Detailed project information

Influenza virus (IV) outbreaks pose a major threat to human and animal health and the economy. Various data indicate that Arctic breeding migratory waterbirds, notably Anseriformes and Charadriiformes species, are a reservoir and vector for IV. With its dense human population, extensive pig and chicken farming (with increasing outdoor ranging), its many shallow water bodies that attract migratory waterfowl in unparalleled numbers, The Netherlands form a European hot spot for influenza outbreaks in poultry and potential transmission to man. For risk reduction, early recognition and management of outbreaks, the proposed multidisciplinary research initiative will provide critical knowledge on: (1) what species of Arctic breeding waterbirds are carriers of avian IV and how this correlates with specific ecological features of the species, (2) the spatial and temporal variation in IV prevalence among these species, (3) which individuals are most susceptible for IV infection and how it impacts their fitness and (4) the role of Arctic moulting ponds as reservoirs for avian IV. We envisage a multidisciplinary research project covering the fields of bird ecology, virology and epidemiology. Using a flyway approach, IV prevalence and bird fitness and behaviour will be monitored at a high spatial and temporal resolution in various populations of waterfowl, all in order to elucidate the interactions between Arctic breeding birds and IV.

Articles

• Prof. M. Klaassen, et al (2009). How to find natural reservoir hosts from endemic prevalence in a multi-host population: A case study of influenza in waterfowl. Epidemics. pp. 118-128
• Prof. M. Klaassen, et al (2010). Surveillance of wild birds for avian influenza virus. Emerging Infectious Diseases. pp. 1827-1834
• Prof. M. Klaassen, et al (2011). All hosts are not equal: intraspecific variation in exposure and susceptibility to viral infection in a long-distance migrant. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Epublished. pp. 
• Prof. M. Klaassen, et al (2011). Reconstructing an annual cycle of interaction: natural infection and antibody dynamics to avian influenza along a migratory flyway. Oikos. pp. 748-755
• Prof. M. Klaassen, et al (2011). Identifying crucial gaps in our knowledge of the life-history of avian influenza viruses - an Australian perspective. Emu. pp. 103-112