Analysis of soil samples (surface and cores), penguin faeces and water for influenza evolution determined from viruses preserved in adelie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) guano at Cape Bird and Cape Adare

The colony was photographed, the position of landmarks determined and brief survey made to aid the design of a representative sampling strategy. ~61 core samples from 8 holes and 30 surface samples were collected. Temperature loggers were used to record the variation of soil temperature as function of depth over four days. In addition, many fresh penguin faeces, water and soil samples were collected from the colonies, bottom of ponds and drainage streams.

This project addresses fundamental issues about the evolution of influenza, and may prove useful in understanding the causes of human influenza epidemics.