Which type of birds are the natural carriers of bird flu viruses?

• A. Wild waterfowl
• B. Domestic poultry
• C. Captive birds
• D. Pet birds

Answer: (A)

Wild waterfowl are the natural carriers of bird flu viruses. Ducks, geese, and swans harbor a wide range of avian influenza strains in their intestines and shed the virus in their feces, often without showing illness. Their migratory movements and tendency to gather in watery habitats create a global reservoir that can spread viruses across continents and between wild and domestic birds. When wild waterfowl encounter domestic poultry, especially where biosecurity is weak or shared water sources are used, the virus can spill over and cause outbreaks in flocks. Domestic poultry, captive birds, and pet birds can become infected, but they do not serve as the long-term natural reservoir; their infections usually occur due to exposure to the virus from wild birds or contaminated environments, rather than maintaining the virus in the population over time.