Predator–Prey Trophic Interactions and Seasonality of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus in Denmark, 2016–2023

Our results suggest that predator species become infected later during the transmission season than prey species, which has implications for the design of HPAIV surveillance systems. For example, in active surveillance resources could be more focused on prey species in autumn, and predator species in winter and spring. Likewise, in passive surveillance public messaging could reflect this species shift. The sensitivity of surveillance might further be increased by considering potential seasonal changes in the spatial distribution of species affected by HPAIV.