In terms of Avian Flu...can we discuss what "birds" are affected/infected/carriers of these virii? Which phylogenic groups (orders/families) are involved? Obviously Anseriformes (waterfowl) and Galliformes ("chicken-like birds") What about Gaviiformes (loons)? Are all families/genus/species within the Order involved?
What is it (biologically) that makes these groups of birds suceptible to these virii?
Will HPAI move into songbirds? Raptors? Crows? Owls?
Simply put...what KINDS of birds can become infected and act as a distribution vector for HPAI?
We learned fairly quickly that, for example, West Nile Virus was in most wild birds, but we used bluejays, crows and raptors as our indicator species. As this virus moves into the US, what indicator wild bird species do we expect to be affected?
As a health officer, when a citizen calls to tell me there is a dead house wren in the front yard...how can I (can I?) allay their fear that this is bird flu dropping out of the skies??
What is it (biologically) that makes these groups of birds suceptible to these virii?
Will HPAI move into songbirds? Raptors? Crows? Owls?
Simply put...what KINDS of birds can become infected and act as a distribution vector for HPAI?
We learned fairly quickly that, for example, West Nile Virus was in most wild birds, but we used bluejays, crows and raptors as our indicator species. As this virus moves into the US, what indicator wild bird species do we expect to be affected?
As a health officer, when a citizen calls to tell me there is a dead house wren in the front yard...how can I (can I?) allay their fear that this is bird flu dropping out of the skies??
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