# A Broad Wildlife Survey of Influenza A Virus in the Orinoco Flooded Savannas from Colombia: New Reports and Perspectives

## TL;DR

This study surveyed influenza A virus in wildlife and livestock in Colombia's Orinoco region, finding new reports in birds, mammals, and reptiles.

## Contribution

The study reports new global cases of influenza A virus in capybara, caiman, and domestic sheep in the Orinoco region.

## Key findings

- 54 species showed positive results, with 34 being first-time global reports.
- Influenza A virus was detected in migratory aquatic birds, capybara, caiman, and domestic sheep.
- Seropositivity and PCR results highlight the role of diverse species in IAV transmission.

## Abstract

The Orinoquia region, located in northern South America, is a biodiverse ecosystem characterized by extensive floodable savannas that serve as a migratory stop-over for numerous species of birds, some of which act as natural reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens such as influenza A virus, an infectious agent that can be fatal in humans and other species. Reducing the impacts caused by avian influenza requires constant monitoring of the virus, including its geographic distribution and host types. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive survey of the virus in wildlife and livestock animals using serological and molecular techniques. We detected prior exposures and the active presence of the virus in migratory aquatic birds. Notably, we discovered new global reports in birds, mammals, and reptiles that are part of wildlife, such as capybara and caiman. Additionally, we found interesting positive results in livestock, including a new global report on domestic sheep. These findings underscore the need to implement monitoring and surveillance strategies for the virus in the Orinoquia region.

Influenza A virus (IAV) poses a significant threat to animal and public health due to its wide host range and potential for interspecies transmission. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive survey of IAV in a wide range of wildlife in the Orinoco flooded savannas of Colombia, a region of high biodiversity and a strategic location for monitoring viral transmission. Sampling was conducted during both dry and rainy seasons in two localities. ELISA and qPCR targeted 2028 individuals from 173 bird, mammal, and reptile species, 124 of them without previously published reports. There were positive results for 54 species, with 34 representing first-time world reports. Of the qPCR, 13.4% were positive from birds, and 2.9% were from mammals. Seropositivity was identified in 5.7% of birds, 2.7% of mammals, and 1.3% of reptiles. These findings underscore the potential role of these diverse species as reservoirs or incidental hosts in the transmission cycle of IAV, emphasizing the need for expanded research on less-studied taxa and their ecological interactions. The results also contribute to our understanding of the epidemiology of IAV in the Neotropics and can inform future surveillance and mitigation strategies.