Epidemiology of Avian Influenza in Agricultural and Other Man‐Made Systems

Limited Susceptibility of Pigeons Experimentally Inoculated with H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses

“…Among the several candidates such as wild birds, small mammals, vehicle, and people including farmers, terrestrial birds living around poultry farms are a possible pathway of the virus to susceptible poultry [18,23]. Small terrestrial birds that could carry the H5N1 HPAI virus may introduce this pathogen biologically or mechanically into the farms with incomplete measures against small birds attempting to enter these farms [18].…”

A federal and state transport plan for movement of eggs and egg products from commercial egg production premises in a high-pathogenicity avian influenza control area

“…Aerosolized particles can be carried over several miles. 13,14,35 High-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses have been detected in air samples collected up to 45 m away from chicken houses. 30 Wind-blown feathers from poultry infected with HPAI virus are potentially infectious because of viral replication within the feathers and contamination of the feathers with fecal material from infected birds.…”

“…12,13 Movement of infected birds or contaminated manure to other locations is a common mechanism of disease transmission. 14 In addition, movement of people, equipment, and vehicles contaminated by virus-laden feces or respiratory secretions can mechanically carry the virus to other premises. People moving between poultry premises include truck drivers hauling feed to farms, spent hens to processing plants, or dead birds to rendering plants; utility (electricity and water) company workers; vaccination, beak trimming, and hen-catching crews; and individuals providing management and health services.…”

“…Ducks and geese are natural hosts for avian influenza virus and may transfer the virus from one location to another. 13,14 Anyone or anything sharing an environment with waterfowl may be a source of avian influenza virus for domestic poultry. Outbreaks of HPAI in domestic poultry have been associated with bodies of open water located < 0.62 miles (1 km) from the poultry facilities.…”

“…13,14 Wild birds may mechanically transfer contaminated feces from infected poultry to premises with susceptible domestic birds or become infected and disseminate the virus through their own feces and respiratory tract secretions. 8 Sparrows, feral pigeons, crows, and magpies have been infected with H5N1 HPAI virus.…”