Millions of migrating birds pass through southwestern Ontario. Here’s how researchers are tracking avian flu

At a conservation site in southwestern Ontario, research student Cam Chevalier is hard at work collecting water samples from various locations along the northern shore of Lake Erie. His latest stop is at Holiday Beach Conservation Area, where he carefully gathers a sample and labels it for testing at the University of Windsor. The focus of the research is to detect highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), also known as bird flu, which has been causing widespread impact in the United States.

With millions of birds migrating north into Canada during the start of spring migration, Essex County becomes a crucial location for monitoring bird species and potential virus transmission. Dan Mennill, Chevalier’s supervisor and University of Windsor ornithologist, emphasizes the importance of understanding how wild birds may spread avian influenza. This project aims to identify primary vectors and transmission patterns between wild and domestic birds to prepare for any potential risks to human health.

The research team, led by University of Windsor chemistry professor Kenneth Ng, not only tests water samples for the virus but also closely tracks any changes in its structure. The concern lies in mutations that could enhance the virus’s ability to infect and spread among humans. While there have been limited cases of human infection in North America, the ever-evolving nature of the virus poses a constant threat.

Ng stresses the challenge of identifying consequential changes in the virus, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and data collection. The research serves as a baseline for future comparisons and could potentially expedite pandemic response in the event of a more severe outbreak. The team plans to continue sampling the region throughout the year to gather valuable insights into avian influenza transmission dynamics.

Overall, this research project showcases the interdisciplinary collaboration between ornithologists, chemists, and public health experts to address emerging infectious diseases like avian influenza. By leveraging advanced testing techniques and surveillance strategies, the team aims to enhance preparedness and response capabilities in the face of evolving health threats.