"The timing and distribution of the reported spread of H5N1 ... does not fit any known migratory pattern for any species," they state in the article "Influenza: time to come to grips with the avian dimension."
The article argues instead that the disease was more likely spread by the unrestricted movement of domesticated poultry, or even illegal trade in fighting cocks.
This view is also supported by research by Dennis Alexander in the journal Veterinary Microbiology. He argues that although wild birds may carry many types of flu and may infect agricultural birds, it is human movement of birds through farming, slaughter and trade that accelerates its spread.
Williams and Moores believe the explanation has at best been fanned by a combination of ignorance and, more seriously, a scare-mongering conspiracy to protect the vested interests in poultry farming.
"Those pushing these beliefs are simply playing to people's fears of the unknown and birds have become the new enemy," said Moores.
"There is also an anti-Asian element here: the disease is always portrayed in the media as a mysterious killer from Asia, even though this disease has been around in the United States for years," he added.
"It's time someone fought back for the birds," said Williams.
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