Canberra study tracks migratory birds to map H5N1 spread in Australia

Canberra, Sept. 07 (SANA) Australian researchers are using migratory bird tracking data to model the potential spread of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza and identify species and areas that could face greater infection risks, according to a Phys.org report published Sunday.

Researchers at Deakin University have studied the movements of migratory shorebirds for years, using tracking data in models designed to help predict how the virus could spread across Australia, the report said. Wild birds can carry the virus over long distances, making information about migration routes and gathering sites an important indicator of areas the virus could potentially reach.

Some species face greater infection risks, particularly seabirds living in colonies and species that feed in water where they may come into contact with droppings from other birds. Birds of prey, crows and magpies may also be exposed when approaching sick or dead birds.