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This project has two general objectives. First, examine the temporal, spatial and antigenic variables for type A avian influenza virus introductions into naive, non-migratory waterfowl populations located on the Eastern Shore of MD. during the late summer & early Sept. 2001 & 2002. Second, provide USDA/ARS/SEPRL a collection type A influenza virus isolates that have circulated in naive, non-migratory waterfowl for molecular epidemiologic investigations. Determine health threats to poultry & public.
Approach- Working with local waterfowl biologists, cloacal swabs will be collected from non-migratory and migratory waterfowl at three study sites in Kent County, MD. There will be five collection periods of four days each between July 9 and September 30. The birds will be live trapped, sampled and released under the supervision of wildlife biologist working for the State of Maryland. The goal for trip is to collect 125 cloacal samples and demographic data for each sample population. Initially non-migratory waterfowl samples will make up the bulk of the collections, but with the arrival of migratory waterfowl, the samples will be more evenly distributed between the two populations. Local waterfowl biologists will monitor the arrival of migratory waterfowl into the area recording dates, species, and, if possible, approximate numbers. Virus isolation attempts and identification of type A influenza viruses will be accomplished in the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine at The Ohio State University. First egg passage stocks of each type A influenza isolate will go to SEPRL.