Summary

Description

The Pungo Unit, designated as a globally important bird area, hosts large populations of waterfowl species that were identified for live bird or mortality surveillance for the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 virus. Annually, over 100,000 migratory waterfowl winter on the Pungo Unit including 26,000 24 of the Eastern Population of Tundra Swans, 78,000 Greater Snow Geese and 20 species of ducks. Target species during the winter included Tundra Swans and other incidentally captured waterfowl species. During the spring and summer of 2008, target species included Wood Ducks during the banding season and other incidentally captured waterfowl i.e.; mallards. Live birds were captured with rocket nets. As per the National Wildlife Health Center protocol, separate cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs were collected on all captured waterfowl and placed in a single vial. In addition, USFWS bands were placed on all newly captured birds and recaptured bands were recorded appropriately. Other data collected included species, sex, and age. During the winter months, 120 Tundra Swans were livecaptured and swabbed. During the spring and summer months, 19 Wood Ducks were livecaptured and swabbed.