Survey of Novel Zoonotic Avian Respiratory Viruses in Region 3

Detection and Characterization of Novel Respiratory Viruses in Mallard Ducks (Anas luzonica) and in Environmental Samples in Central Luzon, Philippines

Globally, zoonotic avian viruses pose a threat to public health. Wild birds in aquatic habitats may serve as reservoir of the pathogens. Infection and transboundary transmission through migration of birds may carry pathogens to those in contact with domestic ducks and birds or through the contaminated water. Duck raising practice in the Philippines is through grazing from ducklings until such time that they are about to lay to minimize farm inputs. During this time they can be exposed to migratory birds and environmental water from sanctuaries where wild birds stay during the migration time (October to February) along the East Asia-Australasian Flyway.

This study aims to detect and characterize the novel respiratory viruses that may be present in mallard ducks and the water samples from where they are grazed.