Content Last Modified on 2/13/2008 12:17:59 PM

 

 

WATERFOWL TESTS NEGATIVE FOR HIGH-PATH STRAIN OF AI
 

Dr. Walter Cottrell, Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife veterinarian, today reported that test results from more than 400 samples taken from various species of ducks from across the state show that the population is free of the Asian strain of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (Asian HPH5N1).

 

Between June of 2007 and January of 2008, Game Commission personnel took samples from 253 dabbling, or puddle, ducks and 156 diving ducks.

 

Instead of that virus, they found low levels of the low pathogen avian influenza virus (North American LPAI).  This virus normally is present in waterfowl and poses no threat to either the birds or humans that handle or consume them.

 

"Nearly every state is doing similar testing sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services," Dr. Cottrell said.  "In Pennsylvania, the cooperation and interest of waterfowl hunters facilitated the sampling of hunter-killed birds.  We are extremely grateful for their assistance in this important testing program."

 

For more information on avian influenza, visit the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on "Wildlife" in the left-hand column of the homepage, the scroll down and click on "Avian Influenza" in the "Wildlife Diseases" box.

 

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