Avian Influenza - staying vigilant

Early Detection of Highly Pathogenic (HP) Avian Influenza (AI) in Wild Migratory Birds

South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) is working with other state and federal agency cooperators for the early detection of the HPAI H5N1 virus in wild migratory birds in North America.

In 2006, there were approximately 82,000 cloacal and 50,000 environmental samples taken throughout North America and none tested positive for the HP H5N1 virus. SD GFP personnel collected 1,023 samples in South Dakota in 2006.

In 2007, SD GFP intends to sample 750 wild migratory birds, primarily dabbling and diving ducks, various goose species, and gulls/terns from the Family Laridae.

Sampling strategies will include capturing live wild birds during duck banding operations, using hunter-harvested birds, and conducting morbidity/mortality surveillance.

Sampling will begin on July 1 and will continue through the close of the waterfowl hunting season, with the primary emphasis being in northeast and east central South Dakota.

Samples are submitted to the SDSU Diagnostic Laboratory for testing.

More Information on Avian Influenza:

• Download a brochure on Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in South Dakota (pdf)
• USGS National Wildlife Health Center)
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• Other Wildlife-related Diseases