Avian influenza in migratory waterfowl and synanthropic birds in a wetland-agroecosystem interface in northwest Mexico
Keywords:
avian influenza, waterfowl, synanthropic birds, wetlands, agroecosystem, SonoraAbstract
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the avian Influenza virus (AIV). Waterfowl are considered their natural reservoirs, but highly pathogenic strains can cause mass mortality in both wild birds and poultry. Agroecosystems and coastal wetlands near migratory routes of wild birds are also habitats for many synanthropic animals, which may serve as a "bridge host" between poultry and other species. We aimed to analyze the molecular prevalence of AIV in terrestrial synanthropic birds and aquatic migratory wild birds within the context of the wetland-agroecosystem interface in Sonora, Mexico. A one-year survey was conducted. RT-qPCR was carried out to detect the molecular genome of AIV in ARN from cloacal samples. Our results show that avian influenza virus type A has been identified in 13 birds, from two estuarine species (Anas crecca and Mareca americana) and one ubiquitous bird (Aythya marila) inhabiting coastal and agricultural habitats. No evidence of positive doves was found. AIV-positive birds were more frequently found in adult female wild aquatic birds in the Yaqui Valley and southern Sonora's coastal wetlands, demonstrating the importance of these birds in introducing AIV to these sites, contributing to the ecoepidemiology of synanthropic birds, and highlighting the relevance of active surveillance in preventing outbreaks in this important Pacific migratory flyway.
http://dx.doi.org/10.21929/abavet2025.9
e2025-105
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0egKaP8vmM
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