In an effort to proactively address the potential threat of a global flu pandemic, scientists are turning to an unconventional method: bird droppings. In remote regions of the Indian Ocean and Oceania, where traditional disease surveillance may be lacking, researchers are utilizing guano samples from wild birds to track the spread of avian influenza viruses with pandemic potential.
A recent study published in Nature Communications examined over 27,000 guano samples from countries such as Somalia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. The results revealed the widespread presence of highly pathogenic influenza strains, particularly H5N1, in areas where infrastructure for human and wildlife health is limited. The detection of viral RNA in wild bird droppings, sometimes before official poultry outbreaks occur, indicates that unconventional surveillance methods in these biologically diverse yet infrastructurally challenged regions could play a crucial role in mitigating pandemic risks.
Guano-based monitoring offers several advantages over traditional surveillance methods. It is non-invasive, does not require direct contact with birds, and can be implemented in ecologically sensitive areas and regions where conventional surveillance is difficult. By analyzing fresh droppings for viral RNA, researchers can obtain full genomes of circulating strains and assess their pathogenic potential. This approach could potentially enhance global influenza surveillance in remote island habitats and along migratory routes near commercial farms.
The data from the study revealed a widespread circulation of avian influenza viruses, with H5N1 being the most commonly detected strain. Samples from islands in Sri Lanka and the Maldives showed high prevalence of H5N1, with a significant number of samples displaying genetic markers associated with high virulence. Additionally, certain mutations were identified in the neuraminidase gene of H5N1 strains, which could impact the effectiveness of antiviral treatments.
Evidence from Tanguingui Island in the Philippines indicated the presence of H5N2 virus in wild birds two years prior to the country’s first confirmed outbreak in backyard ducks in 2024. This highlights the potential of guano-based sampling to complement existing surveillance systems and facilitate a more proactive approach to One Health strategies aimed at safeguarding human and animal health.
As the risk of influenza transmission from wild birds to humans and poultry continues to grow due to human encroachment into natural habitats, guano-based surveillance emerges as a practical tool for early detection of emerging threats. By monitoring bird droppings, stakeholders in government, poultry industry, pharmaceutical development, and global health agencies can potentially identify and address potential outbreaks before they escalate into pandemics.
While the concept of monitoring bird droppings may seem unconventional, it holds promise in preventing future pandemics from taking hold. This innovative approach underscores the importance of utilizing diverse surveillance methods to protect global health and mitigate the impact of infectious diseases.
