Do Migratory Waterfowl spread pfiesteria?
G.C. Suffolk, VA asks: Will migratory waterfowl pose a threat to the spread of pfiesteria throughout the Easter Flyway ? Many species eat fish. Can they carry/contract this organism and spread the problem ? Are waterfowl hunters and their dogs at risk ? Please refer this question to Dr. JoAnne Burkholder, or one of her associates. Dr. JoAnn M. Burkholder, NC State University responds: Waterfowl have probably spread Pfiesteria and its close allies to various regions for a long time. But it takes a special set of circumstances for toxic outbreaks to occur. People, dogs, etc. are at risk when toxic Pfiesteria piscicida and its close allies are actively attacking fish. When you see fish with open bleeding sores (about 20% or more of the fish around you), or fish in distress, or fish dying, it is a good idea to avoid the area. The routes of human exposure known so far are from direct contact with toxic Pfiesteria-laden waters, or from breathing the aerosols above places with fish disease or
