St. Jude Team Tracks Flu Viruses in Bird Poop
In the midst of a dangerous flu virus outbreak, a team of scientists from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is hard at work on the beaches near Delaware Bay. Dr. Pamela McKenzie and Patrick Seiler have been collecting bird poop samples for almost 40 years as part of a National Institutes of Health-funded project. The project, initiated by Dr. Robert Webster, aims to study how flu viruses spread from the guts of birds.
Significance of Bird Poop in Preventing Pandemics
Bird poop, or guano, is a rich source of viruses, with almost all known influenza subtypes found in birds. The team’s research has identified various flu viruses circulating in bird populations along the Atlantic flyway, an important migratory route for birds traveling between South America and the Arctic Circle. By studying these viruses, scientists hope to predict and prevent future pandemics.
Surveillance and Findings
The team’s efforts involve collecting samples from different bird species, including seagulls, sandpipers, and dunlins, to analyze the presence of flu viruses. Samples are later sequenced and added to an international database for tracking influenza strains globally. Despite not finding H5N1 in their recent samples, the team’s work remains crucial in understanding the spread of flu viruses.
Implications for Future Outbreaks
Recent findings suggest that wild birds may serve as a reservoir for flu viruses, contributing to outbreaks in farmed and backyard bird populations. Ongoing surveillance of migrating birds is essential to prevent future pandemics. The team plans to continue monitoring bird populations along the Atlantic flyway to stay ahead of potential threats.
As the team prepares for another season of data collection, the role of bird poop in preventing flu pandemics remains a fascinating area of research. By studying the intricate relationships between birds, viruses, and humans, scientists hope to better prepare for and potentially avert future health crises. The humble bird dropping, often overlooked, may hold the key to safeguarding global health.