Mallards with fever: experimental infection with low-pathogenic influenza A viruses

Extended Abstract: Dabbling ducks are a main reservoir for low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses in nature, and prevalence is especially high in mallards. Knowledge about how wild birds are affected by LPAI infection as well as immunological responses during the postinfection periods is important in order to understand the maintenance of virus-host interactions. The few previous studies on host responses to infection with LPAI are contradictory; some report no impact of infection, whereas others suggest slight differences between infected and uninfected birds. For example, Latorre-Margalef et al. (2009) report lower body mass in wild mallards infected with LPAI when compared to uninfected birds. Previous studies on wild birds are mainly descriptive with quite crude measurements and techniques for detecting physiological responses, and controlled experiments are warranted in order to document clinical signs as well as to measure acute phase and immunological responses to LPAI infection.