Ducks as Sentinels for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Abstract

To determine the effectiveness of ducks as sentinels for avian influenza virus (AIV) infection, we placed mallards in contact with wild birds at resting sites in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Infections of sentinel birds with different AIV subtypes confirmed the value of such surveillance for AIV monitoring.

Keywords

• sentinel
• avian influenza
• active surveillance
• wild birds
• influenza
• viruses