BirdLife International Examines Vectors of Bird Flu

A recent article by BirdLife International examines how risky farming practices are the likely cause of the spread of bird flu. Risky farming practices include keeping multiple species of poultry and waterfowl within one area and using contaminated chicken faeces as fertilizer.

The article also refutes the idea that wild birds contribute to the spread of the disease, noting that the outbreaks of the disease have spread westward along routes not used by migratory birds. Additionally, during the past ten years, no wild birds have tested positive for the disease.

Find out more:

• Are High-Risk Farming Practices Spreading Avian Flu? (BirdLife International)
• Wild Birds 'Victims Not Vectors' (BirdLife International)
• Migratory Bird Focus Hindering Flu Controls (BirdLife International)

Photo © Jan van der Hoeven