Branta Issues > Issue №11 (2008)

Role of the Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) in the spreading of pathogens, causing infectious diseases

D.V. Muzyka

Birds are one of the oldest natural reservoirs and sources of spreading of the different infectious and parasitic diseases. Till recently scientific investigations of this aspect of birds practically have not been carried out. Active study of the wild birds has begun only since 1970s-1980s, when the soviet scientists proved transcontinental bird transmission of influenza virus. Waterfowls take a particular place among the birds as a natural reservoir of ortho- and paramixoviruses. Short analyses of available publications as well as the results of own study of the Cormorant role as a reservoir and source of pathogens, causing infectious diseases are presented in this paper. Role of the Cormorants in such processes is not finally determined, therefore further investigations are necessary.