How does influenza virus affect behaviour?

Avian influenza viruses may be spread by wild birds, and waterfowl in particular. In order to model the dispersal of these viruses, it is important to assess the effects of infection on the birds’ behaviour. We compared the local and regional movements of mallard ducks who were infected or non-infected with so-called low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses, by tracking their movements with GPS loggers. We found that the daily regional movements of infected mallards were lower than those of non-infected birds, especially when it was cold, windy and rainy.

There was no association between infection status and daily local movements of mallards. Even though infection with avian influenza viruses impaired the mallards’ movements, associations were weak, suggesting the potential for dispersal of avian influenza viruses by infected birds. 

Jacintha van Dijk