Avian flu researchers use Chena River ducks

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 6

A researcher checks a duck trap on the Chena River. Ducks were slowly lured in using cracked corn thrown into the river. Dec 15, 2012

Chilly weather isn't enough to keep ducks out of open areas of the Chena River, which means it's not enough to keep scientists out either.

Despite temperatures in the Interior Alaska city of 30,000 dipping toward 40-below zero Saturday, scientists waded into the slushy Chena River, nets in tow, collecting a handful of mallard ducks and bringing them back to a makeshift lab in downtown Fairbanks.

In taking blood and fecal samples, the scientists hope to understand how avian influenza moves through a bird population.

Full story: In sub-zero weather, Fairbanks scientists study avian influenza