Bird Health Survey in Peru, December 2003

Dr. Karina Muñoz Duran, one of the 2003 recipients of the Field Veterinary Program’s Small Grant Awards, has been working with migratory and resident birds in the Protected Area of Pantanos de Villa, 990 acres of wetlands eleven miles south of Lima, Peru. This wetland, a RAMSAR site, serves as an ecological corridor in the migratory route of many bird species. Birds are often regarded as environmental sentinels, providing early-warning signals to changes in populations and habitats. Migratory birds travel around the world, coming into contact with other avian species, and may act as vectors in the transmission of pathogenic agents. Dr. Muñoz’s project aims to contribute to the conservation of the avifauna and environment of the Pantanos de Villa by exploring the health status of wild resident and migratory birds.

To narrow the focus in this initial study, Dr. Muñoz is first determining whether the birds in this region are infected or have developed antibodies to Newcastle Disease and Avian Influenza viruses. Both Newcastle Disease and Avian Influenza are acute, extremely contagious diseases with high mortality rates. These viruses are found in domestic and wild bird species, but it is speculated that migratory birds are the reservoirs and vectors for these diseases.

Since February 2003, Dr. Muñoz and her team of Peruvian veterinary students have been capturing birds using a variety of methods depending on the ecology of the species. The species were selected for capture and sampling in this study based on their abundance, potential as a disease vector, and potential as a disease reservoir. Some of the chosen species include herons, egrets, gulls, coots, sandpipers, and grebes.

Once the birds are captured, cloacal and pharyngeal swabs and blood samples are collected. In a new partnership with the Laboratory of Avian Pathology of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, the samples will be tested for antibodies to Newcastle disease and Avian Influenza viruses. To maximize information gathered from the captured birds, they are weighed, measured, and ectoparasites are collected.

When the project is completed at the end of 2003, Dr. Muñoz’s findings will provide invaluable data for the development of conservation measures in this region. The results will be fundamental for the prevention and early detection of possible outbreaks of avian disease in Peru and other areas in the region. In addition to developing ways to monitor the health of the environment, this project serves as a model for increasing local capacity and broadening local constituencies by building linkages with local institutions outside of the traditional conservation community.  To help fund the WCS Field Veterinary Program and its efforts to save wildlife around the world, click here.

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