DNR may test waterfowl blood for bird flu
Environment Lorna Benson ? Apr 28, 2015
Officials searching for answers to the state's avian influenza epidemic are considering adding blood testing of wild birds to their surveillance program.
Currently, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources collects wild bird droppings for flu testing. But those samples only show if a bird was infected at the time of testing. None of the nearly 1,000 fecal samples tested so far have been positive for the virus.
The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association says the DNR should add blood testing because those results would reveal if migrating birds in Minnesota had ever encountered the virus.
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Environment Lorna Benson ? Apr 28, 2015
Officials searching for answers to the state's avian influenza epidemic are considering adding blood testing of wild birds to their surveillance program.
Currently, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources collects wild bird droppings for flu testing. But those samples only show if a bird was infected at the time of testing. None of the nearly 1,000 fecal samples tested so far have been positive for the virus.
The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association says the DNR should add blood testing because those results would reveal if migrating birds in Minnesota had ever encountered the virus.
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