Role of domestic ducks in the spread of Avian Influenza

Preliminary results from a new avian influenza laboratory study in ducks have been made public. The study was completed by researchers at the WHO collaborating centre for animal influenza viruses at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, USA.

Domestic ducks infected with several Asian 2004 H5N1 viruses were found to shed more virus for longer periods when compared to ducks infected with strains previously isolated in 2003. The majority of the ducks shed virus without showing any symptoms of illness.

These results indicate that domestic ducks may have acquired an important role in the epidemiology of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Asia.

For more information see WHO report.