Wildlife Welfare

Wild Avian Influenza Wildlife Welfare

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has caused mass mortality events in wild seabirds, with significant individual and population welfare implications.

Key Facts

HPAI H5N1 caused mass mortality in gannets, skuas, and other seabirds since 2021
UK seabird colonies experienced massive die-offs affecting thousands of birds
Affected birds show neurological signs before death from encephalitis
Wildlife rehabilitation centres face challenges treating infected birds safely
The outbreak has caused the worst wildlife disease event in UK seabird history

Welfare Considerations

Avian influenza causes neurological disease and death in affected seabirds, with individuals experiencing seizures and disorientation before dying. Mass mortality events affecting thousands of birds represent welfare impacts at an extraordinary scale. Rehabilitation of individual birds is complicated by biosafety concerns. Biosurveillance and long-term vaccine development research are the most promising welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Report sick or dead seabirds to APHA wildlife disease monitoring
Support seabird conservation organisations affected by HPAI outbreaks
Avoid handling dead or sick seabirds - contact wildlife authorities