ABSTRACT
Avian inuenza virus (AIV) is type A inuenza, which is adapted to an avian host. Although avian inuenza has been isolated from numerous avian species, the primary natural hosts for the virus are dabbling ducks, shorebirds, and gulls.1 The virus can be found worldwide in these species and in other wild bird species. In poultry (chickens, turkeys, and more rarely domestic ducks), AIV can cause substantial production losses. Therefore, it is among the most important diseases of animal production. AIV also gains notoriety because, although very uncommon, it can be transmitted to people so there is always awareness that the virus could constitute a public health threat.
