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<OL> <LI> To conduct targeted surveillance in selected wild birds in at risk geographic areas to better understand the virus ecology. <LI> To conduct pathogenesis studies on LPAI viruses in wild birds. <LI> To conduct studies on the survivability of avian influenza viruses under different environmental water conditions.
APPROACH: We will conduct field sampling of North American ducks in the Delaware Bay ecosystem and extend the sampling into other areas of North America for ducks and shorebirds. Samples will be analyzed for AI viruses using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) assays form AI and viruses isolated for biological and molecular characterization. Diagnostic support for AI viruses will be extended to the collaborative project at University of Alaska- Fairbanks. Selected viruses from the study will be tested in na?ve wild ducks and shorebirds for determining virus replication patterns and pathogenicity. The survivability of low pathogenicity (LP) and high pathogenicity (HP) will be determined in water samples and the impact of salinity, pH, temperature, and ecosystem microflora will be determined using tissue cell culture systems.