Are migratory birds spreading avian flu from country to country?
Migratory birds’ role in spreading avian flu virus is not clear. It is known that the highly pathogenic strain of H5N1 (the form capable of causing serious illness and death) is being identified in an increasing number of wild birds. The pattern and timing of several outbreaks in domestic poultry have not coincided with periods of major migratory movements or migratory routes. However, there are also reports of wild bird deaths associated with outbreaks of H5N1 avian flu in domestic poultry. It is not known if wild birds were the source of the virus or if they acquired the virus from poultry.
