Would avian influenza virus outbreaks in poultry be effectively controlled by culling local waterfowl?
Avian influenza viruses in wild birds cannot be effectively controlled because of the large number of virus subtypes and the high frequency of virus genetic mixing resulting in new virus subtypes. Many influenza strains in wild birds pose no risk to poultry or people. It is inappropriate and logistically impossible to attempt to prevent the disease by destroying free ranging wild bird populations. Control efforts are more effective if barriers between domestic poultry and wild birds are reinforced.
