USGS Release: New Technology Helps Identify Dispersal of Avian Flu Virus between Asia and Alaska (3/31/2015 1:00:00 PM)

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — In a new study published today, scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service harnessed a new type of DNA technology to investigate avian influenza viruses in Alaska.  Using a “next generation” sequencing approach, which identifies gene sequences of interest more rapidly and more completely than by traditional techniques, scientists identified low pathogenic avian influenza viruses in Alaska that are nearly identical to viruses found in China and South Korea. 

The viruses were found in an area of western Alaska that is known to be a hot spot for both American and Eurasian forms of avian influenza.

USGS Release: New Technology Helps Identify Dispersal of Avian Flu Virus between Asia and Alaska (3/31/2015 1:00:00 PM)