The role of wild goose (Anser) populations of Russia and the Tibet Plateau in the spread of the avian influenza virus

Wild birds of the orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes represent a natural reservoir of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses (family Orthomyxoviridae). Wild geese (order Anseriformes) relating to waterfowls undertake extensive migration flights reaching thousands of kilometers. Isolation of the avian influenza virus (AIV) from wild geese is quite low or absent. The aims of this study are to monitor the AIV in different wild goose species, nesting on Russian territory and the Tibet Plateau and to analyze the derived data for the purpose of determining the role of these wild bird species in spreading pathogens. In our study 3245 samples from nine wild goose species in nine regions of Russia and on the territory of the Tibet Plateau (the Xizang Autonomous Region) were tested and no AIV were detected. Our study shows the non-essential role of wild geese in the spread of the AIV over long distances and reaches the conclusion that geese are probably not natural reservoirs for the primary viruses. However, further inquiry of AIV in wild goose populations is required. Studies of wild geese and AIV ecology will allow us to obtain more information about pathogen-host relationships and to make arrangements for the maintenance of wild goose populations.