Tweet
Follow the "drug enforcement elite" to collect bird droppings in the wetlands
2026-05-09 05:47HebeiSina Finance Official Account
focus o
(Source: Xinhua Daily)
□ By Ye Zhen and Hu Nan, reporters of this newspaper
"Find bird droppings, fresh, while they're 'hot'!" At 5 a.m. on May 8th, a misty haze **** over a coastal wetland in Yancheng. A group of "Big Whites" in protective suits were already at work—they were the avian influenza prevention and control research team from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Yangzhou University. These "anti-disease elites" of animal diseases were conducting an epidemiological investigation into avian influenza.
In recent years, although highly pathogenic avian influenza has faded from public view, relevant departments have not relaxed their proactive monitoring of avian influenza. Every quarter, the avian influenza prevention and control research team of Yangzhou University conducts epidemiological surveys on the pathogens of avian influenza.
"Why is the epidemiological investigation of avian influenza conducted by collecting bird droppings?" With this question in mind, the reporter followed the team and documented the entire process.
my country's eastern coastal areas, especially along the Yellow and Bohai Seas, are located in the core region of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway for migratory birds. During this season, migratory birds that overwinter in the south migrate north, and the coastal wetlands of Yancheng, situated along this flyway, naturally become a popular stopover point due to their favorable environment, minimal human disturbance, and abundant food. These migratory birds inevitably come into contact with farmed poultry during their journey, and if either bird or poultry carries or is already infected with avian influenza virus, the virus may spread more rapidly during the migration.
"In order to protect wild birds and minimize disturbance to them, we chose a 'simple method': collecting their droppings for testing," said Chen Sujuan, a professor at Yangzhou University and the person in charge of the operation.
As soon as the operation began, everyone buried themselves in searching the ground. At this moment, Zhai Zehao, a sharp-eyed second-year graduate student, had already spotted a puddle of white excrement. "This is clearly egret droppings, but it's a bit dried out. I'll keep looking."
Miao Xinyu, a team member and teacher at Yangzhou University, explained that the shape, size, and color of bird droppings are related to the species, size, and diet of wild birds. Taking waterfowl, such as herons, as an example, they often feed on fish and shrimp, and their droppings often contain white uric acid, making them appear white or white with a grayish tinge. Fresh bird droppings are usually moist and shiny. "However, we must complete the collection of bird droppings before the sun is high in the sky and the sunlight is direct, otherwise the virus will be 'inactivated' by ultraviolet rays. Choosing early morning has another advantage, as birds are more active at this time and are less disturbed by humans."
"Look, this huge pile is fresh! It's not only stringy, but there's also some oil in it!" said Wang Zhen, a veterinarian at the Yancheng Rare Birds Nature Reserve. He skillfully used a collection swab to collect bird droppings, placed them in a sample cryopreservation tube, and stored them in a professional equipment box. Having participated in numerous collection activities, Wang Zhen can not only identify a wide variety of bird droppings but has also mastered the skill of rowing a boat.
"These pea-sized droppings are from terns; the white, spray-like droppings are from herons. These two types of bird droppings are easy to identify, so they are our main targets for collection," explained Yang Hui, a teacher at Yangzhou University. Beside him, Ju Yujia, who will be starting her studies in September, took out paper and pen to take notes. "This year I'm here to learn first, and later I'll join the sampling team!" she said, full of excitement about the mission.
On "Wild Duck Island," the group found two wild duck eggs. "We're just passing by; we won't disturb them," said Wu Peilun, a first-year graduate student, softly.
At 7:30 a.m., as the sun rose higher, the epidemiological investigation of avian influenza virus in birds concluded. "Back at school, the samples we collected will be taken to the Yangzhou University Biosafety Level 3 laboratory for virus testing and isolation to assess the health status of migratory birds," Chen Sujuan explained, while removing her protective suit. After more than two hours, she was drenched in sweat. "However, I hope we all 'return empty-handed' this time," Chen Sujuan said with a smile, "That would prove the birds are healthy!"
The avian influenza prevention and control research team at the College of Veterinary Medicine of Yangzhou University has been conducting such epidemiological surveys for nearly 20 years. Although the team members have changed over time, the samples and data have continued to accumulate. Years of dedication have enabled the team to build a solid foundation in etiology through research on the pathogenesis mechanisms of avian influenza viruses both domestically and internationally, contributing to influenza vaccine design and public health decision-making.
zhttps://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1864658428899463835&wfr=spider&for=pc