Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Avian Influenza Surveillance with FTA Cards: Field Methods, Biosafety, and Transportation Issues Solved
Published on: August 2, 2011
Spatio-temporal dynamics of global H5N1 outbreaks match bird migration patterns
Yali Si1, Andrew K Skidmore, Tiejun Wang
1Department of Natural Resources, International Institute for Geo-information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), Hengelosestraat 99, P.O. Box 6, 7500AA Enschede, The Netherlands. yali@itc.nl
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 outbreaks spread globally in three phases between 2003-2006. Wild bird migration patterns were strongly associated with H5N1 virus dispersion, suggesting their role in both long and short-distance spread.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary epidemiology
- Disease ecology
- Global public health
Background:
- Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 poses a significant pandemic threat.
- Understanding H5N1 dispersion is crucial for surveillance and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify spatio-temporal patterns of H5N1 outbreaks globally.
- To analyze H5N1 spreading mechanisms and the role of wild birds.
Main Methods:
- Space-time cluster analysis of H5N1 outbreaks (December 2003–December 2006).
- Analysis of potential virus spread mechanisms and wild bird involvement.
Main Results:
- Three global epidemic phases of H5N1 identified.
- Seasonal patterns observed, with outbreaks peaking in winter/early spring.
- H5N1 spread across multiple flyways during phase III.
- Six disease cluster patterns linked to wild bird migration routes.
- H5N1 spread associated with wild bird migration patterns.
Conclusions:
- Wild birds play a significant role in the long-distance spread of H5N1.
- Wild birds may also contribute to short-distance H5N1 transmission.
- Findings emphasize the importance of wild birds in H5N1 surveillance and control strategies.
More Related Videos
08:46Rapid 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
08:10Production of High-Titer Infectious Influenza Pseudotyped Particles with Envelope Glycoproteins from Highly Pathogenic H5N1 and Avian H7N9 Viruses
Published on: January 15, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Migration
Viral Mutations
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
Viral Recombination
Speciation Rates
Investigation of Disease Outbreaks