Persistence of low pathogenic avian influenza virus in waterfowl in a Southern African ecosystem

Alexandre Caron; Celia Abolnik; Josephine Mundava; Nicolas Gaidet; Christina E Burger; Bontsi Mochotlhoane; Leo Bruinzeel; Ngoni Chiweshe; Michel de Garine-Wichatitsky; Graeme S Cumming

doi:10.1007/s10393-010-0356-4

Persistence of low pathogenic avian influenza virus in waterfowl in a Southern African ecosystem

Ecohealth. 2011 Mar;8(1):109-15. doi: 10.1007/s10393-010-0356-4. Epub 2010 Dec 2.

Authors

Alexandre Caron¹, Celia Abolnik, Josephine Mundava, Nicolas Gaidet, Christina E Burger, Bontsi Mochotlhoane, Leo Bruinzeel, Ngoni Chiweshe, Michel de Garine-Wichatitsky, Graeme S Cumming

Affiliation

¹ UPR AGIRs, Department ES, Cirad, 37 Arcturus Road, Highlands, P.O. Box 1378, Harare, Zimbabwe. alexandre.caron@cirad.fr

PMID: 21125309
DOI: 10.1007/s10393-010-0356-4

Abstract

Waterfowl were counted and sampled in a Zimbabwean wetland over 24 months. LPAI strains were detected during 20 consecutive months, providing evidence of regional yearly persistence of LPAI. We discuss the role of Afro-tropical ducks in viral maintenance and transmission, and attempt to explain the observed patterns.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Animals
Animals, Wild / microbiology
Birds / virology
Ecosystem*
Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / isolation & purification*
Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / pathogenicity*
Influenza in Birds / epidemiology*
Zimbabwe / epidemiology