A new study from the University of Georgia suggests the movement patterns of waterfowl could play a key role in how bird flu spreads. Researchers found that ducks, geese, and swans often travel shorter distances in areas with abundant food, water, and shelter, particularly in landscapes shaped by human activity.
When birds remain in one area, the virus may not spread as widely, but it can create more concentrated outbreak “hotspots.”
The study analyzed data from more than 4,600 birds across 26 species over two decades, focusing on daily movements outside of major migration periods.
Researchers say these shorter, routine movements are just as important as long migratory routes in understanding transmission of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N1, and could inform future prevention strategies.
