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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
08:46
Rapid Diagnosis of Avian Influenza Virus in Wild Birds: Use of a Portable rRT-PCR and Freeze-dried Reagents in the Field
Published on: August 2, 2011
Climate change and avian influenza
M Gilbert1, J Slingenbergh, X Xiao
1Biological Control and Spatial Ecology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium. mgilbert@ulb.ac.be
Revue Scientifique Et Technique (International Office of Epizootics)
|September 30, 2008
Summary
Climate change impacts avian influenza viruses (AI viruses) by altering bird migration and virus survival. Continued AI virus evolution is expected in wild birds, with indirect effects on poultry farming.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Virology
- Climate Science
Background:
- Avian influenza viruses (AI viruses) are presumed to co-evolve with migratory water birds.
- AI viruses can persist outside the host in subarctic water bodies.
- Climate change is expected to alter ecological factors influencing AI virus transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the impacts of climate change on the ecology of avian influenza viruses.
- To explore how climate change may affect AI virus transmission cycles and survival.
- To consider the implications for both wild bird populations and domestic poultry.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on avian influenza ecology.
- Analysis of potential effects of climate change on bird migration patterns.
- Assessment of climate change impacts on virus survival in aquatic environments.
Main Results:
- Climate change will likely alter bird migration, influencing AI virus transmission dynamics.
- Virus survival outside the host is directly affected by environmental changes.
- The net effects on AI virus circulation are unpredictable, but continued adaptation and evolution are probable.
- Limited understanding exists regarding direct environmental effects on highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry.
Conclusions:
- Avian influenza virus circulation in water birds will likely persist and evolve under climate change.
- Indirect effects on poultry, such as shifts in duck-crop farming, may occur.
- Further research is needed to understand direct climate change impacts on poultry and AI virus transmission.
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