of the virus was discovered in East Asia for the first time, Dr. Runstadler has been conducting research on avian flu at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where his laboratory is also located. His research team investigates the ecology of influenza viruses in animals like birds, which play a significant role as influenza reservoirs. Examples of these hosts include pigeons and chickens.
It is believed that the bulk of influenza viruses originated in birds before spreading to other hosts, as stated by Runstadler. Runstadler’s team collaborates frequently with the Tufts Wildlife Clinic and its director, Maureen Murray, who is a clinical associate professor at the Cummings School. The goal of these collaborations is to collect samples from a variety of birds that are seen at the clinic, not just those that have clinical indications of avian influenza.
The first purpose is to gain an understanding of the epidemiology of the virus, and the second objective is to safely manage avian influenza infections in the clinic.
Murray adds that when fresh birds are brought into the clinic, they are first tested to check to see whether they are carrying the virus, and then they are isolated until the results of the test come back negative. This is done to prevent the illness from spreading to other patients. In the laboratory of Runstadler, the samples are analyzed to determine whether or not a bird is infected with the influenza virus and, if so, whether or not the H5 strain of the virus, which is responsible for outbreaks, is present.
Runstadler emphasizes how important it is for this activity to capture data right now so that it may be compared to data collected in the future. In the event that a bird has a positive test result, a sample will be sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory of the USDA for additional testing and sequencing. This will serve as the final confirmation. Murray points out that even while there haven’t been many confirmed cases, “we’ve had numerous positive birds come through the clinic, including a bald eagle and a peregrine falcon.” And also the bird flu outbreaks increasing land birds.
Danger to the population
Despite the fact that it can spread from animals to humans, avian influenza poses a very low risk to people. According to Runstadler, the everyday person who goes about their business as usual is, for the most part, untouched by any kind of threat.
People who work or live with birds on a regular basis, such as wildlife professionals, poultry workers, or people who keep chickens as pets in their homes, have a slightly increased risk. A man in Colorado was found to be the host of the first human case of avian influenza to be discovered in North America during the course of this outbreak. During the process of culling the hens, he allegedly became exposed to a sick bird, which is how he contracted the disease. Because of the avian flu bird populations will be in danger.
What does the CDC
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), he exhibited few symptoms, was carefully monitored, and made a full recovery after being quarantined (CDC). His very modest symptoms are, on the other hand, cause concern since, as Hill points out, this makes it more difficult to detect and monitor the virus.
This is due to the fact that infected persons may overlook light symptoms and refuse treatment, similar to how COVID-19 patients did. When working with birds, Murray and the staff at the Wildlife Clinic wear protective gear such as gloves, isolation gowns, goggles, and masks. This is to reduce the risk of spreading disease. Overall the wild geese wild ducks and others are safe.
Prevention from being exposed to avian influenza
In addition to that, they offer the general public a set of recommendations for how they can prevent themselves from being exposed to avian influenza. If you see a bird that appears to be sick—it can’t stand up, it seems off balance, or it isn’t aware of its surroundings—Murray suggests calling your local animal control officer or a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
“We recommend calling your local animal control officer or a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance,” he adds. If you must handle it yourself, however, we recommend that you put on a face mask with at least three layers of material and, if at all feasible, a mask with even more protection, such as a N95. If you are unable to wear gloves, ensure that you thoroughly clean your hands after using the item. Gloves are also a fantastic option.
She continues by recommending bird owners to change out of their soiled clothes and shoes after handling a sick bird and prior to approaching their own pets. This is to prevent spreading disease to their own animals. Hill is concerned not only with spillover involving mammalian species in general but also spillover involving human beings.
She adds predatory animals such as dogs, foxes, or coyotes that may attack birds, particularly vulnerable birds that are exhibiting neurological indications or respiratory distress. She also mentions that these animals may prey on birds. It is currently uncertain what the results of those interactions may be, despite the fact that infections in red foxes have already been documented in the United States of America, Canada, and the Netherlands.