Persistence of low pathogenic avian influenza virus in waterfowl in a Southern African ecosystem.
Waterfowl were counted and sampled in a Zimbabwean wetland over 24 months. LPAI strains were detected during 20 consecutive months, providing evidence of regional yearly persistence of LPAI. We discuss the role of Afro-tropical ducks in viral maintenance and transmission, and attempt to explain the observed patterns.
UPR AGIRs, Department ES, Cirad, 37 Arcturus Road, Highlands, P.O. Box 1378, Harare, Zimbabwe. alexandre.caron@cirad.fr
Alexandre
A
Caron
Celia
C
Abolnik
Josephine
J
Mundava
Nicolas
N
Gaidet
Christina E
CE
Burger
Bontsi
B
Mochotlhoane
Leo
L
Bruinzeel
Ngoni
N
Chiweshe
Michel
M
de Garine-Wichatitsky
Graeme S
GS
Cumming
D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild / Q000382:microbiology; D001717:Birds / Q000821:virology; D017753:Ecosystem; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015030:Zimbabwe / Q000453:epidemiology