Risk for Avian Influenza Virus Exposure at Human–Wildlife Interface
Author Information
Author(s): Siembieda Jennifer, Johnson Christine K., Boyce Walter, Sandrock Christian, Cardona Carol
Primary Institution: University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine
Hypothesis
To assess risk for human exposure to avian influenza viruses (AIV), we sampled California wild birds and marine mammals during October 2005–August 2007 and estimated human–wildlife contact.
Conclusion
The risk of contact with AIV-infected wildlife was found to be 8 times higher for recreational waterfowl hunters compared to casual or occupational groups.
Supporting Evidence
- Waterfowl hunters were 8 times more likely to have contact with AIV-infected wildlife than persons with casual or occupational exposures.
- The prevalence of AIV in California wildlife was substantially lower than in Alaskan wildlife.
- Overall prevalence of AIV was low, ranging from 0.1% to 0.9%.
Takeaway
This study looked at how people might get sick from bird flu by checking wild birds and marine animals. It found that hunters are much more likely to be around sick birds than regular people.
Methodology
Wild birds and marine mammals were sampled for AIV, and human risk categories were created based on contact type with wildlife.
Potential Biases
The study's opportunistic sampling design may have resulted in testing species with a naturally low prevalence of AIV.
Limitations
The testing methods used may not accurately estimate the true AIV prevalence in wildlife.
Participant Demographics
Participants included casual members of the public, recreational waterfowl hunters, and occupational wildlife workers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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