Avian Influenza

Press release (25 Aug 05)

Avian flu and migratory birds

Bird researchers from across Europe met today to pool knowledge of bird movements, the aim being to better understand the risk posed by avian flu.

Since its recent discovery not only in captive poultry and fowl but also in several wild birds, avian H5N1 flu has become a major concern as there may be evidence for a rapid pandemic disease. In addition to the possibility of Avian flu being spread through trade or by human travel, the complex network of flyways followed by migratory birds may allow the transfer of the disease from outbreak areas in Asia to Europe. Although existing data reveal that birds on different migratory flyways may share stopover sites and breeding areas, the extent of these connections and therefore the possibility of disease transmission is not known. It is also not clear which species could become vectors and the way in which the disease may be transferred between individuals.

On 24-25 August, the heads of most European bird ringing schemes and experts in the study of bird migration met in Strasbourg, France for a general assembly of EURING, the European Union for Bird Ringing. They thoroughly discussed the subject of avian flu and migratory birds. They recognize the public awareness and fear of a possible spread of the virus by migratory birds, but, at the same time, note the lack of proper scientific analyses and information. However, they also see the possibility of a rapid improvement of current knowledge about migratory birds connecting areas of potential virus outbreaks by using the many data from ringed birds gathered in the unique EURING data bank. This data bank contains details of the movements of over three million birds ringed during the last century.

The international network of EURING experts is keen to use its knowledge and unique dataset to provide the specific and detailed analyses required to thoroughly understand the patterns of migration in Eurasia and are now seeking funding to carry out this work.

Strasbourg, 25 August 2005

For further information contact:

Wolfgang Fiedler: Vogelwarte Radolfzell, Tel: +49 (0)7732 15 01 0, Fax: +49 (0)7732 15 01 69, Email:

Olivier Dehorter: CRBPO, Tel: +33 1 40 79 30 78, Fax: +33 1 40 79 38 35, Email:

Jacquie Clark: British Trust for Ornithology, Tel: +44 (0)1842 750050 or +44 (0)1379 890460, Mobile: +44 (0)775 2072808, Fax: +44 (0)1842 750030, Email:

Further contacts

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