Abstract
Waterfowl were counted and sampled in a Zimbabwean wetland over 24 months. LPAI strains were detected during 20 consecutive months, providing evidence of regional yearly persistence of LPAI. We discuss the role of Afro-tropical ducks in viral maintenance and transmission, and attempt to explain the observed patterns.
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Acknowledgments
We are grateful to the many people who assisted with the bird counts and capture, particularly Fadzai Matzvimbo and Innocent Magunje. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Zimbabwean Veterinary Services kindly granted permission to work in areas under their jurisdiction. This work was conducted within the framework of the “Mesures d’Urgence” and GRIPAVI projects, and the Research Platform “Production and Conservation in Partnership” (RP–PCP). It benefited from funds from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additional funding support was provided by the USAID through the Wildlife Conservation Society’s GAINS (Global Avian Influenza Network for Surveillance) program, and the South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
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Caron, A., Abolnik, C., Mundava, J. et al. Persistence of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus in Waterfowl in a Southern African Ecosystem. EcoHealth 8, 109–115 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-010-0356-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-010-0356-4