Waterbirds are the main reservoir for low pathogenic avian influenza A viruses (LPAIV), from which occasional spillover to poultry occurs. When circulating among poultry, LPAIV may become highly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses (HPAIV). In recent years, the epidemiology of HPAIV viruses has changed drastically. HPAIV H5N1 are currently endemic among poultry in a number of countries. In addition, global spread of HPAIV H5Nx viruses has resulted in major outbreaks among wild birds and poultry worldwide. Using data collected during these outbreaks, the role of migratory birds as a vector became increasingly clear. Here we provide an overview of current data about various aspects of the changing role of wild birds in the epidemiology of avian influenza A viruses.
Animal migrationAnseriformesBirdsCharadriiformesDisease reservoirsEpidemiologyH5N1 subtypeH5N8 subtypeInfluenza A virusInfluenza in birdsVirulenceAnimal MigrationAnimalsBirdsDisease OutbreaksDisease ReservoirsDisease VectorsEndemic Diseases
Structured evidence records
Evidence records
4 total
Reservoir Ecology2 records
Reservoir EcologyExtraction confidence 0.85
Key finding
Waterbirds serve as the natural reservoir for low pathogenic avian influenza A viruses that occasionally spill over to poultry.
Using data collected during these outbreaks, the role of migratory birds as a vector became increasingly clear.
Geographic raw
worldwide
Cross Species Transmission1 records
Cross Species TransmissionExtraction confidence 0.80
Key finding
Low pathogenic avian influenza A viruses and HPAIV H5Nx strains were transmitted between wild birds and poultry, indicating interspecies transmission among avian hosts.
Waterbirds are the main reservoir for low pathogenic avian influenza A viruses (LPAIV), from which occasional spillover to poultry occurs. In addition, global spread of HPAIV H5Nx viruses has resulted in major outbreaks among wild birds and poultry worldwide.
Study design
field surveillance
Transmission direction
animal-to-animal
Geographic raw
worldwide
Outbreak Investigation1 records
Outbreak InvestigationExtraction confidence 0.85
Key finding
Data from global HPAIV H5Nx outbreaks among wild birds and poultry demonstrate the role of migratory birds in virus transmission.
In addition, global spread of HPAIV H5Nx viruses has resulted in major outbreaks among wild birds and poultry worldwide. Using data collected during these outbreaks, the role of migratory birds as a vector became increasingly clear.
