Effect of intravenous inoculation of avian influenza virus on reproduction and growth in mallard ducks.

An avian influenza virus isolate, A/Mallard/Ohio/184/86 (H5N1), was evaluated for its effects on reproduction in isolation-reared adult mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) and growth rate in juvenile mallards after intravenous inoculation. There was a significant decrease in egg production in the experimental group during the first week after inoculation, but it returned to the normal production level during the second week. No effect was seen on egg weight, shape, or fertility. Ducklings receiving this influenza virus isolate did not differ from controls in their rate of growth.