Ducks May Play Role in Avian Flu

ROME - Nov 11/04 - SNS -- Domestic ducks may play a bigger role in the spread of avian influenza than first thought, carrying the H5N1 Avian Influenza virus, which is highly pathogenic for chickens, warned the FAO, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

The concern is greatest in rural areas of affected countries, where traditional free-ranging ducks, chickens and wildlife mingle, frequently sharing the same source of water, according to a joint statement by three agencies.

Findings pointing to an altered role for domestic ducks join other recent evidence that the H5N1 virus circulating in parts of Asia has increased its virulence in chickens and mice (a laboratory model for mammals), and has expanded its host range to include mammals, such as certain members of the felidae family (e.g. cats and tigers), not previously considered susceptible to infection.

A new laboratory study of domestic ducks infected with several H5N1 viruses isolated in 2004 shows that, when compared with infections caused by viruses from 2003, domestic ducks are shedding more virus for longer periods and as before, are doing so without showing any sign of illness.

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