Canadian researchers will launch a novel project to shed light on the source of a deadly H5N2 strain responsible for the death and destruction of approximately 240,000 birds in B.C between December 2014 to January 2015.
The project funded by Genome BC, Genome Canada, Agriculture Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will seek to determine whether wild ducks and geese were the source of the virus. Researchers will also explore if analyzing wetland sediments with advanced molecular techniques can be used as an early warning system for arrival of dangerous influenza viruses in Canada.
“Ultimately, our goal is to develop an annual wetland sediment surveillance program as early as October 2015, so that we can be ready for the fall influx of migratory waterfowl, and the influenza viruses they may bring with them” says Dr. Chelsea Himsworth, a co-leader of the research project and Leader of Veterinary Science and Diagnostics at the BC Ministry of Agriculture’s Animal Health Centre.
