Has H5N1 affected migratory birds differently than other avian influenza viruses in the past?
Yes. In May 2005, a wild-bird die-off was associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in Qinghai, China, where Bar-headed Geese died. This was the first time since 1961 in which large numbers of wild birds were documented to have died from avian influenza. However, most of the wild birds confirmed as having highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 have been sick, dying, or dead when tested.
