The first black swan genome, produced by research headed by UQ, showed that the species lacked certain immunological genes that help other wild waterfowl fight viral infections. Genome Biology reported the results of this study.

Potential Influenza Spread

According to Associate Professor Kirsty Short from the University of Queensland's School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Australia's black swans have less exposure to infections that are widespread elsewhere in the globe as a result, which has led to less immunological variety.

Black swans, for instance, are especially susceptible to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI, often known as bird flu). They may succumb to it within three days, according to Dr. Short.

Our research indicates that the black swan's immune system is such that, should any bird viral illness spread to its natural environment, its existence would be jeopardized.

Although it has traveled from Asia to North America, Europe, North Africa, and South America, HPAI is not presently present in Australia.

"Thousands of wild seabirds died when it was brought to new places, such as Chile and Peru.

"If we want to safeguard one of Australia's most distinctive and stunning birds, we must be ready for the peril it faces."

Dr. Short said researchers and conservationists expect to be better equipped to safeguard not just the black swan but also other vulnerable species worldwide with the information from the UQ study.

Also Read: Bird Flu Trend May Be a Threat to Factory Farming  

Raising Awareness

Dr. Short said, "We want to raise awareness about the incredibly hazardous condition that Australia's bird species are in and how sensitive they are to avian influenza.

Bird Flu

The illness brought on by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses are referred to as avian influenza or bird flu.

These viruses may infect domestic poultry and other bird and mammal species. They are naturally distributed among wild aquatic birds across the globe. Normally, humans cannot get bird flu viruses. However, there have been isolated human infections with avian flu viruses.

Interspecies Spread

There have been a few isolated occurrences of human infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) A viruses, although humans typically do not get these viruses. Human infections with the avian flu virus have caused illnesses ranging in severity from mild sickness or no symptoms to severe diseases that lead to death.

Highly virulent avian influenza of Asian ancestry The majority of human diseases caused by bird flu viruses across the globe have been caused by Asian lineage H5N1 viruses, including the most severe illnesses and illnesses with the greatest fatality rates.

How the Virus Spread

Infected birds spread the avian influenza virus via their saliva, mucus, and excrement. When the virus enters a person's eyes, nose, or mouth or is breathed, it may cause human illnesses. This may occur when a person breathes in a virus in the air (in droplets or dust) or when they touch their lips, eyes, or nose after touching anything with a virus on it.

Bird flu virus infections in humans have often been brought on through unprotected contact with infected birds or surfaces. However, certain infections have been found when there was no documented direct contact with diseased birds or their habitat.

Related Article: Ecologists Start to Worry as the Number of Dead Seabirds Dying in Bulk Stacks Up  

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