Somewhere in the forum it was mentioned, that during the World War I feathers were imported for pillows for the army. But I can't find it again ...
http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/14/1/149.htm
Abstract
We examined feathers of domestic ducks and geese inoculated with 2 different avian influenza virus (H5N1) genotypes. Together with virus isolation from the skin, the detection of viral antigens and ultrastructural observation of the virions in the feather epidermis raise the possibility of feathers as sources of infection.
http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/14/1/149.htm
Abstract
We examined feathers of domestic ducks and geese inoculated with 2 different avian influenza virus (H5N1) genotypes. Together with virus isolation from the skin, the detection of viral antigens and ultrastructural observation of the virions in the feather epidermis raise the possibility of feathers as sources of infection.