Detecting Avian Influenza Virus (H5N1) in Domestic Duck Feathers

摘要

To the Editor: Free-range do-mestic ducks can be a key factor in regional spreading of Asian subtype H5N1 avian in. uenza (AI) virus (1–3). Even asymptomatic domestic ducks can shed the virus continuously from the oral cavity and cloaca (3–5). Therefore, early detection of infect-ed ducks that are shedding the virus would reduce the risk of spreading AI virus (H5N1) in a region where the virus has been endemic in domestic ducks. We previously reported that AI virus (H5N1) can replicate in feather epidermal cells in asymptomatic do-mestic ducks (6). Feathers are living tissues that are easily collectible from live birds with minimal damage. We now report the usefulness of feathers for virus detection in domestic ducks